French Resistance Fighter: France's Secret Army

Osprey Warrior #117

by Terry Crowdy, Steve Noon (Illustrator)

Osprey's study of French Resistance fighters of World War II (1939-1945). Working as an underground force, the French Resistance was initially formed spontaneously from scattered groups of men and women, inspired by the leadership of men like Charles de Gaulle.

As the war progressed the Resistance developed into a secret army, terrorizing the forces of occupation and would-be collaborators alike, despite being excluded from the protection of the Geneva Convention, which left them facing torture and execution if captured.

Striking photographs, coupled with first-hand accounts of capture and its terrible consequences, depict an engaging and human history of the French Resistance fighter. Terry Crowdy details the military achievements, tactics, backgrounds, and motivations of the men and women of the Resistance, whose actions helped to ensure the success of the D-Day landings and the liberation of France.

Genres: History, France

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Terry Crowdy was born in London in 1970. Initially a re-enactor, his interest in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars led to writing for specialist magazines, and then to book authorship.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clearly written, rather short but thorough list and description of the many French Resistance organizations. It's not written specifically for young people but the photos and paintings are very interesting.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this at my public library. It was brief, but informative. I learned some new things about WWII insurgent tactics.