Mopping up the Germans

7th September 1944: The Resistance and the somewhat more organised French Forces of the Interior play a significant role in the Liberation

Members of the F.F.I. in vehicles parade through the streets of Arras to the sound of the cheering people lining the route

FFI women capture a German and bring him back to their HQ.

German prisoners standing in a lorry guarded by a member of the F.F.I. as they are driven through the streets of Arras.

It was a time of violent emotions in France. Huge joy and relief at being liberated were mixed with recriminations against those who had collaborated. The last remaining Germans were in a fearful position. It was to take a long time for the country to come to terms with the effects of the occupation.

… their enthusiasm and real hatred of the Germans amazes the unenthusiastic British soldier.