Tag Archives: Vichy France

Neither Resisters Nor Collaborators: Returning French STO Workers in 1945

Posted on 04/02/2018 by nessafrance

Certain aspects of World War II remain taboo subjects in France, even among people who were not around at the time. For those of us whose country has not been occupied for hundreds of years, it’s difficult to imagine how … Continue reading →

Posted in History, World War I & II | Tagged Daniel Crozes, forced labour, French resistance, Fritz Sauckel, Lendemains de Libération, Pierre Laval, Service du Travail Obligatoire, SW France, Vichy France, World War II | 18 Comments

8th May 1945: End of a War

Posted on 09/05/2016 by nessafrance

Today marks the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe [written in 2016]. Last year, we went to the annual ceremony in our village but we couldn’t go this year. This is always a moving event, attended by … Continue reading →

Posted in History, World War I & II | Tagged 8th May 1945, French resistance, Liberation of France, Maréchal Philippe Pétain, Occupation of France, SW France, VE Day, Vichy France, World War II | 14 Comments

Sheltering Jews in SW France During World War II

Posted on 27/01/2015 by nessafrance

Today, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, is the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by Soviet troops. The unspeakable horror of these places has been described in memoirs and contemporary film footage. But very few survivors remain and it is … Continue reading →