The afternoon of Sept. 28, 1944 saw the first liberation of Marseille. A group of Mine Sweepers operating in the area outside of this great harbor sighted a small craft bearing a flag of truce, manned by a band of 9 German soldiers. Their intentions were understood immediately, and the leader of this group of sweeps sent a message to the MADISON asking what to do with them. Commander Stuart informed them to send then on out. Upon coming alongside, Mr. Marble questioned them and was informed that there were approximately 850 soldiers who wished to surrender. This came as a surprise, for it was believed that they were just a small band who wanted to act individually. Our CO relayed this information to Admiral Davidson, or Task Force Commander, and the terms of surrender were given to the Disciples of Hitler. The terms were: Unconditional surrender, stack all arms, furnish charts to all underwater mines in that area, remove all land mines, live from their own ration dumps until evacuated, and that fortifications and installations were not to be demolished. After presenting these terms to the Nazis, Commander Stuart agreed to a truce for the night, while they talked over the terms (the soldiers in the boat included a Lieutenant in the German Army who was 2nd in command on the Islands), but they said they would that night if attacked by the French forces. Their greatest fear was being captured by the French.

Upon leaving, they agreed to return on the following morning, which they did. On their 2nd trip to the MADISON, Commander Stuart help a pow-wow with the German officers in the Ward Room, this time assisted by Lt. Neulson, who was sent over from the flag ship of our Task Force by the Admiral to act as interpreter. What went on at this pow-wow was not disclosed, but it was a brief meeting. The Germans once again returned to their island fortress, this time to await Captain Ainsel, CO of USS Philadelphia, who was appointed to sign the formal surrender and post the Marine guard. Ninety U.S. Marines from the USS Philadelphia and USS Augusta were brought in to pull this duty. They went ashore fitted out for a 3-day stay, complete with own radio equipment for communication with the ships.

The officers and men of the boat crew of the MADISON had the distinction of being the first ashore on the island fortress. The boat was in charge of Mr. Marble; manned by Don Stepanchak, Coxswain; Woodrow Stanley, Bowhook; & Marcel Bellemore, Engineer. Passengers included Captain Ainsel, Mr. Neulson, CO of YMS that had come alongside us, SM off YMS, CY off Philadelphia, and photographer off Philadelphia.

Mr. Marble talked with several of the Krauts and learned that it was a Marine Artillery Garrison, which is equal to our C.G. Ten men had been killed and 35 wounded in the 9 months to a year that this outfit had been there. There is quite a large harbor in the island and at least 2 ships sunk there. The Chateau d'If had runways running into the castle, which looked as though they might have been used to haul boats. It was in this Chateau d'if that the famed Count of Monte Carlo was help as prisoner.

While talking to them, Mr. Marble was told that they didn't care for passes into Marseille as it was a pesthole. It seems that all of the nicer people had taken to the hills and only the riff-raff remained. All the water in the city is contaminated, they claim, and they had to use bottled water. But they did compliment the French on their excellent red and white wines. They seemed well informed on the progress of the war and stated that they were glad it was over for them. It is also their opinion that the war will end this year. In regard to our action against them, the things they feared most was our aerial bombardment, which appeared to be very effective, and the naval bombardment for ten days previous to their surrender.

One of the most interesting features was when their Garrison Commander spoke to them. He told them that they had fought honorably and they could surrender honorably. He informed them of what their privileges, as a POW would be. At the close of his speech, the assembly gave "Sieg Hail", which in English means "Conquer Hail".

In one thing, though, they were misinformed. They were under the impression that the Madison was a torpedo boat. I wonder what they'd have called the Iowa?

In closing, I'd like to summarize a bit. The actual surrender was signed at approximately 1630 on the Isle Pomeques, largest of the group of 3. The other two were Isle of d'if, and Isle Ratonneau. Eight hundred eight-one prisoners were taken, including 11 women, two of whom were believed nurses and a lighthouse keeper.

Thus, one of the greatest ports in Europe is once again, after five years, in Allied hands. "Vive la France!".

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