Free French soldier billeted in Bexhill, Sussex

[andrew shanks]

I am looking for any information that might be available on 2 Free French soldiers who were billeted in Bexhill, Sussex in 1944.

The first one is Jean Francois Simon, who was born around 1919 - possibly a French Commando who I believe took part in some sort of raid against the Germans. He survived the war and married a Hazel Weekes in Sussex in 1945.

I only have the second name of the other person and this is Roger(t).

I would be grateful for any assistance with this.

 

[GrahamSimons]

I can't help directly, but you might find posting on www.genealogie.com would lead you to someone who could help. It's a broadly similar site to RootsChat but French-based - and you will be much more likely to get responses if you post in French.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

There is a death for JF Simon, 1982 in Sussex;  birthdate given as 2 December 1919.


Nanny Jan

[andrew shanks]

This looks like him.

I have attached a picture of Jean that may assist:

[alex260966]

Hello,

I can recognize the insignia of the French“ Premier Bataillion de Fusilliers-Marins Commando” under the orders of the famous Commandant Kieffer.
I could find the name of  Cpl Jean Francois Simon on the website:
http://www.netmarine.net/forces/commando/histocommando/178jourj.htm
http://www.netmarine.net/forces/commando/histocommando/index.htm

He was one of the 178 soldiers of the commando who participated on the 6 th of June 1944 during the landing on the beaches of Normandy. They fought at Ouistreham, a famous battle well known by the French. After Ouistreham they fought at Bavent. Pont l'Evèque, Beuzeville. The commandos left France on the 6 th of September 1944 and went back to the UK (camp Petworth, West Sussex).
Back in the UK for a short period of relief and then the unit was integrated/attached with the 1 ste Canadian Army in Belgium. From there to Holland (Isle of Walcheren, Isle of Schouwen, Wessel and Minden) till May 1945.

Concerning the other man with the name “Roger”
Possibility if he was a member of the same commando:
Roger Leostic – wounded on the 6 th of June 1944
Roger Bucher-  wounded on the 6 th of June 1944
R. Boulanger, R. Dechambou, R. Dumanoir, R. Flesch, R. Fougere, R. Gadou, R.Gersel, R.Goujon, R.Jovenin, R. Lesca, R. Lossec, R. Madrias, R. Massin, R. Moguerou, R. de Naurois, R. Ohliger, R. Piauge, R. Roelandt, R. Rossey, R. Roux, R. Saerens (+ 22/01/2009 at Lorient, France), R. Strina.

Or the next possibility: M. Rougier

Hope this can help.
Regards,

Alexandre

[JohnSimon]

Hi,
not sure if your still looking for information on Jean Simon.  If you are i'm his grandson and may be able to assist.

[andrew shanks]

Hello John,

Sorry for the delay in replying and yes, we are still following this thread.  Your grandfather was billeted with my grandparents during WW11.

I will send you a private message.

 

[youngtug]

John Simon will need to make 2 more posts before they are able to use the PM system.

[PETIT PHILIPPE]

Hi,
not sure if your still looking for information on Jean Simon.  If you are i'm his grandson and may be able to assist.

Hi, my name is PETIT Philippe. I'm living near Paris. I am the grandson of Maria Simon, who was the sister of John. She told me about her brother and that he had participated in D-Day. When I was young, I read the letters that your grandmother sent in English to Maria. I would be very happy to talk with you and get information about jean simon and his family after the war. I read several books on the Kieffer Commando, and I am very proud of him. Sincerely P.PETIT ^(*)

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