french resistance

We answer some of the key questions about the makeup and role of French nationals in WWII

who were the French resistance?

As the name would suggest they were mostly French citizens, although some members and leadership were from abroad, which we’ll explain a little in a moment. In terms of the background of the French Resistance members, they were from a broad range of professions. Many were either already very politically active in trade unions or political parties (like the Communist party), while others were students, academics and even some Roman Catholic priests. Both men and women were actively involved in the movement.

where was the resistance located?

All over France in small pockets or groups, often with no clear communication with other Resistance cells. The idea of a French Resistance is a broad term for a relatively unorganised movement, but one that gained greater organisation the longer Northern France was occupied and the Vichy regime was in charge in the south.

what did they do?

Different cells would have different approaches depending on their disposition and composition. In the rural areas, armed groups known as Maquis would wage guerrilla warfare against German and Vichy forces. Other groups would publish and distribute newspapers in opposition to those in power to maintain a sense of Free French identity and stoke the flames of liberation. Other groups would work to hinder the Vichy regime and German forces in the north with sabotage of communications, rail lines and more. These efforts were sometimes made in coordination with Allied objectives as D-day approached.

how important were they to d-day?

Pretty important in terms of helping to disrupt German communications and transportation links along with the British SOE and American OSS. Once D-day was underway, the Allies needed to not only advance quickly, but also hope the Nazis didn’t reinforce to match them. With Enigma cracked and safer communications disrupted, the Allies were able to translate German plans and adapt while reinforcements were delayed from arriving through sabotage.

what was Charles de gaulle’s role?

He didn’t have direct control of Resistance groups prior to 1944, but his speeches and attempts to unite them were effective and once France was liberated he was able to absorb many of the fighting fit Resistance members into his French Forces of the Interior (FFI), which was a more formally organised group recognised by Allied military and commanded by General Marie-pierre Koenig.

so, who were these foreign resistance fighters?

They were numerous and from many nations. Some would have been veterans of the Spanish Civil War living in exile in France, standing up to another far right regime. Others were from Britain, Denmark, Armenia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Georgia, Germany, Austria and many more nations. Standing up to the Nazi occupation was a calling many answered.

how dangerous was it to be part of the resistance?

Immensely dangerous for multiple reasons.

First, it was dangerous work involving taking on a far superior and better-equipped force head on. The Resistance didn’t have the means to take on German armoured divisions and had nothing to withstand their firepower. Additionally, in occupied and Vichy France, there were no guarantees of safety and knowing who you could trust was always hard. Gestapo agents infiltrated some movements and others might be sold out by locals for rewards. Lastly, since the Germans didn’t recognise the Resistance as a legitimate military force they were not protected as prisoners of war under the Hague conventions and could be subject to torture and execution.