Paris in Turmoil

24th August 1944: The German response to the insurrection is indecisive - but throughout the day, the SS and other units prepare for bloody reprisals

German infantry running away from a Panther tank hit by an antitank projectile in front of Notre Dame in Paris, August 1944.

With the collapse of German forces in Normandy, it seemed inevitable that Paris would be liberated soon. Within the city, the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) had broken out into open insurrection.

The French had risen in open insurrection but the German response was muted - throughout the day there was the prospect of a bloodbath.

It remained unclear how far the remaining German forces in the capital would resist; there were some elements who were determined to fight to the last - and there were snipers on the rooftops. Yet the German commander of the Paris garrison, von Choltitz, was playing out the last few days - telling Hitler that he was ready to blow up the city while at the same time negotiating with the FFI through intermediaries.

US soldiers take cover behind their column of vehicles in a tree-lined road and fire mobile guns at German artillery positions which were attempting to outflank the US 3rd Army some 60 miles north-east of Paris.

In a symbolic gesture the Allies had decided to allow the 2nd French Armoured Division led by General Le Clerc to lead the liberation of the city, closely supported by troops from Patton's 3rd Army.