​​During occupation, Geheime Staatspolizei, (Gestapo, secret police) operated here. A feared organisation, they tried to stamp its authority on the community, carrying out operations to find anyone active in resistance networks. Suspects were detained and brought here for questioning. Reports from civilians stated they heard screams and cries from those tortured within cells and interview rooms here.

​There were acts of resistance early on, on 9 June 1940 the dock area along the river was damaged to try to prevent its use by the occupiers.

​The Gestapo formed networks of civilian collaborators, including men and women from different backgrounds and social circles. Those used by the Gestapo reported back on civil matters as well as those connected to resistance networks. For those persecuted by the Gestapo, consequences included being killed or sent off to internment camps. In many cases the latter also led to death, through hard labour or disease.

​Those that helped the Gestapo were rewarded, no doubt believing it would make their lives easier. In general, the Norman people did not suffer food shortages like other areas across Europe. The region was rich in agriculture; however, some restrictions were implemented. There were curfews for civilians and identity document inspections. They tried to continue their lives as normal.

​One man the Gestapo could not catch was Philippe Liewer, who set up a resistance group within the city in April 1943. On 19 April 1944, the Gestapo Headquarters building was destroyed in an Allied bombing raid, ending their use of it. Their time in the city was fast approaching an end.

​In August Canadian forces entered the city. On 31 August 1944 at 07:25, the Canadian 9th Infantry Brigade advanced eastwards through Rouen. The streets were lined with joyous civilians celebrating liberation following four years of occupation.

​Soldiers from the Brigade Headquarters halted at the Marie de Bois-Guilaume, Place de la Liberation, in the northeast outskirts of the city. For some Canadian soldiers this was their first time witnessing repercussions for those who had collaborated. An alleged collaborator was paraded in front of people, greeted with jeers, and people began to cheer as her hair was cut. This was to show to all that she had collaborated, an action that was repeated in many towns and cities across Europe during the liberation.

​For years after, local Police investigated people of interest for collaboration against France during the war, with prosecutions bought to those found guilty.​