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Seventy-five years ago, my father and his small cell of French resistance fighters were in hiding in the Loire Valley, where they carried out acts of sabotage against the Nazis.
As we commemorate #DDay75thAnniversary, I wanted to share my Dad’s recollections of the historic time.
He doesn’t like to talk about his experiences during the war, but reluctantly agreed to let me share these reflections. Perhaps because he doesn’t think French resistance fighters’ contributions are fully recognized — “Maybe because most people are dead.” #DDay75thAnniversary
Right before D-Day, he says, there was the widespread sense *something* was coming. They’d seen an uptick in Allied activity since early 1944 — more bombings, more shot-down allied pilots for his cell to spirit from farm to farm, onward to safety. #DDay75thAnniversary
He and his fellow resistance fighters had sensed a shift – and were increasingly optimistic. They’d been hearing across the BBC that German forces had been defeated in several places. #DDay75thAnniversary
((The cell had a rudimentary radio. Access to the BBC was widespread — and essential.)) #DDay75thAnniversary
My Dad says he and his group had been told to GET READY for a big event. But they didn’t know when *the* day would come. The first sign that something was happening was the planes – an unforgettable sound. #DDay75thAnniversary
There were thousands, my Dad says. Unlike anything he or anyone had ever seen (or heard). #DDay75thAnniversary
When asked what he thought at the time, what it meant — he says it was clear the time had come. #DDay75thAnniversary
He says the planes gave them hope. #DDay75thAnniversary
He didn’t know it at the time, but a coded message had been sent signalling the “debarquement” was imminent. #DDay75thAnniversary
He wasn’t one of the “big guys” though – and his cell had just been told to “get ready” and be prepared. #DDay75thAnniversary
Their mission?
... That’s all for tonight. Thanks for listening, hearing. (More tomorrow on this if Dad is ok with it). #DDay75thAnniversary #DDay
... Back with Dad’s permission to share more (and some ice cream).
Which brings us to #DDay itself —June 6, 1944... Seven weeks shy of my father’s 15th birthday. #DDay75thAnniversary
The next day, his commander gave them their instructions. #DDay75thAnniversary
The goal?
... Their resources were limited. #dday
“We didn’t have bazookas”. While his cell was lightly armed, he says they were better off than others. #DDay75thAnniversary
Even still, my Dad says they didn’t hesitate at taking up the mission. “We weren’t thinkers. We were act-ers.” #DDay75thAnniversary
It wasn’t safe to stay where they were anyways – and the mission bore similarities to the work they were already doing. #dday
So they set off in the direction of the beaches, hiding in traincars with the help of railway workers sympathetic to their cause. #DDay
He says they arrived in Normandy a few days – maybe 5 – after the first boats landed on #DDay.
They faced a number of challenges. Logistical...
... And physical. #DDay75thAnniversary
They knew the Germans had far greater firepower, and they had to take that into consideration —> “Do your job, don’t stay.” (WARNING: Language) #dday75th
The hardest part, though, is the bit he most doesn’t want to talk about. #DDay75thAnniversary
My Dad says no one who hasn’t seen or lived it can understand. (Nor would he wish it on anyone.) #dday
But on that historic day — June 6, 1944 — he recalls the optimism that it was the beginning of the end. #DDay75Anniversary
No, it wasn’t finished in 3 months. And my Dad’s story, the story of our family in the Shoah, clearly doesn’t end there. But that’s where we’ll leave it today. With gratitude for his and so, so many others’ sacrifices and contributions on #DDay.... 
(And his willingness to share his story). ❤️❤️ Merci Papa.
