D-Day: The Tide Turns – Episode 12: The Road to Paris

Hosted by Paul McGann, Episode 12 of "D-Day: The Tide Turns" by NOISER delves deep into the tumultuous period following the Normandy landings, focusing on the liberation of Paris and the broader strategic movements that shaped the final phases of World War II. This episode intricately weaves personal narratives, expert insights, and historical analysis to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and triumphs that marked the Road to Paris.

1. Celebrations and Unrest in Liberated Paris

Ben kicks off the episode by setting the scene in Paris on Saturday, August 26, 1944.

• Massive Liberation Celebrations: Over 2 million Parisians flood the city center for an unprecedented street party, celebrating the end of four years under Nazi occupation. The Champs Elysees becomes the epicenter of jubilation as General Philippe Leclerc’s French 2nd Armored Division parades from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde.

  "Mothers hoist excitable children for a glimpse of the passing warriors... love-starved mademoiselles burst forth to bestow flowers and kisses upon the passing heroes." [00:34]

• General Charles de Gaulle Amidst Chaos: Despite the widespread joy, tensions simmer as de Gaulle, the leader of Free France, faces an assassination attempt during a thanksgiving mass at Notre Dame. Gunmen fire from the balcony, but de Gaulle remains composed as his forces retaliate effectively.

  "De Gaulle appears unfazed as his own men fire back at the would-be assassins." [04:00]

• Underlying Struggles: While Paris celebrates, France grapples with internal factionalism and remnants of German resistance, hinting at the fragile state of liberation.

  "France is riven by factional infighting, teetering on anarchy." [04:30]

2. The Normandy Campaign: Gains and Challenges

The narrative shifts back to June 6, 1944 – D-Day, highlighting the initial successes and subsequent hurdles of Operation Overlord.

• Initial Landings and Casualties: By midnight on D-Day, 134,000 Allied troops have landed in Normandy, establishing a crucial foothold with approximately 9,000 casualties and 4,000 deaths—a lower toll than anticipated.

  "A foothold in France has been achieved at a cost of 9,000 casualties, maybe 4,000 dead, a mere fraction of what the Allies were expecting." [05:13]

• Strategic Missteps: Historian Charles notes the overambitious goals of capturing significant inland territory on the first day, which fell short in areas like Omaha Beach where troops advanced only 2,000 meters.

  "On Omaha beach, they only moved inland 2000 meters, so they were scarcely off the beach itself by the time night fell on D Day itself." [05:52]

• Mulberry Harbors and Logistics: To sustain the beachhead, the Allies ingeniously deployed Mulberry harbors—temporary, portable harbors facilitating the rapid offloading of men, vehicles, and supplies.

  "The mulberries will be protected by a ring of breakwaters... temporary airstrips are laid too, so aircraft can also come and go." [06:36]

  Evelyn emphasizes the complexity and sophistication of these logistical efforts:

  "The sophistication was absolutely mind-boggling at the time." [07:49]

3. Combat in the Bocage: A Defensive Nightmare

Ben describes the challenging Normandy terrain—rolling farmlands interspersed with bocage (hedgerows)—which favored German defenders and hindered Allied advances.

• Hit-and-Run Tactics: Charles explains how the bocage made maneuvering tanks nearly impossible, turning battles into frustrating incremental advances.

  "The bocage were pretty much impenetrable, even for tanks. And so the men found themselves fighting a sort of hit and run battle throughout Normandy." [08:55]

• Casualties and Attrition: David compares the Battle of Normandy to the Eastern Front, highlighting its intensity and high casualty rates.

  "The Battle of Normandy was far tougher than D Day in fighting terms... it was actually worse than the average of the Eastern Front." [09:04]

4. The Liberation of Caen and Operation Overlord’s Progress

The pursuit to consolidate the beachheads continues with significant milestones and setbacks.

• Caen’s Strategic Importance: The capture of Caen, a vital railway hub, proves elusive. British forces under Montgomery face staunch resistance, necessitating a massive aerial bombardment on July 18, 1944, which leaves Caen in ruins and raises ethical questions about civilian casualties.

  "The bombing of Caen remains to this day highly controversial. Was it really worth it?" [18:20]

  Charles reflects on the human cost:

  "Of a population of 60,000, only 17,000 remain. The rest are either dead, wounded or have been forced onto the road as refugees." [18:48]

5. The Turning Tide: Operation Dragoon and Eastern Front Advances

Ben outlines the simultaneous Allied operations across different fronts that collectively pressured the Axis powers.

• Operation Dragoon: Launched on August 15, 1944, this southern invasion along France’s Mediterranean coast accelerates the Allied push, showcasing remarkable coordination and bravery.

  "Operation Dragoon... a testament to cooperation, coordination and bravery on the part of the Allied forces." [30:38]

• Eastern Front Milestones: Evelyn and Dr. John Curatola discuss Operation Bagration and the Soviet’s relentless offensives, emphasizing the staggering scale and casualties on the Eastern Front.

