SEARCHING FOR GERMANS

The Germans had overtaken much of Europe by 1944 that the most methodical way to overcome them was to slowly move over the terrain and search for remnants of Germans who may still be inside the country of France. The soldiers had landed on the border of France just a few days before November 24th and their task was important. They were to move further and further into the depths of the country and verify that each town and countryside area was no longer occupied by Germans.

France was almost completely deserted since the civilians had left quickly to avoid German advancement. Those who were not able to move or any towns where unsuspecting people went about their own business were quickly captured and taken to prison or to work camps. Their time would be spent at the mercy of the Germans where they would repair railroads and bridges or work on farms. General Patton and his troops had gone ahead of the platoon that was just coming into town. The strategy was for General Patton to go in one direction and the infantry to go in a separate direction making the path safe for the tanks that were rolling slowly through each town. The soldiers were at the front of the march while the tanks rumbled forward with clouds of dust following in their aftermath. It was critical to ascertain that the Germans had completely left the area and to assist any French who may have been left behind.

The littered debris on the ground indicated that the French had been hastily captured and taken by the Germans. As the Allies entered each town they noticed the items scattered over the soil. A soldier could easily find a good a variety of items to pick up and keep. Jackets, cameras, and pieces of jewelry were in plain sight. Bottles of cognac and fine wine had been carefully confiscated from the homes. Basically if it had been left behind it was there for taking.

Caution was the key word while scouting out the area. Germans were well known for placing thin wires on the cupboard doors with a detonation device so that when the door was opened the bomb would go off. More than one innocent soldier met his fate that way.