Liberation of Paris
Liberation of France (Second World War) · Paris and the Paris suburbs, France
Summary
The liberation of Paris during the Second World War took place from 19 to 25 August 1944, marking the end of the Battle of Paris. This episode formed part of the Liberation and ended four years of occupation of the French capital. Lieutenant Amado Granell's section from La Nueve was the first to reach central Paris.
Historical context
Eisenhower and Bradley, engaged in the Falaise pocket, initially planned to bypass Paris for logistical reasons. The GPRF and FFI under Rol-Tanguy prepared an uprising. Hitler ordered Paris defended and destroyed, but von Choltitz commanded a poorly effective garrison.
Tactics
The FFI uprising began on 19 August. On 24 August elements of Leclerc's 2nd Armored Division (including La Nueve) entered Paris; on 25 August the full division and the US 4th Infantry Division entered the city. Choltitz surrendered at the Hôtel Le Meurice.
Consequences
End of four years of occupation of the capital. General de Gaulle arrived to assert GPRF authority. The liberation of Paris symbolically closed the Battle of Normandy on 25 August 1944.