LESNEVEN 1944

On 19-20 August 1944 a series of messages were sent between Ramcke and Middleton, in which the German declined the offer to surrender.

The Germans slowly drove up to the American lines north of Brest in this commandeered French Rosengart 1939 Super-traction, draped in white. When they entered the American lines they were blindfolded so they could not report on the American defenses when they returned to Brest. This was the standard technique when enemy troops were allowed into your lines.

The German driver to the following jeep, and an american took over driving the German vehicle. Here they are seen arriving at the 8th Division Command Post.

General Donald Stroh, commander of the 8th Infantry Division is seen conversing this paratroop officer. Note the German is still blindfolded. If he was allowed to see the command post he might recognize the area and be able to direct artillery fire upon it later.
After the negotiations had ended, the German vehicle is driven back through a French town to the German lines. The jeep following the Germans car not only carries the German driver, but also provides protection from the local French population.

Source: 1944 AMERICANS IN BRITTANY - THE BATTLE FOR BREST by Jonathan Gawne (Histoire & Collections).

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ww2
• lesneven
• truce
• general
• stroh
• 8th
• infantry
• division
• paratroopers
• fallschirmjaegers