The Port of Marseille

Abstract

In August 1944 Marseille eclipsed Cherbourg as the principal supply port for Allied armies on the western front. Records left by French port administrators, especially Chief Engineer Le Bel, reveal close and effective cooperation between the French and Allied military staff, despite enormous hurdles such as German sabotage. Labor relations proved to be one of the most vexing challenges facing French and American staff responsible for keeping the port working. The Allies used POWs to address the shortage of workers, much to the dismay of the French.