The Free French Forces: Allies in World War II
During World War II, the Free French Forces played a significant and often underappreciated role as Allies in the fight against the Axis powers. From their initial fight against Germany to their active participation in major campaigns across Europe, the Free French made substantial contributions to the Allied success.
Initial Engagement and Strategic Importance
Upon the fall of France in 1940, a significant portion of the French military leadership, including Charles de Gaulle, continued to fight against the occupation. The Free French Forces (Forces Fran?aises Libres) emerged as a resistance and fighting group, consisting of French military personnel who refused to accept the German occupation. De Gaulle, acting as the de facto leader, sought to maintain French national identity and fight alongside the Allied forces. While General Dwight D. Eisenhower initially disagreed with many of De Gaulle's military tactics, the Free French forces were eventually integrated into the Allied armies, much to Eisenhower's eventual appreciation.
Contributions to the Normandy Invasion
The Free French played a pivotal role in the D-Day invasion in 1944. Captain Philippe Kieffer's commandos made a successful landing at Sword Beach and successfully captured the port town of Ouistreham. Their role was critical in ensuring the Normandy landings' success. Additionally, Free French forces met up with Patton's Third Army on two occasions, notably in southern France, where they helped liberate the metro stop named after the Battle of Bir Hakeim in Paris. This battle, where 3000 Free French soldiers held out against nearly 40000 of Rommel's troops for nearly a month, was a testament to their endurance and bravery.
Organized and Deployed as Allied Forces
As the war progressed, the Free French forces were organized into substantial military units. By 1943, they were part of the French Expeditionary Force under General Alphonse Juin, comprising about 100,000 men. This force played a significant role in the invasion of Italy and the subsequent Italian campaign. In 1945, the Free French ground forces consisted of five infantry divisions and two armored divisions totaling around 450,000 men. These forces were part of the Allied invasion of Southern France via Operation Dragoon, liberating much of France alongside their Allied counterparts.
Losses and Memory
The Free French forces suffered significant losses, with approximately 60 flight crews lost in the air. This sacrifice was not unique to the air forces; the ground forces also suffered heavy losses, with around 74,000 men killed, including those from the resistance movements. Despite their contributions, the efforts of these brave soldiers often seem to be forgotten outside of France, a shame given their critical role in the Allied success.
It is important to remember and honor the sacrifices made by the Free French Forces, not only for their contributions during World War II but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of national unity and resistance in the face of adversity.