Gaston Vandermeerssche
Gaston Vandermeerssche | |
---|---|
Born | Ghent, Belgium | August 18, 1921
Died | November 1, 2010 Bayside, Wisconsin, U.S. | (aged 89)
Allegiance | ![]() |
Unit | Belgian resistance |
Battles/wars | Second World War |
Gaston Vandermeerssche (August 18, 1921 – November 1, 2010) was a Belgian leader within the Dutch underground resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II.[1] Vandermeerssche's life in France during World War II became the basis for a 1988 novel by Allan Mayer, which was later adapted into the 1997 Belgian film, Gaston's War.[2]
Using the code name "Raymond", Vandermeerssche established an undercover smuggling line through the Pyrenees Mountains to deliver microfilmed intelligence from occupied France to the Belgian military headquarters in London.[2]
Vandermeerssche emigrated to the United States and resided in Bayside, Wisconsin, where he died of natural causes on November 1, 2010, aged 89.[2] He was survived by his wife, Violette, three daughters and one son.[2]
Official document with signature of Eisenhower, addressed to Gaston Farochon for gallant service in assisting the escape of Allied soldiers from the enemy. https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Official-document-with-signature-of-Eise/24A0A04C51DD01FE3CB30905BBF9ABFE
References
[edit]- ^ "Gaston Vandermeerssche". The Daily Telegraph. London. November 19, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Rabideau Silvers, Amy (2010-11-04). "Gaston Vandermeerssche: WWII Dutch intelligence leader's story inspired book, film". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-11-16.