Most individuals have heard of the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, one of many decisive steps within the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. However fewer folks know of Operation Dragoon, the Allied landings in Provence that liberated a lot of France and pushed German troops practically again to Germany.
A Pincer Motion
Operation Dragoon was initially deliberate to happen concurrently Operation Overlord, the code identify for the Normandy landings. It might create a pincer motion, forcing the Germans to defend two fronts in France. However there weren’t sufficient troops and gear to handle two main landings without delay, so Operation Dragoon was delayed till August.
It was vitally necessary that the southern operation succeed, to free the very important ports of Marseille and Toulon and provide Allied troops in France. The ports in Normandy had turn into clogged and the Allied advance was stalling.
Operation Dragoon started on August 14, 1944 with a mix of particular forces, paratroopers, and aerial bombardments. The French Resistance performed a important function, first by sabotaging German positions after which by attacking the Germans—at this level within the warfare, the Resistance had developed from a guerilla drive into an organized military.
The subsequent day, troops started touchdown on the seashores east of Toulon, locations with code names like Alpha, Romeo, and Camel. Nearly all of these touchdown had been French troops underneath the command of Charles de Gaulle, they usually fought tenaciously to liberate their nation.
Fierce Preventing
After three days of fierce preventing, the Germans withdrew most of their troops, abandoning solely these defending Marseille and Toulon. Inside two weeks, each these cities had been captured by the Allies and the very important ports had been free.
In the meantime, Allied troops chased the retreating German military, which hoped to make it to Dijon and dig in. However the Allies had been too quick, and with the French Resistance harassing the German military all the best way, Dijon was not an possibility. The Germans had been pushed again all the best way to the Vosges Mountains, close to the German border, earlier than they might meet up with defensive German positions there.
Operation Dragoon ended on September 14, 1944, only a month after it started. It was an necessary victory for the Allies, liberating a lot of France together with the 2 important ports, and inflicting main losses on the Nazi military.
Visiting Memorials to Operation Dragoon
Right now you’ll be able to go to a variety of World Conflict II memorials in Provence, reminders of the necessary function that Operation Dragoon performed within the warfare.
Toulon. The deepwater port of Toulon is among the most necessary navy ports in France. The Nationwide Maritime Museum tells the maritime historical past of Toulon, together with that of World Conflict II. Above the city is the Mont Faron Memorial, which recounts the warfare in Provence and significantly Operation Dragoon. It’s excessive above the town and affords a spectacular view. The drive up could be hair-raising (you may also take a cable automotive) and once you arrive you might be greeted by a Sherman tank.
The American Navy Cemetery of Draguignan. Like its counterpart in Normandy, that is American property on French soil. It’s the closing resting place of practically 1,000 American troopers killed in Provence.
St-Raphael. That is the place you’ll find Camel Seaside, one of many fundamental troop touchdown websites. It’s a lovely seashore and there are a number of plaques commemorating the fallen troopers of Operation Dragoon.
Cavalaire-sur-Mer. That is the location of Alpha seashore, the place you’ll be able to admire a big granite monument representing Liberty, honoring the fallen troopers.
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. This French navy cemetery, the smallest in France, is the ultimate resting place of the commandos who died scaling the cliffs of Cap-Nègre.
Keith Van Sickle splits his time between Provence and California. He’s the creator of An Insider’s Information to Provence, One Sip at a Time, and Are We French But? Learn extra at Life in Provence
