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Full Description
During World War II many escape-line organizations contributed to the Allied cause by funneling hundreds of servicemen trapped behind enemy lines out of occupied Europe. As the Germans tightened their noose around the escape lines and infiltrated them, the risk of discovery only grew for the servicemen who, in ever-increasing numbers, needed safe passage across the Pyrenees. In early 1944 two important escape-line organizations operated in Toulouse in southwestern France, handing over many fugitives to French passeur Jean-Louis Bazerque ("Charbonnier"). Along with several of his successful missions, Charbonnier's only failure as a passeur is recounted in gripping detail in So Close to Freedom.
This riveting story recounts how Charbonnier tried to guide a large group of fugitives-most of them downed Allied airmen, along with a French priest, two doctors, a Belgian Olympic skater, and others-to freedom across the Pyrenees. Tragically, they were discovered by German mountain troopers just shy of the Spanish border. Jean-Luc E. Cartron offers the first detailed account of what happened, showing how Charbonnier operated, his ties with "the FranÇoise" (previously "Pat O'Leary") escape-line organization, and how the group was betrayed and by whom. So Close to Freedom sheds light not only on the complex and precarious work of escape lines but also on the concrete, nerve-racking experiences of the airmen and those helping them. It shows the desperation of all those seeking passage to Spain, the myriad dangers they faced, and the lengths they would go to in order to survive.
Contents
List of Illustrations
Foreword by Roger Stanton
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author's Note
List of Abbreviations
1. A Perilous Hide-and-Seek
2. For King and Country
3. The Route Past Luchon
4. On the Run
5. Too Many
6. April Attempt
7. Hero or Villain?
8. Aftermath of a Betrayal
9. Maddy De Deken
10. The Woodcutter
11. Escapes and Hardships
12. The Road Blockade
13. Separate Fates
Appendix 1: Allied Evaders, Escapers, Resistance Fighters, and Engelandvaarders Who Attempted to Cross the Pyrenees into Spain, April 19-22, 1944
Appendix 2: The Escape Line Organizations
Appendix 3: Known Prisoners Who Escaped from the Train Bound for Neuengamme, June 5, 1944
Appendix 4: The Arrest and Deportation of Jacqueline Houry
Appendix 5: Evaders Helped by ""Françoise"" Organization in 1944 in Toulouse and Surrounding Area
Timeline of Key Events, 1944
Glossary
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
