Austrian Campaign (Second World War)
1945
Below are the engagements of this conflict that took place in 1945, with the forces engaged, commanders and consequences for France in each battle.
Era : Contemporary Era
- 1945 Capture of the Arlberg Pass Victory
The capture of the Arlberg Pass marks the last major French military operation in Europe during the Second World War. As the Reich collapsed, the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division and French engineer troops seized the strategic area of the Arlberg pass and tunnel, the main railway crossing between Tyrol and Vorarlberg. The objective was to prevent the Germans from destroying the tunnel and to close off the retreat route toward Switzerland and Italy. The operation was carried out on the eve of the German surrender, sealing Allied control over the Austrian Alps.
- 1945 Capture of Innsbruck Victory
The capture of Innsbruck by French forces, on 3 May 1945, marked one of the last French offensives in Europe. The city, strategically located in the Inn valley, was taken by units of the 2nd Armored Division and French Alpine troops, in coordination with the Americans. Lightly defended, Innsbruck fell quickly without major fighting, as German units had abandoned any attempt at organized resistance.
- 1945 French Advance into Vorarlberg Victory
In the final days of the war, French forces continued their advance through the Austrian Alps, entering Vorarlberg, the westernmost region of Austria. Their objective was to prevent any German withdrawal, to control the routes toward Switzerland and Germany, and to assert the French presence in the Austrian occupation zone. The operation proceeded quickly and without major resistance, as German forces surrendered en masse or fled toward the American zones.