The Soldiers of the Desert exhibition: the Liberation Museum unveils the epic of General Leclerc

To liberate France from the Nazi occupation, the Allies came from everywhere: from England, the United States... But also from the African colonies. The Liberation Museum of Paris tells us the story of these Desert Soldiers trained by General Leclerc, from 1940 to 1943. This fascinating exhibition will be on display from March 16 to July 16, 2023.

In the summer of 1940, the Nazi army triumphed in France, and the Vichy government capitulated. But the war is not over. The Resistance fighters then began their work of liberation. From London to Cameroon, via the United States, help came from everywhere.

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The Liberation Museum invites us to follow in the footsteps of General Leclerc and his soldiers from the colonies of Equatorial Africa. A long journey through the desert, which takes us from Cameroon to Chad, then from Libya to Tunisia. Training, battles, meetings with the British allies: the exhibition " Soldiers of the Desert" retraces the difficult adventure of the general and his men, from 1940 to 1943.

The course of theexhibition allows us to discover different objects of everyday life, weapons and uniforms worn by these soldiers, but also traditional military pieces, period photographs, archival films ... The portraits and memories of these soldiers also punctuate the course, to keep intact the history of these war heroes. Some of these exceptional pieces are real pieces of history: a flag, a pennant, a telegram can tell in itself a decisive moment of this war led by the soldiers of General Leclerc.

The Liberation Museum reveals a chapter of history that is often overlooked and forgotten: for many of us, the Resistance and the liberation of France are the maquisards, Free France in England, the Normandy landings. But on the other side of the Mediterranean, soldiers also fought, and won decisive victories, despite the lack of support and means.

This exhibition is a beautiful tribute to these fighters. For visitors, it is an opportunity to learn more about our history, thanks to these photographs and objects of the period. The tour is also punctuated with videos, small educational games and special photo displays to bring this page of history to life.

Extreme living conditions in the desert, an unequal war, an army without support: discover the Second World War through General Leclerc and the soldiers of the desert, at the Liberation Museum.