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French Paratroopers’ headquarters

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In memory of the liberation of Saint-Hubert, a commemorative plaque was affixed to the façade of the former Buck bakery in 1990.

On 24 December 1944, while the French Chasseurs Parachutistes of Major Puech-Samson's 4th Special Air Service (SAS) were in Champagne (France), they were given a very specific mission. They were to reach Belgium in order to provide cover for the American Army and establish a link between the British 6th Airborne Division and the Belgian SAS.

So, on 25 December, in order to locate the enemy troops, the French paratroopers set up their command post (CP) at Bertrix in the church crypt. A few days later, on 12 January 1945, following rumours of the presence of German troops in the town of Saint-Hubert, the paratroopers changed course, heading for Libin. From there, they carried out reconnaissance patrols to check for enemy presence.

On 11 January, two parachute patrols commanded by Sub-Lieutenants Raufast and Tayllor set off for Saint-Hubert. At the stroke of 12:00, 8 men managed to enter the town, taking around twenty prisoners.

French patrols immediately called for reinforcements and around 150 SAS landed in Saint-Hubert. The next day, to celebrate the liberation the Mayor at the time, Ernest Zoude, handed over the keys to the town to the liberators. The liberators set up their command post at the Buck bakery and, in the absence of an official seal, affixed the bakery's stamp to the passes they issued! 

After the liberation, the SAS sent patrols towards Houffalize to continue their advance.

In memory of the liberation of Saint-Hubert, a commemorative plaque was affixed to the façade of the former Buck bakery in 1990.

The text on the plaque here reads: ICI LE 18 JANVIER 1945, LES PARAS FRANÇAIS AYANT LIBÈRÉ SAINT-HUBERT INSTALLERENT LE P.C.

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Adresse

Place du Marché, 3, 6870 Saint-Hubert