12 Labels France 2024 - 80 years LIBERATION OF ALSACE 1944/45, Leclerc, de Gaulle, De Lattre (LIB24-5N)

Strasbourg was liberated on November 23, 1944. The "Oath of Koufra" was kept!

Faced with the irresistible rush of the Allies, the Germans quickly retreated towards the position they had established in the Vosges - the "Vogesenlinie" - and whose main line followed the military crest of this natural barrier. The attack began on November 15, 1944. The Leclerc Division, whose mission was to cover the right of the American units engaged in the Blamont-Sarrebourg-Phalsbourg axis, penetrated deep into the enemy lines, crossed the completely dislocated enemy device and took from behind what remained of the German defenses.

After consolidating its positions, the Division rushed towards Strasbourg on the 22nd. The weather was very bad. The forts covering the place stopped some of the units. But the northern detachment bypassed this resistance and entered the city, while the southern detachment forced the anti-tank barrier near Wolfisheim and in turn entered the capital of Alsace. Serious fighting took place south of the city, around the artillery barracks. Strasbourg was quickly cleared of the Germans who were still resisting: more than 5,000 enemy soldiers were captured. The German General Vaterrodt, commander of the place, signed the order for the surrender of the entire garrison.

On November 23, 1944 at 2 p.m., the national colors flew at the top of Strasbourg Cathedral. The "Oath of Koufra" was kept!

As part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Landings, the Liberation of France and the Victory, a commemorative ceremony of the Liberation of Strasbourg took place, in the presence of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Strasbourg. A tribute was paid to the soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division of General Leclerc, who honoring the "Oath of Koufra", had liberated Strasbourg on November 23, 1944.