Notre-Dame de La Garde - The Liberation of France

The Liberation of France

On 24 August 1944 General Joseph de Goislard de Monsabert gave the order to General Sudre to seize the hill of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which was occupied by the German army. But his orders include the condition “step of air raid, not large-scale use of artillery. This legendary hilltop will have to be attacked by infantrymen supported by armoured tanks”. The principal attack was entrusted to lieutenant Pichavant who commanded the 1st company of 7th regiment of Algerian riflemen. On the 25 August 1944 at 6 o'clock in the morning, the troops began moving towards the hill but very slowly because German riflemen guarded the hill to obstruct the advance of soldiers. One French soldier, Pierre Chaix-Bryan, knew the area well and that at No. 26 Cherchel street, now Jules-Moulet street, there is a corridor which made it possible to cross the building and to reach a staircase unknown to the Germans. A commemorative plaque marks the spot. The Algerian riflemen used this staircase and arrived under the command Roger Audibert, with the Cherchel plate. Other soldiers use the staircases of the Notre-Dame ascent which climbs from the boulevard of the same name. The attackers of the northern face were taken under the fire of the casemates and taken with reverse by the shootings of the batteries of strong Saint Nicolas's Day. The support of the tanks is essential.

To the beginning of after midday of this August 25, 1944, the tanks of the 2nd regiment of cuirassiers of the 1 D.B also attacked starting from the Gazzino boulevard, now rue Andre-Ell, and of the rise of the oblats. The tank “Jeanne d' Arc” reaches full whip is stopped place of Colonel Eddon; the three occupants are killed. The tank is always visible. A second tank, the “Jourdan”, change on a mine, but protected by a rocky outcrop, can continue its shootings which will have a decisive effect which will be known only later. Indeed a German warrant officer specialist in the flame throwers will be killed by these shootings; a young inexperienced soldier will prematurely start the fire of the flame throwers which will be inoperative, but especially will make locate the site of the batteries.

Around 3.30 p.m. a section of the first company of the 7th Algerian riflement ordered by Roger Audibert to which he had joined; Ripoll candidate, attacks the hill. It is accommodated by Mgr Borel taken refuge in the crypt. The French flag is hoisted at the top of the bell tower. In the evening the German officer who ordered the troops of Notre-Dame de la Garde returns. He was wounded and died two days later. The liberation of Marseilles took place in the morning of the 28 August 1944.