Hands Off The Loot! ETO (id:#63868)

(From The Cellar Pack #9 ID: FT264)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: VV62

Near Paulhac, France 1944-06-02 (3 others)

Overview:

By the Spring of 1944 parts of the French countryside, in particular in the center and south, were no longer under Vichy control nor that of the occupier, with large Maquis bands growing restless. Eagerly waiting for the Allied landings they harassed the “boches”. Aware of the threat, the German Army planned to eradicate them. Though the Germans envisioned the use of operational units such as the 2.SS-Panzer-Division Das Reich, they would often make do with less motivated troops and in particular “eastern volunteers” to cope with partisan redoubts. Such a stronghold was the Mont-Mouchet, in southern Auvergne. It hosted both numerous bands some inexperienced youth with poor leadership and more efficient troops, like the Corps-Franc des Truands (“Mobsters”), a picturesque (its members wore a skull and crossbones insignia) but able unit. On May 25th and 31th, parachute drops enabled new recruits to be hastily armed. Soon, skirmishes took place with the police, Milice and German units. On June 2nd, a stronger column reached the redoubt.

Defender: Partisan (Reinforced elements of 2eme Compagnie du Mont-Mouchet, Corps Franc Laurent and Corps Franc des Truands)  

Errata (source)