Image: American forces in Chambois, France, during the Battle of the Falaise Pocket. August 1944.

Photographs from the Battle of the Falaise Pocket – August 1944

The Falaise Pocket or Battle of the Falaise Pocket occurred from August 12-21, 1944. It was the decisive engagement during the Battle of Normandy, during which a “pocket” was formed around Falaise, in which Allied forces encircled German Army Group B. The resulting battle resulted in the destruction of most of Army Group B west of the Seine. Around 40,000-50,000 Germans were captured by the Allies. With the collapse of the German position in Normandy, Allied forces were able to race east and liberate Paris.

Image: This photograph was taken at the crossroads in the centre of Chambois, where the 1st Polish Armoured Division and the 90th US Infantry Division were liberated. Chambois is the main junction between the Allied forces in the Falaise Gap.