The French people had suffered under the German occupation for 4 years. Rationing of basic food such as sugar and milk products were well established by July 1940. The hardships of families struggling to feed themselves were compounded by the lack of farmers, and the influx of refugees from neighbouring Belgium and Holland.

Whilst the German soldiers bought what was left of the “Haute couture” for their wives back in Germany, the French women had to apply for a special coupon to the town hall, as the Minister for Production rationed shoes and other necessities. All leather, cotton and wool were allocated to the German army.

90% of all motorised transport was requisitioned to assist the mammoth undertaking in building Rommel’s coastal fortifications – The Atlantic Wall – essential public services having to cope with the pitiful remainder. Many of the drivers were women who had had to replace the men in other roles such as factories and farming

The Quineville Museum explains life under the occupation in great detail from the Phoney War through to after the liberation. Topics include the French Resistance, the Vichy Regime and its repression. Next month the preperation for invasion.

All 1944 photos on this page are from Conseil Régional de Basse-Normandie / National Archives USA

For the complete series containing over 180 original 1944 photos, music sung by Kas “The Forces Sweetheart” visit our Podcast page.

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