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By: HISTORY.com Editors

1942

General Henri Giraud makes his great escape from the Nazis

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: November 05, 2009Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On April 17, 1942, French General Henri Giraud, who was captured in 1940, escapes from a castle prison at Konigstein by lowering himself down the castle wall and jumping on board a moving train, which takes him to the French border.

Hitler, outraged, ordered Giraud’s assassination upon being caught, but the French general was able to make it to North Africa via a British submarine. Giraud helped establish the French Committee of National Liberation and played a significant role in the restoration and reformation of the French army, charting his own course toward liberating France from German occupation.

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Citation Information

Article Title: General Henri Giraud makes his great escape from the Nazis
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-17/general-henri-giraud-makes-his-great-escape

Date Accessed: October 22, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: November 05, 2009