Liberation of the Lorient pocket

A great US National Archives video about he Liberation of the Lorient Pocket! Note that this was on may 10th 1945, almost a year after D-Day.
There are many detail to watch, just check the G.I.s inspection the piles of German equipment in the stadium, some would pay a fortune jsut for the binoculars thye are holding. Also check the discussion between the German officers with the Nazi salute, hardcore to the end, and contrast their attitude with the men who are either resignated, exhausted or even relieved to surrender. The Lorient pocket was held by American and Free French units from the Summer 1944 unti May 1945.

On 10 May 1945, Allied Troops enter the ruins of Lorient cheered by crowds of rejoicing french civilians gathered along the roads leading to the city. The Germans had agreed to stockpile all surrendered weapons and equipment to a designated stadium and were to assist U.S. engineers in clearing roads of mines and repairing bridges. In a meadow near Caudon, on 10 May 1945 at 1600 Hrs, during an official ceremony, General Fahrmbacher, commander of Fortress Lorient, offers his side arm as a token of surrender to General Kramer commander of the 66th Infantry Division “Black Panther”. French civilians are celebrating their liberation by parading through towns and villages.

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