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Brest, France, 1944.


Incredible series of photos by Claxton Ray (1916-1989), 360th EAB US Army during WWII. Original negatives and war albums are housed at Memorial University Archives in St. John’s Newfoundland.

You can see the damage related to the fighting for the liberation of the city as well as the intentional sabotage by the German troops and the hazardous bombaredements of the allied air forces.

Each block need to be cleaned house by house.

German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) have bunkerized each block in the corners so the only way for moving is a combination of cover shots with smoke and other phosphorous grenades (extremely dangerous) then, a rocket spear shot in a facade wall or with explosives to penetrate into the blocks. Then, a close combat was engaged, in groups of two, the American soldiers cleaned each room with grenades.

Most of the survivors remain, still today, very traumatized by the combats of August/September 1944 in Brest. After the battle, the American command realizes that the price to pay to liberate the French ports are too big. Moreover, since the Germans have undermined all port facilities, their utility is compromised. That is why they will make the sieges of the cities of Lorient and St Nazaire until the surrender of Germany in May 1945.

This battle is still unknown to the French and the Americans because on August 25, when the most violent struggles intervened, it was the liberation of Paris, an event that occulted the terrible destiny of Brest.


Source : Archive.org

Via : Brest44

history world war 2 1944 brest