The Encounter Between Past and Present: Route de la Liberation, Normandy, 1944 and Now
On July 31, 1944, in the midst of the hot days of World War II, soldiers of the 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron of the 4th Armored Division Temporarily stopping by the Route de la Liberation, near the intersection with road D924 in Normandy, France. Here, they had lunch together and rested before continuing their mission. This historic photo captured that moment, creating a vivid picture of the final days of the war in Europe.
Today, this location still exists, but the scene has completely changed. Let's learn together about the historical context of the photo, the role of the 4th Armored Division in the campaign to liberate Normandy, and the significant changes of this location after more than 70 years.
Historical background:
Normandy, a historic land in northwestern France, was the site of Operation Overlord - the largest amphibious assault in military history with the participation of Allied forces to liberate Europe from European occupation. Nazi Germany. The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 opened the campaign to liberate France and led to the fall of the Nazi regime.
After establishing a bridgehead at the beach, Allied forces began to advance inland with the goal of completely liberating Normandy. Route de la Liberation (Route D35) is one of the important routes in this campaign, connecting major towns and cities in the region.
4th Armored Division and 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Regiment:
The 4th Armored Division, commanded by General John S. Wood, was one of the main armored units of the Allied forces in the campaign to liberate Normandy. The 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Regiment, part of this division, is responsible for performing reconnaissance, reconnaissance, and communication missions between units.
On July 31, 1944, when the photo was taken, the 4th Armored Division was advancing east toward the town of Avranches. At the intersection of roads D35 and D924, about 14 km east of the city of Granville, the soldiers stopped for lunch and rest.
Historical Photos:
In the historic photo, we see soldiers from the 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Regiment sitting on and around their armored vehicles. A local woman stood nearby, waving, expressing the welcome and hope that the people of Normandy had for the liberation forces.
The armored vehicles in the photo include:
M8 Greyhound: Fast and flexible armored reconnaissance vehicle, equipped with a 37mm cannon.
M3 Half-Track: Multi-purpose half-track vehicle used to transport troops, equipped with machine guns.
Route de la Liberation Intersection Today:
Today, the intersection between roads D35 and D924 in Folligny, Normandy, still exists but with a completely different look. Houses destroyed during the war have been newly built, roads have been expanded and paved, and modern traffic signs have appeared.
Changes Over More Than 70 Years:
Architecture: The houses have been rebuilt and renovated, with the typical architectural style of modern Normandy.
Traffic: Roads are improved with a system of clear signs and markings, meeting increasing traffic needs.
Landscape: Trees and surrounding landscape have changed, creating a greener and more peaceful space.
The Role of the 4th Armored Division in the Normandy Liberation Campaign:
The 4th Armored Division made important contributions to the Normandy liberation campaign:
Operation Avranches: The division opened the Allied advance into Brittany, breaking through German defenses.
Operation Mortain: Played a key role in stopping the German counterattack to push back Allied forces.
Conclude:
The historic photo capturing the moment American soldiers rested on the side of the Route de la Liberation became a symbol of liberation and hope during World War II. Over more than 70 years, this intersection has changed, from a war zone full of smoke and fire to a place of peace and development.
The revival of Normandy, especially at the Route de la Liberation intersection, is the clearest testament to the resilient will and spirit of peace. Furthermore, it also reminds us of the value of freedom and gratitude to the soldiers who fought to bring peace to Europe.
