The French Role in the Normandy Landings: Heroes and Casualties

The Normandy landings on D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in World War II, and the French played a crucial role under the Allied command. This article explores the involvement of French soldiers, both military and commandos, during Operation Overlord, highlighting their significant contributions and the challenges they faced.

The French Naval Offensive Support

The French Navy, particularly the Free French Fleet, contributed significantly to the success of Operation Overlord. Specifically, four warships, including two cruisers, one destroyer, and one corvette, supported the landings. These vessels provided essential naval cover and support, playing a critical part in the initial D-Day operations.

The French Commandos' D-Day Operations

The French Commandos were among the first to land on the beaches of Normandy, with approximately 167 commandos assaulting Sword Beach in the early morning of June 6. This initial operation was supported by the 5th and 6th troops of No. 4 Commando, commanded by Lt. Cdr. then promoted Capitaine. Capitaine Phillipe Kieffer led them, landing on Sword Beach at 07:50.

The French Commando battalion suffered a significant number of fatalities and casualties during the D-Day operations. They faced intense resistance, capturing a 50 mm gun position and the fortified "Casino" position at Ouistreham. These positions were key defensive points that needed to be neutralized for the Allied advance to proceed.

Paratroopers and Elite Units

Paratroopers of the 2nd Parachute Chasseur Regiment were also involved in the Normandy landings. A total of 36 paratroopers were dropped in Brittany on June 5-6 to establish bases for guerrilla operations. Their mission was to harass and disrupt German forces. Tragically, one of these paratroopers, Corporal Emile Bouétard, was likely the first military casualty of Operation Overlord, being killed before Lt. Den Brotheridge, who died at Pegasus Bridge.

The 1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos, known as the 177 Commandos, landed on Sword Beach on June 6. This battalion, comprising over 177 men, was led by Capitaine Phillipe Kieffer (promoted from Lt. Cdr.). These commandos fought their way through German defenses, capturing key positions before joining up with the 6th Airborne paratroopers at Pegasus Bridge by 16:30 on June 6.

The Second Parachute Chasseur Regiment's Deployment

On July 17, the 3rd Parachute Chasseur Regiment, another elite French unit, was deployed in a line from Nantes to Lyon to support the British Third Army. This regiment, along with the 2nd, was considered part of the SAS by the British military and played a crucial role in strategic operations.

The French 2nd Armoured Division

From August 1, 1944, the French 2nd Armoured Division, under the command of Gen. Philippe Leclerc, began its operations in France. The division, consisting of around 5,000 vehicles and 16,000 personnel, including medical units with women in their ranks, landed at Carentan. This division advanced alongside the American forces, despite the weakening German resistance.

The division followed a path that took them south from Le Mans, then to Alen?on, then west and south to Chartres, and finally reaching Paris on August 24, 1944. Despite the progress, the French 2nd Armoured Division encountered few significant engagements before liberating the French capital, a testament to their logistical and combat prowess under challenging conditions.

In summary, the French contribution to the Normandy landings, through various specialized units and divisions, was vital to the Allied victory. Their courage and tenacity in the face of determined German resistance played a crucial role in the liberation of France.