WW2 Liberation of Rennes, France (August 4, 1944)

HS, LS, vehicles of US 4th Armd Div parked in town square are surrounded by welcoming French civilians. HSs, MSs, CUs, French civilians and soldiers of 4th Armd Div dance and hold celebration in town square.MS, French girl collaborationist with clipped hair and bloodied blouse is marched thru jeering crowd.MS, French Senegalese and US paratroopers freed by the Germans march on street. Record Group 111LS, Mayor and officials speak from balcony of bldg.Accession Number III-NAV-210LSs, CUs-,- French civilians cheer US soldiers entering city in 2 1/2 ton trucks.HS, crowd of civilians gathered to celebrate return of mayor.
SOURCE: AFCF (M-470) ADC FILM: Arch & APC MP, 695° ea Silent: 2094-1INV 1020 - RENNES, FRANCE; 4 Aug 44
111-ADC-2094
Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
8/4/1944

[@Krastonscott]

Brings back stories that my Dad had told me when he was in France during the same time period. He said the French were so happy to see all the American military forces. He had mentioned how the French girls were giving kisses away and dancing in the streets. Thank you for posting this historical video.

[@xemnas9098]

The tall woman at 5:59 is like "Alright mister you've been in front of the camera long enough".

[@cindywisniewski754]

My great uncle died on August 4 1944 in the liberation of France at Rennes. His name was Chester M. Wisniewski

[@fjimmel]

we thank him for his service to this great country.

[@OldArgScot]

Also, shown at the 3:21-3:44 mark, trucks with soldiers of the Third Army's 119th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion (Mobile), who were one of the first units into Rennes. The 119th and attached 128th AAA units (radar-directed 90mm cannons) held off Luftwaffe air attacks for the next 4 days so that no German bombs reached the City (119th AAA After-Action Reports, and Battalion History); the 119th AAA's cannons were also often used as field artillery, much like - with the same general effect - as German 88s.

[@annefrankgacha1942]

The Fact that Anne Frank never got to see her liberation, and was arrested on this exact date is gut retching!!

[@johnmcmahon5225]

The people spontaneously dancing in the street was absolutely beautiful, and the bloodied collaborator being hounded down the street was completely ugly.

[@woodstockenvy4666]

While these guys were kissing French women, my Dad was being severely wounded in battle liberating Ohrdruf.

[@fjimmel]

some of the GI's seen in the film may have not made it through the war. We thank him for his service for his great sacrifice for this great country America.