SOUTHERN FRANCE CAMPAIGN

LIBERATION OF LYONS

As August closed the 36th Division had moved swiftly over 80 miles north in three days. It entered Lyons on 2 September. Bridges crossing the Rhone River in Lyons had been destroyed by the retreating enemy, and many roadblocks had been set up north and east of town. In the midst of joyful welcome from the civilian population it appeared that Lyons was about to be blockaded. However, on 3 September, the Germans began to withdraw from their relatively strong defensive positions. The 36th division was again in pursuit. For several days there was no enemy artillery fire and air activity was negligible. Blown bridges and mines caused some delay.