45.
Yesterday's PaD talked of British, Canadian, American and German casualties on D-Day. There were also French casualties, including soldiers of De Gaulle's Free French, the Maquis and civilians caught up in the crossfire. Today I seek to redress part of yesterday's omission.

La Bataille Supreme est Engagee!
After much fighting, furore and pain the decisive shock has come, the hoped for shock. Of course, it is the Battle of France and it is the Battle of the French!

We are told that an immense assault force has begun to leave the shores of Old Britain to aid us. Before, this last bastion of Western Europe was stopped for a short time by a sea of German oppression. Today it is the departure point for the offensive of liberty. France, submerged for four years but at no time reduced nor vanquished, France is arising to do its part there.

For the sons of France, it goes without saying, the obligation is simple and sacred, to fight with all the means at their disposal. They shall destroy the detested enemy, the dishonourable enemy. The Battle of France has commenced. There is nothing more in the nation, in the Empire, in the armed forces but one and the same will, one and the same hope. Behind the clouds, if heavy with our blood and with our tears, there is that which will restore the sunlight and our grandeur.

General Charles de Gaulle
6 June 1944