Video of the 2nd Armoured Division in Saint-Martin-de-Varreville
D-Day and Battle of Normandy videos
This section contains archive videos illustrating military operations in the Utah Beach sector during the Battle of Normandy.
Video dates: 31 July and 1 August 1944
Subject: report on the arrival in Normandy of the first elements of the 2nd French Armoured Division (the famous ‘2nd DB’) landing in the Utah Beach sector, near Saint-Martin-de-Varreville. They are accompanied by their commander, French General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, recognisable by his cane and cap, who is himself welcomed by Major General Walton H. Walker, commander of the 20th Corps of the 3rd (US) Army. The French armoured division took a few moments before joining the front line to maintain its equipment in Saint-Germain-de-Varreville and to meet the locals.
Places:
– Saint-Germain-de-Varreville, Manche, Normandy
– Saint-Martin-de-Varreville, Manche, Normandy
– Utah Beach, Manche, Normandy
People:
– General Philippe Leclerc (2nd Armoured Division)
– Major General Walton H. Walker (20th US Corps)
– Capitaine Christian Girard (aide-de-camp to General Leclerc)
Unit: 2nd (FR) Armoured Division
Source: US National Archives