Liberation of Laval

Plaque in honor of the American army that liberated the city of Laval from German occupation on August 6, 1944.

The liberation of Laval and the surrounding area on August 5 and 6, 1944 was achieved by the Forces françaises de l'intérieur (FFI) and General George Patton's American Army, putting an end to four years of German occupation. After Operation Cobra and the Avranches breakthrough at the end of July 1944, the Allies stepped up their air operations, forcing the Germans to retreat.

The American XV Corps, initially intended to bypass Laval and head for Le Mans, was given the mission of taking Laval. The 313rd American Infantry Regiment played a key role in this operation, encountering significant German resistance, notably at La Croixille and on the outskirts of Laval.

On August 5, after intense fighting, the Americans reached the gates of Laval, where the Germans attempted to destroy the infrastructure before withdrawing. On August 6, American artillery pounded the city, allowing the troops to advance cautiously. After fighting in several quarters, the Germans finally retreated, and the city was liberated in the afternoon. The tricolor flag was raised at the town hall, symbolizing the liberation.

On August 7, the town celebrated its liberation with enthusiastic cheers for the American troops. Robert Dupérier took up his post as Commissaire de la République, and General Bradley set up his headquarters at the Château du Bois Gamast.

Contributed by and photo credit Le Bourvellec Eric

Plaque in honor of the American army that liberated the city of Laval from German occupation on August 6, 1944.The liberation of Laval and the surrounding area on August 5 and 6, 1944 was achieved by the Forces françaises de l'intérieur (FFI) and General George Patton's American Army, putting an end to four years of German occupation. After Operation Cobra and the Avranches breakthrough at the end of July 1944, the Allies stepped up their air operations, forcing the Germans to retreat.The American XV Corps, initially intended to bypass Laval and head for Le Mans, was given the mission of taking Laval. The 313rd American Infantry Regiment played a key role in this operation, encountering significant German resistance, notably at La Croixille and on the outskirts of Laval.On August 5, after intense fighting, the Americans reached the gates of Laval, where the Germans attempted to destroy the infrastructure before withdrawing. On August 6, American artillery pounded the city, allowing the troops to advance cautiously. After fighting in several quarters, the Germans finally retreated, and the city was liberated in the afternoon. The tricolor flag was raised at the town hall, symbolizing the liberation.On August 7, the town celebrated its liberation with enthusiastic cheers for the American troops. Robert Dupérier took up his post as Commissaire de la République, and General Bradley set up his headquarters at the Château du Bois Gamast.Contributed by and photo credit Le Bourvellec Eric