Saar Offensive

The Saar Offensive was a French ground offensive (attack) into Saarland during World War II from 7 to 16 September 1939. This area of Saarland was defended by the German 1st Army. The purpose of the attack was to help Poland, which was under attack at the time. The offensive was to have been done by 40 divisions, including one armored division, three mechanised divisions, 78 artillery regiments and 40 tank battalions. The offensive was stopped and the French forces eventually retreated when the Germans attacked them on 17 October.

Saar Offensive
Part of the Western Front of World War II
French soldier at the German village of Lauterbach in Saarland
Date 7–16 September 1939 Location Saarland western Germany 49°10′N 7°15′E Result French withdrawal
Belligerents
France	Germany
Commanders and leaders
Maurice Gamelin André-Gaston Prételat	Erwin von Witzleben
Strength
40 Divisions 2400 tanks 4700 artillery	22 Divisions less than 100 artillery
Casualties and losses
2,000 dead, wounded and sick	196 dead 114 missing 356 wounded 11 aircraft

Saar Offensive Media

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  French soldiers in Lauterbach

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  Louis Faury, head of the French Military Mission to Poland.