French resistance members began attacks on German troops in Paris.
FFL on August 19, 1944.
The uprising forced an Allied reassessment of the line of advance. While French forces very much wanted to take Paris, and probably would have advanced on it no matter what they were told, Eisenhower did not want to as he did not regard the city as strategic and its large civilian population would instantly become a burden Allied supplies.
Unlike the Soviets, however, the Western Allies were not willing to simply let the Germans do what they will with an uprising in a city.
On the road to Paris, Ecouche, a French military policeman directs a British armored convoy at an intersection of the town. August 19, 1944.
The Battle for Mont Ormel ridge as a final part of the Falaise operation, featuring Polish troops taking on the Germans at Hill 262.
3d Infantry Division soldier in southern France walks over a poster of Hitler.
American anti tank gun crew in southern France.
3d Infantry Division medic aiding wounded German. The medic's 1943 boots are clearly in evidence and the 3d Infantry Division insignia is prominent on the shirts and helmets of these men. The medic is carrying a short pickaxe on his belt.
French policeman and resistance fighter bringing in German captive in southern France.
Two French women on opposites sides of the war in sympathies square off in a fight in southern France. A couple of items. One of the French women is wearing shorts, which were very common hot weather apparel for French women in this period. They were worn elsewhere as well, but they were common for the French. Secondly, I don't know who is who, but as the women in the center seems to be getting the brunt of it, my guess she is the German sympathizer. This would become a common scene.
Operation Bagration concluded in a Soviet victory.
American submarines sank troopship Teia Maru (formerly the French ocean liner Aramis), the landing craft depot ship Tamatsu Maru and fleet oiler Hayasui.
German submarines U-123 and U-466 were scuttled.
A referendum to grant the Australian government additional powers over a five year period failed.
Field Marshal Günther von Kluge, age 61, who had fallen under suspicion due to the July 20 plot ,and who had been relieved the day prior, killed himself.
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Labels: 1940s, 1944, Artillery, boats and ships, Falaise Pocket, French Navy, German Kriegsmarine, German Wehrmacht, Infantry, Red Cross, The Holocaust, U.S. Navy, Vichy France, Weapons, World War Two
