Modern/Post-War Photos

france

steve Mueller

The first combat taken by France after its fall saw 3700 ill equipped Free French held off 2 Panzer Divisions - roughly 32,000 men and tanks with Luftwaffe support under Erwin Rommel for 16 days allowing the British to escape an encirclement trap that would have resulted in defeat for the Allies in N. Africa. Rommel commented "Once again, proof that a French commander, determined not to throw its guns away at the first opening, can work miracles, even if the situation seems desperate." Hitler noted " It is a new proof of the thesis I've always supported; namely, that French are still, after us, the best soldiers in Europe." and "We will definitely, after this war, have to set up a coalition able to militarily control a country capable of such impressive military feats."