2nd French Armored Division motorized column moves through the countryside during World War 2. Many of these soldiers are Spahis. Various half-tracks and tanks carrying soldiers pass by. A half-tack of the 1st Battalion of the Regiment de Marche du Tchad driving. Soldiers riding half-tracks named “ALSACE”, “LA MARNE”, “AUSTERLITZ” and “FORT LAMY”.
French civilians welcome the arrival of the first Free French troops during the liberation of La Haye du Puits in World War 2. French boys in bicycles ride past a boarded-up storefront named “M. Gigory Tapisserie Literie …” (“M. Gigorie Tapestry Beddings … “ in English ). The French flag is waving above the storefront. M4 Sherman of the Free French 2nd Armored division pass by the Tapisserie shop, Le Coley bourrellerie (“saddlery” in English) and the Lebarbanchon Boulangerie. Shop windows and buildings show damage from bombings. French men, women and children wave at incoming Free French soldiers. French children waving happily at the soldiers.
The Free French 2nd Armored Division sails on the English Channel to France during World War 2. View of the English Channel from a vessel carrying Free French troops to France. Soldiers on board sit on deck, some playing card games. Soldiers playing card games on deck. Close shot of Sgt. Julian Andre Arden. A closer view of Sgt. Arden’s military decorations, including four Croix de Guerre.
The sailing of the Free French 2nd Armored Division on the English Channel to France during World War 2. Groups of soldiers standing and sitting on deck. Soldiers start singing, merrymaking as a group. Soldier playfully touches his friend’s hat, also tapping his shoulder. A French soldier smiles, begins to sing. Free French Algerian soldiers stroking a pet rabbit. An Algerian soldier showing their pet rabbit on camera.
Free French soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division climb down the rope net of a Liberty ship onto a landing craft departing for Cherbourg during World War 2. Landing craft with soldiers and vehicles pulls away from the ship. Soldiers watch the landing craft move away from the stern. A group of Liberty ships in the Cherbourg harbor. Free French soldiers watch landing craft unloading.
Landing of the Free French 2nd Armored Division in Utah Beach, Normandy during World War 2. Armored vehicles rolling on Utah Beach. French soldiers on top of an M3 half-track with an attached cart. An M5 half-track moves across the beach followed by a Willys MB military jeep. Various tanks such as the M4 Sherman tanks and M5 light tanks operated by the 10th Alpine Chasseurs (chasseurs alpins) of the French Army come out of a Landing Ship, Tank (LST).
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