  "Roughly for every 10 dead Germans, seven were killed by a Russian bullet." [34:16]

  Evelyn adds:

  "Operation Bagration on the Eastern Front... when this huge Soviet army attacks through Belarus." [29:45]

6. The Assassination Attempt on Hitler and Its Aftermath

The episode recounts the July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and the subsequent crackdown.

• Claus von Stauffenberg’s Attempt: The failed assassination leads to a brutal suppression by the Nazi regime, culminating in the execution of Stauffenberg and the forced suicide of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.

  "Rommel is visited at home by two generals... he is offered a choice between a show trial or discreet suicide... Rommel bites down and within a matter of minutes, he's gone." [28:00]

7. Political Intrigue and the Liberation of Paris

The intricate political landscape unfolds as the Allies and French leaders navigate liberation.

• General Patrick's Diplomacy: General George S. Patton encounters Roger Galois, a French emissary, leading to a pivotal alliance that facilitates the uprising and liberation of Paris.

  "General Patton is not exactly impressed. In fact, he's furious... but impressed by the man's nerve, Patton leaves him to make a few phone calls." [38:26]

• Von Koltitz’s Defiance: The German military governor of Paris, Dietrich von Koltitz, defies Hitler’s orders to raze the city, opting instead for strategic withdrawal and minimal destruction.

  "Is Paris burning? He demands when they speak on the phone for the last time. But the answer is no." [44:15]

• De Gaulle’s Ascendancy: On August 24, 1944, de Gaulle is officially installed as France’s leader, culminating in Parisian celebrations that, while joyous, exclude Allied nations from the narrative.

  "Paris Brise Paris... deployed only as a purely French affair." [48:17]

8. The Global Context and the Prelude to the Cold War

Evelyn and other experts contextualize the Normandy operations within the broader global conflict and the emerging Cold War dynamics.

• Simultaneous Global Operations: The synchronization of D-Day with Soviet offensives and Pacific battles epitomizes a multi-front assault that overwhelmed the Axis.

  "The fact that they're all synchronized and they're striking the Axis coalition at the same time makes all of this so extremely difficult and ultimately fatal for the Germans." [29:45]

• Soviet Advances: With 6 million Soviet soldiers engaged on the Eastern Front, the scale of their operations dwarfs those of the Western Allies.

  "While the landings in Normandy are underway, bringing hundreds of thousands of men to fight in France, 6 million Soviet soldiers are engaged on the Eastern Front." [33:53]

• Early Cold War Sentiments: The episode touches on the nascent tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union, hinting at the geopolitical shifts that would define post-war Europe.

  "The Cold War in effect has already begun. And for the West, D Day was its first major engagement." [35:53]

9. Reflections on D-Day’s Legacy and Commemoration

The episode concludes with poignant reflections on the enduring significance of D-Day.

• Personal Narratives: George shares moving accounts of veterans grappling with the moral complexities of war, emphasizing the lasting emotional scars.

  "They were trying to atone for what they did. And I told him what I really believed... you should go on being proud of the courage you showed." [54:30]

• Symbolic Victory: Experts discuss how D-Day became a symbol of democratic resilience and unity, shaping collective memory and international relations.

  "D Day is still striking the imaginations... it was perhaps the most important symbolic victory." [57:40]

• Commemorative Evolution: Henry and other contributors note the shift in D-Day commemorations from purely military ceremonies to broader celebrations of peace and European unity.

  "In 1984, Francois Mitterrand... made the 6th of June a day of peace and a day for Europe." [56:33]

  "D Day is hugely important because it's the turning point when the Western Allies come back onto occupied continental Europe." [58:08]

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Adrian on Mulberry Harbors:

  "I still cannot wrap my head around the scale and scope of the Eastern Front." [34:16]

• Fiona on Personal Heroism:

  "She single-handedly secured the defection of an entire Nazi German garrison on a strategic pass in the Alps." [31:25]

• General Patton's Determination:

  "I'm proud to be here to fight beside you. Now let's cut the guts out of those Krauts and get the hell onto Berlin." [38:26]

• David on the Importance of D-Day:

  "Unity was a vital element... a symbol of European and transatlantic unity." [56:48]

• George on Veterans' Experiences:

  "They mustn't feel like that... you should go on being proud of the courage you showed." [54:30]

Conclusion

Episode 12, "The Road to Paris," offers a multifaceted exploration of the liberation of Paris within the broader scope of World War II's concluding chapters. Through expert analysis, firsthand accounts, and critical reflections, the episode underscores D-Day's pivotal role not only in military terms but also in shaping the post-war world order and collective memory. As the Allies pressed forward, overcoming immense logistical and human challenges, the episode poignantly captures the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who fought to turn the tide against tyranny.