What were some war crimes committed by the French during WW2?

What were some war crimes committed by the French during WW2? During World War II, there were various allegations of war crimes associated with French forces, particularly by both the Vichy government, which collaborated with Nazi Germany, and later the Free French forces under Charles de Gaulle as they fought to liberate occupied territories. Here are some key instances:

Collaboration with the Nazis by the Vichy Government

Deportation of Jews: Under the Vichy regime, French authorities actively collaborated with Nazi Germany in identifying, arresting, and deporting thousands of Jews. The infamous Rafle du Vel d’Hiv (Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup) in July 1942 led to the arrest and deportation of over 13,000 Jews in Paris alone, including many children, who were sent to Auschwitz.
Forced Labor and POW Camps: The Vichy regime implemented forced labor programs and POW camps to support the Nazi war effort, where French citizens and others were often subjected to harsh conditions.

Atrocities in French Colonial Territories

Use of Colonial Troops in Retaliatory Actions: Both Free French and Vichy forces used colonial troops, who sometimes committed reprisals against civilian populations. In particular, Moroccan and Algerian troops, known as Goumiers, were reported to have committed rapes and other violent acts during campaigns in Italy (notably in Monte Cassino) and after the liberation of German-occupied areas.
Harsh Suppression of Indigenous Populations: French forces suppressed anti-colonial movements, often using brutal tactics. In Algeria and Syria, colonial administrators took extreme measures to maintain control, which included executions, torture, and forced relocations.\

Liberation-era Retaliation Against Collaborators

Extrajudicial Killings and Humiliation: After the liberation of France, there was a wave of extrajudicial killings and humiliations against those suspected of collaborating with the Nazis. Known as the “Épuration”, this “purge” often involved summary executions and public shaming without due process. In some cases, women accused of fraternizing with German soldiers had their heads shaved in public.

War Crimes Allegations in Germany

Mistreatment of German Civilians and POWs: After advancing into Germany, some French soldiers were accused of mistreating German civilians and prisoners of war. There were reports of looting and isolated acts of violence.

These instances are a reminder of the complexities of wartime behavior, where even Allied nations faced difficult ethical and legal questions amid the extreme pressures of war.