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an old book with writing on it and a pen in itan old notebook with writing on it and a pen in it
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488 - LIBÉRATION. Autograph manuscript by Mlle Tombereau, Liberati…
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Estimate €700 - €800
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Description
LIBÉRATION. Autograph manuscript by Mlle Tombereau, Liberation 1944; in-12 notebook (14.5 x 9.3 cm) comprising 122 pages (black cover, repaired). An account by a resident of Lozère (Palaiseau) from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945. A fascinating daily diary, carefully written in blue ink, relating to the liberation of Paris and subsequently of France. It begins with the announcement of the Normandy landings, the Allied advance into the Parisian suburbs, the German counter-attacks, followed by the joy and enthusiasm of the inhabitants at the arrival of the Americans and Leclerc, the towns decked out in flags, the FFI and the Resistance, the early days of the Free French government, the fighting in Paris, General de Gaulle’s arrival at Notre-Dame followed by the parade on the Champs-Élysées, then the Allies’ advance towards Germany with various skirmishes, the news of Hitler’s death, and Germany’s surrender on 8 May. Let us cite a few entries by way of example. 12 August. “The troops are advancing; they have been spotted in the area. Everyone is eagerly awaiting them. At the market, a vendor selling cockades and flags was literally ransacked. Everyone had bought their little tricolour bouquet. All night long, the Germans marched past, retreating towards Paris.” 13 August: a plane is said to have crashed into the Gif power station. 17 August. ‘All night long the Germans were blowing up fortifications or ammunition depots. At 10 pm, six fires could be seen on the plain. The sky was red everywhere, especially towards Palaiseau, where explosions could be heard constantly. The power was cut off at 10 pm.” 22 August. “We can still hear the sound of gunfire, though it is less intense. At 9 pm, the sound shifted towards Brétigny. At 11 pm, on the hillside opposite, there was non-stop gunfire. This evening, German cars drove past on our boulevard; we’d climbed onto a window ledge – they must have thought we weren’t waiting for them. The Allies are said to have been in Bonnel since the 18th. Some young people say they’ve seen Americans in Marcoussy. On returning home around 10.30 pm, the cannon fire began in the direction of Étampes. The sky is red’. 23 August. ‘At midnight we could hear cannon fire opposite the house. At half past three, the battle could be heard in the direction of Corbeil. All night long the house shook; my head kept banging against the wall. We still know nothing; we’re waiting. […] This morning, rumour has it that American vehicles were spotted in Orsay. People are rushing there on bicycles, but it’s too late – they’ve already left. Around 6 pm, word came that General Leclercq’s soldiers were still in Orsay; we didn’t hesitate – we went there. […] Around 7 pm, we saw the first tank manned by French soldiers. At last – after four years of waiting for them – they’re here […] A burst of machine-gun fire. Germans are entrenched on the ridge opposite, amongst the wheat sheaves […] A motorcyclist arrives. “Paris has been liberated […] All night long there was artillery fire in the direction of Saclay. The Germans are entrenched there; they had the men from Palaiseau dig trenches for them”… 24 August. “The fighting died down in the morning. […] We saw Leclerc’s Army, but mostly Africans. The whole spectrum of black skin tones. They’re kind. […] The soldiers are giving the children cakes and sweets […] We all find these soldiers likeable, and it’s such a change from the others. […] The Resistance has come out. They’ve taken over the Château d’Orsay, which until very recently was still occupied by the Germans. Men are walking about looking busy; they’re wearing the tricolour armbands of the F.F.I. (which French wit has already turned into ‘fifi’). […] A car drives off, taking a wounded German to hospital. Another arrives, full of prisoners captured by the FFI. Other prisoners are paraded on foot, and the crowd jeers at them […] Everyone is decked out in the colours of the French flag – cockades, ribbons, bouquets of flowers, jewellery – all harmoniously arranged; and the windows are decked with flags. The gendarmes are scraping the road signs that had been tarred over to mislead the enemy’”… Etc. Enclosed is a notice regarding the presentation of medals, addressed to Miss Tombereau, 71 Boulevard de Palaiseau (31 March 1944); plus a postcard and a newspaper clipping.
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part II
Auction location
Auction time 10/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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