At 17 years old during the battle of Loos in 1915 Émilienne Moreau was decorated by the British and French for having killed single-handedly several German soldiers who were killing wounded British soldiers. The Germans never really took a liking to civilians who killed their soldiers, even in defense of the helpless, which it arguably was. So when they came back in 1940, she was in real deep trouble, wanted for murder. She (and husband and other family members) joined the Resistance and stayed out of German hands during the war by moving all over the place. After WWII she went into politics and made it to deputy minister. Not bad for a mine worker's daughter in early 20th-century France.
Her story is one of those Great War fait-divers that would make a great movie. It's a wonder no French director has ever done one on her.
Fascinating -- I'm motivated to do more research on Emilienne after reading this post. Are there any memorials to her in France?
ReplyDeleteThis Saturday, 26th of September, the Mayor will be unveiling a plaque in her honor. It is part of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Loos ceremony. This will take place at her house in Loos en Gohelle.
DeleteSaw her memorial last week whilst check-in for the Red Dragon Crater in Loos en Gohelle. Very interesting.
DeleteA story I never heard before! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteShe is well enough known to make it into Wikipedia; here is her article.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89milienne_Moreau-Evrard