Commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in the south of France have been disrupted by storm warnings, leading to the cancellation of key events.
French President Emmanuel Macron was set to host a reception aboard the amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude with other heads of state, but the gathering had to be called off due to the impending storm. Additionally, a re-enactment of the historic landings in Toulon was also axed.
The landings in Provence, which took place on August 15, 1944, played a crucial role in the liberation of France during World War Two. Often overshadowed by the more famous Normandy landings, the Provence landings allowed Allied forces to reclaim most of southern France.
The cancellation of the commemorations was announced shortly before they were set to begin, with the Elysee Palace confirming the cancellation of the reception on the Dixmude. The local authority for the Var region also cited “unfavourable weather conditions and the significant risk of storms” as the reason for axing the re-enactments on Lido beach at Mourillon.
The storm warnings for the region include violent storms and heavy rains, with winds expected to reach up to 140km/h (87mph).
Despite the cancellations, French President Macron and other leaders paid tribute to the soldiers who participated in the Provence landings, highlighting the crucial role played by African troops recruited largely from French colonies in north Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
The soldiers of the Provence landings, known as Operation Dragoon, were instrumental in capturing key Mediterranean ports and increasing pressure on Nazi forces by opening up a new front. The sacrifices made by these soldiers have been recognized during the commemorations, emphasizing the importance of their contribution to the Allied victory.
