I bought a french criox de guerre at an atiques fair today, which is unusual 'cos Im a Third Reich collector - but its in its original box and has the recipiants name and rank on the back and the dates 1939/40. Is there any way I can research this guy and find out what happened to him?
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Any thoughts on this? Is there a list of French WWII casualties anywheres on the net? I have tried looking but nothing suitable comes up. -
I've never found any way to research French servicemen.Comment
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If you're really dedicated, you could blaze a new trail by going to Paris and checking out the archives at the Musee National de la Legion d'Honneur. You would have to be able to speak and read French, of course. And you would have to be willing to accept the very remote chances of finding information on a particular individual.
On the other hand, you'd get a trip to Paris out of the deal. The incredible Musee d'Orsay is right across the street.
Tim"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here, this is the War Room!" - President Merkin MuffleyComment
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Well, that certaily would be an interesting exercise. I would have to brush up on my french though. This is the first award I have owned with such details attached. Thats the only reason I ended up buying it......that and the fact that there was no Third Reich stuff at the fair I wanted, and I was determind to spend some cash on something besides just beer!Comment
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If you did know French and had gotten your fill of the other attractions in Paris, (not likely), there are several things to do for research. Since French medals are not named it is necessary to have a certificate that comes with the medal. (not likely).
The Service Historique de l'Armee at the Chateau Vincennes in the town of Vincennes that has Army archives for the last 100 years or so.
There are other journals that will help with researching French soldiers.
There is the Journal Officiel started in 1869 that has details of French Decorations. The British Library has copies as no doubt the National Library in Paris does. (you can't get in unless you are a writer or researcher and get advance permission).
There is also the Bulletin Officiel du Ministere de la Guerre started in 1887. The Bulletin Officiel de la Marine started in 1848 and the Bulletin Officiel des Decorations Medailles et Recompenses from 1955.
It would be nice to hear about these journals from some of our French members.
But it would be easier to get some straight answers fron Donald Rumsfeld than for us Emglish speakers to research French Medals.Comment
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Thanks Jack....get the truth outa D R? if I had known it would have been as hard as that I wouldnt have bothered!!!! Just out of interest this medal was awarded to Leutenant Louis HAMON 1939/40Comment
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Vichy Cross
The 39/40 is a Vichy CDG. Long story, but after Petain came to power, a 39/40 CDG was issued. He required that the 1939 CDG be turned in and replaced with 39/40. The history of the CDG in WW2 is very interesting. There were over 10 various models depending on the political winds. Some day after 2 double expressos I could write the story . One CDG,L.V.F., (Legion Volontaire Francaise) also called the Croix de Guerre Legionnaire 1940, issued to French Volunteers in Russia. It is super rare and much faked. If the soldier was caught with this after the war, he would be executed There's probably a fortune in CDG L.V. F.s to be found by metal detectorists somewhere.Comment
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Hi,
If you want to see various types of Croix de Guerre including the rare Legionnaire cross follow this thread below:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...roix+de+guerre
You can also see it posted in my web site under French Legion Awards.
Rene Chavez
Http://axis101.bizland.comComment
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