Crossing of the Rhine (Speyer and Germersheim)

At the end of March 1945, the French 1st Army crossed the Rhine at Germersheim and Speyer, after having secured Alsace. This amphibious operation marked the entry of French troops into German territory, a first since 1918. Under the command of General de Lattre, engineers crossed the river under enemy fire, supported by effective artillery and aviation.

After the complete liberation of Alsace and the victory in the Colmar pocket, the objective was now to invade German territory to hasten the end of the conflict. The French 1st Army was ordered to cross the Rhine on its southern flank, while the Americans operated further north. The maneuver was as strategic as it was symbolic: France restored its military honor by entering Germany once again.

The crossing was prepared by an intense bombardment of German positions on the right bank. Engineer units quickly set up floating bridges, while the first waves crossed at dawn on inflatable boats. Commandos and shock units established a bridgehead around Speyer and Germersheim, which was expanded by armor. French infantry faced moderate but determined resistance, particularly in the wooded areas.

This crossing allowed the French to establish a solid bridgehead in Germany and to actively participate in the capture of the south of the country. Symbolically, it was a historic act of revenge: France returned to Germany as a victor. This breakthrough opened the way to Stuttgart and contributed to the general collapse of the German front in this area.