Saint-Malo 1944: Under the Ashes, Freedom

Objective:

• Explore the city of Saint-Malo guided by an American soldier from World War II.
• Understand the consequences of World War II for the people of Saint-Malo.
• Comprehend the significance of World War II for the American soldiers who came to liberate the city.
• Be accompanied by a certified tour guide who humorously and passionately assumes the character of his historical persona, dressed in period costume.

Program

Accompagnez votre guide, un soldat américain de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, dans une marche à travers le temps au fil des rues de Saint-Malo. Déambulez à ses côtés jusqu’à la presqu’île du Grand-Bé alors qu’il évoque la ville qu’il a arpenté à l’été 1944 et les destructions auxquelles il a assisté. L’occasion de se rendre compte de ce qu’était le Saint-Malo d’avant-guerre et de prendre conscience de ce qu’a signifié l’Occupation et la Libération dans la cité malouine.

Get to Know Your Guide/Character:

Joseph Guthrie is a GI from the 83rd Infantry Division, "Thunderbolt." He participated in the Battle of the Hedgerows in the Normandy bocage and the breakthrough that brought him and his comrades to the gates of the fortress of Saint-Malo. He took part in the fights for the liberation of the city and witnessed its destruction. He also accompanied several war reporters such as Robert Capa, Lee Miller, and understood the importance of photographs in conveying the reality of the conflict.