A proclamation issued on September 3, 1914 from General Joseph Simon Gallieni urging the defense of Paris in light of the French government’s evacuation for Bordeaux and the incoming Battle of Marne during World War 1. “MILITARY GOVERNMENT OF PARIS Army of Paris, Residents of Paris, The members of the Government of the Republic have left Paris to give a new impulse to the national defense. I have received the mandate to defend Paris against the invader. This mandate, I shall carry out to the end. Paris, 3 September 1914 The Military Governor of Paris, Commanding the Army of Paris, GALLIENI” translated in English. Workers using pickaxes to break stones at a park in Paris, France. Soldiers in position behind a trench made of tree branches. A soldier uses a telephone while hiding under a tent of twigs. A French military official answers call. French soldiers towing a reconnaissance aircraft. A French Blériot XI observation aircraft takes off from an airfield for a reconnaissance mission. Aerial view of countryside outside Paris and surrounding areas as seen from a Blériot XI’s , with the French Army incorporating cameras in reconnaissance planes from the beginning of World War 1. The Blériot XI aircraft lands back to the airbase. Reconnaissance pilot reports his findings, showing his logbook. French military official working at his desk. French officers consulting reports posted on a wall inside their office. Under a canopy of twigs, a military officer uses a telephone to receive orders.
United States military vehicles driving through devastated landscape of Avranches, Normandy during World War 2. Aerial view of Avranches with United States Army vehicles driving on the road. A wrecked M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car on roadside. Various United States Army vehicles such as M4 Sherman tanks, half-tracks and trucks pass by the wreckage of M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car. A United States Army truck and a Red Cross ambulance truck pass through devastated buildings and wreckage near Avranches, France.
United States military vehicles enter the border of Avranches during the Normandy invasion in World War 2. M3 half-tracks pass by the “Garage Lecceur Automobiles” garage. Military vehicles enter the town of Avranches. Town sign of Avranches, France. Tanks, army jeep and trucks pass by a restaurant, entering Avranches.
French soldiers of the 301st Regiment, 2nd Division, mend a tricolor pennant bearing the Cross of Lorraine in World War II. French soldier chatting while sewing the flag. French men and women welcome the arrival of Free French 2nd Armored Division in Foucarville, France. A French solider carries a boy on his shoulder while tickling him. French soldier drinks from his canteen. An old French man happy with soldiers. A French soldier pouring wine for a woman. Woman and French soldiers hold glasses filled with wine.
French locals in Foucarville welcome the arrival of the Free French 2nd Armored Division troops after landing in Utah Beach, Normandy during World War 2. Soldiers of the Free French 2nd Armored Division smoking cigarettes in Foucarville, France. French soldiers holding small children on their shoulders. French soldier affectionately holding child points to the camera. A French mother, holding her child, talking with French soldiers. French soldier wraps his arm around the smiling old woman’s shoulder. French soldiers with a woman and some children. Child takes off the beret of the French soldier and throws it to the ground. A boy speaks to a French soldier as his mother looks on.
Aerial view of the countryside in Normandy during World War 2. Huge tanks treads in fields are seen, along with ruined tanks, indicator of previous tank battles. Aerial view of bombed buildings in a village. A destroyed railroad bridge in the Sélune River near Avranches, France after a dynamite bombing. Surrounding railroad near the Sélune River shows craters formed from aerial bombing.
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