©Memory Museum 1939 1945 1944-2024: 80 years of the Liberation of Calais
Calais was ravaged from May 1940 and the Musée-Mémoire 39-45 recalls this terrible period. The Hauts de France experienced the relief of the Liberation in September 1944. Operation "Undergo" allowed the Canadians to neutralize the coastal batteries of Cap Blanc Nez and the fortress of Calais. As for Roger Mengin, Commander of the Free French Forces, he helped to preserve the civilian population. A room in the 3945 Memorial Museum is dedicated to the Liberation of Calais.
September 1944, Liberation of Hauts de France
After the landing of June 6, 1944, the Allies swept over France. The liberation of Hauts de France came after that of Paris, and it was rapid: On September 5, the region was liberated...except for the Channel ports including Calais. It is a real fortress, with a reinforced garrison. The Allies continue their breakthrough towards Belgium with Germany as their objective. At the same time, the reconquest of the ports of the Opal Coast is being prepared. From September 17, 1944, the Canadian army launches operations on Boulogne-sur-Mer. It then heads towards Calais.
The Museum 1939-1945
Witness to the Second World War in Calais
The 22 exhibition rooms of the Musée Mémoire 1939-1945 in Calais are a must-see for learning everything about this period in the region. This museum is located in an authentic German blockhouse. One of its rooms is dedicated to the Liberation of Calais at the end of September 1944. The "Commandant Mengin Room" perpetuates the memory of this officer who joined Charles de Gaulle in London. He played an important role during the Liberation of Calais, before dying a few hours later.
The Calais 39/45 Memory Museum
Operation Undergo, the Liberation of Calais
Capturing the coastal batteries, Calais and its port, the task is important for the Canadians. A room in the 1939-1945 Memorial Museum is dedicated to the Lindemann battery. Located on the heights of Sangatte, three enormous cannons faced the Strait of Dover. The Canadians took possession of them on September 25, 1944 and headed toward Calais. Artillery, bombardments, attacks, they were in a position of strength. The outcome was not in doubt, but it was necessary to preserve as many civilian lives as possible. The Canadians entrusted this mission to an officer of the Free French Forces, Commander Mengin.
©Memory Museum 1939 1945 
©Memory Museum 39/45 Roger Mengin, a major player in the Liberation of Calais
This Parisian joined Charles de Gaulle and the Free French in London. He took part in the negotiations between the Allied troops surrounding Calais and the commander of the German garrison, Lieutenant-General Schroeder. On September 29, 1944, a crucial moment took place. A truce in the fighting was declared, Roger Mengin was authorized to address the population of Calais. Around 15:00 p.m., the crowd gathered on Place Crèvecoeur. Commander Mengin spoke on the steps of the Palais de Justice:
"People of Calais, the hour of deliverance is approaching. The Canadian commander has invited the German commander to surrender. He has refused. We will have to resort to the most powerful means and attack the city which we will wipe off the map. As the representative of General De Gaulle, I ask you to leave the city immediately and to take with you only what is strictly necessary."
Around 20 people from Calais (out of the 000 present on that date) left the town and headed towards Ardres. The fighting resumed, the German garrison capitulated on September 30, 1944: Calais was liberated!
Commander Mengin supervises the evacuation and goes to announce the good news. Unfortunately, his vehicle on the way to Ardres is hit by a shell. He dies of his injuries. At the end of Avenue de Saint Omer, at the roundabout on the way out of Calais towards the D943, a stele commemorates this sad accident….In the city center, the road linking Boulevard Lafayette and Place Crèvecoeur has taken the name of “Rue du Commandant Mengin”.