THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF PARIS LIBERATION

This major commemoration has been largely organized by ROBERT JOBARD who spent a whole lot of energy on the matter despite erratic decisions by the artistic director and the uninterrupted flow of phone calls from many participants. Having to manage 100 vehicules, some coming from foreign countries, to register drivers and passengers, to find hosting places, to check the route for oversized vehicules is not a light duty. Our many thanks again, Robert !

Two convoys have been re-enacted : one for the french 2nd armoured division, and one for the american 4th infantry division. They both paraded past the official grandstand where stood the highest government officers on the town hall square. Herebelow, the photos attempt to convey the emotion that filled this august 24, 2004 celebration.

Hail to the organiser ! Let's start the account of this commemoration by a photo of Robert JOBARD accompanied by Christian RURANGE and by the Standard-Bearer of the French 2nd Armoured Division : Charles Pegulu de Rovin.

 
 

 

A SERIES OF PHOTOS WILL RELATE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER THE STEPS OF THIS COMMEMORATION WHILE TRYING NOT TO FORGET ANY OF OUR PARTICIPATING MEMBERS.

THE CONVOY BEING ORGANIZED

GOING DOWN THE CHAMPS ELYSEES

THE WAIT ON VICTORIA AVENUE JUST BEFORE THE PARADE

 
Jacques Coillot and Wilfrid Vautier in the M8 turret on the Stalingrad wharf (Issy les Moulineaux).
Funny shot taken from our "workshop" 6x6 GMC while closing in on the Champs Elysées, in two rows.
A photo that makes one forget the threatening sky that was looming on this august 25 afternoon. We are indebted to our friend and member Jacques Malezieux for this nice shot.
Christophe Gacon played two roles that afternoon : photo-reporter and traffic assistant.
A smiling pair : Serge Levy and Patrice de Bleeckere. In the background, Christophe Gacon who's already changed vehicule.
Pierre Phliponeau photographed (for once) in company of Jean-Marie Deneu and Jean-Claude Accio.
Another column of Jeeps on the Champs Elysées, with the Arc de Triomphe in the background and the looming dark cloud that will eventually get to us, while awaiting the departure for the parade.
Another characteristic picture of this unforgettable day : Hubert Thevenon with his Harley Davidson
Even General Leclerc himself had joined the convoy.
 

 

FOLLOWING MOMENTS OF POURRING RAIN, WE ARE WAITING THE DEPARTURE SIGNAL TO RUSH TOWARDS THE TOWN-HALL SQUARE.

 

   From links left to right Christian Rurange, the authentic bearer of 2ièmend DB Charles Pegulu de Rovin and  Mr Ferrer who is a veteran from the 2nd Armoured Division.  His war time Jeep has since been the object of a meticulous reproduction.

Jacky POIRET waiting the departure.

Following the Jeeps, positioned at the head of the convoy, a squad of Ford M8 and M20 armoured cars.
Behind the armoured cars and in-between the two columns, a Dodge command car staffed by Serge Levy and Patrice de Bleeckere.
Our GMC CCKW 352 B1 artillery tractor, exhibited for the first time following a long restoration, staffed by Arnaud Levy and Jean-Charles Brisson.
Ending the 2nd armoured division convoy, behind the 6x6 GMCs, were the tanks, most of them Shermans.

Rear  view of the same tank column .

Following the 2nd armoured division, a Citroen U23 light truck still exhibiting the Whermacht colors but now in Resistance fighters' hands.