Category: Guest Blogs

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Miss Mary: The Irish Oskar Schindler

I’m very pleased to welcome Bernard S. Wilson as our guest blogger today. Bernard is British and a retired university lecturer. Graduating from the University of London with a Bachelor of Divinity and a MA in education from the University of Leeds, Bernard’s professional life was centered around teaching children in secondary and grammar schools.

Bernard S. Wilson. Photo by anonymous (date unknown).
Bernard S. Wilson. Photo by anonymous (date unknown).

For seven years, Bernard undertook research into the story of Mary Elmes. He uncovered the details showing that she saved Jewish children from deportation at the risk of her life. Professor Ronald Friend, one of the boys Mary saved, presented Bernard’s information to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem which resulted in Mary’s posthumous honor as “Righteous Among the Nations” in 2013.

Retired New York professor Ronald Friend (René) smuggled out of Rivesaltes Camp by Mary Elmes. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). Courtesy of Midas Films.
Retired New York professor Ronald Friend (René) smuggled out of Rivesaltes Camp by Mary Elmes. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). Courtesy of Midas Films.

Bernard is the author of several books including the children’s book, Miss Mary. In addition to contributing to documentaries, Bernard was a consultant for two biographies on Mary Elmes⏤A Time to Risk All (Clodagh Finn) and The Extraordinary Story of Mary Elmes (Paddy Butler). Read More Miss Mary: The Irish Oskar Schindler

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“Messages in Handlebars: The Youngest Resistance Fighter”

I am very pleased to have author Kendrick Kirk as our guest blogger today. Ken wrote the wonderful book, Messages in Handlebars, as a tribute to his very good friend Jean-Jacques Auduc and Mr. Auduc’s activities as the youngest active member of the French Resistance during the German occupation of France. Messages in Handlebars is now used as a reference book at the U.S. Military Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach at Colleville-sur-mer as well as the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum (Savannah, Georgia). The book has been translated into French and is popular overseas as well as having been endorsed by the British Ambassador to France. Mr. Auduc’s hometown and surrounding areas were a hotbed of activities for the missions of both the French resistance, the Auduc’s réseau (network), and Special Operations Executive (SOE). I know you’ll enjoy Ken’s blog as well as reading his book, Messages in Handlebars.

Let’s Meet Claire and Kendrick Kirk

Ken and his wife, Claire, divide their time between their home in Georgia and their lovely château, Château RiveSarthe, near Le Mans, France. They host various groups at their château during the year as well as organize group tours within France. They maintain a web site where anyone interested can contact them: www.rivesarthe.net Read More “Messages in Handlebars: The Youngest Resistance Fighter”