Tag: World War II
-
Defending Vera: Troops Came to the Defense of the Forces’ Sweetheart After Attacks from Parliament (1944)
Originally published August 22, 2022 with Adam Matthew, Blog | By Clare V. Church Dame Vera Lynn is celebrated worldwide for her accomplishments in popular music throughout World War Two. Also known as the ‘Forces’ Sweetheart,’ Lynn sang to the British troops at home and abroad from 1939-1945 and is best remembered for her romantic…
-
Joséphine Baker: artist, activist, resistance fighter and now honoured in France’s Panthéon
In the midst of the Second World War, at the edge of the vast Saharan desert, Joséphine Baker took the stage. Her backdrop was a midnight sky, painted with stars.
-
Songs of Resistance
Violent storm clouds and blistering winds gathered around Germaine Sablon. As her silk scarf wavered in the wind, she clenched her fists to the sky and sang, “Ce soir l’ennemi connaîtra la prix du sang et des larmes.” Tonight, the enemy will know the price of our blood and tears.
-
Confronting Memories of Nazi-Occupied France
Early last year, France opened its WWII police archives for the first time. More than 200,000 documents, formerly available only to select scholars and officials, became open to the public after 76 years of secrecy.
Clare V. Church 