
So Close to Freedom
A World War II Story of Peril and Betrayal in the Pyrenees
Jean-Luc E. Cartron(Author)
Potomac Books Inc (Publisher)
Published on 1. April 2019
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-64012-102-7 (ISBN)
Description
During World War II many escape-line organizations contributed to the Allied cause by funneling hundreds of servicemen trapped behind enemy lines out of occupied Europe. As the Germans tightened their noose around the escape lines and infiltrated them, the risk of discovery only grew for the servicemen who, in ever-increasing numbers, needed safe passage across the Pyrenees. In early 1944 two important escape-line organizations operated in Toulouse in southwestern France, handing over many fugitives to French passeur Jean-Louis Bazerque ("Charbonnier"). Along with several of his successful missions, Charbonnier's only failure as a passeur is recounted in gripping detail in So Close to Freedom.
This riveting story recounts how Charbonnier tried to guide a large group of fugitives-most of them downed Allied airmen, along with a French priest, two doctors, a Belgian Olympic skater, and others-to freedom across the Pyrenees. Tragically, they were discovered by German mountain troopers just shy of the Spanish border. Jean-Luc E. Cartron offers the first detailed account of what happened, showing how Charbonnier operated, his ties with "the FranCoise" (previously "Pat O'Leary") escape-line organization, and how the group was betrayed and by whom. So Close to Freedom sheds light not only on the complex and precarious work of escape lines but also on the concrete, nerve-racking experiences of the airmen and those helping them. It shows the desperation of all those seeking passage to Spain, the myriad dangers they faced, and the lengths they would go to in order to survive.
This riveting story recounts how Charbonnier tried to guide a large group of fugitives-most of them downed Allied airmen, along with a French priest, two doctors, a Belgian Olympic skater, and others-to freedom across the Pyrenees. Tragically, they were discovered by German mountain troopers just shy of the Spanish border. Jean-Luc E. Cartron offers the first detailed account of what happened, showing how Charbonnier operated, his ties with "the FranCoise" (previously "Pat O'Leary") escape-line organization, and how the group was betrayed and by whom. So Close to Freedom sheds light not only on the complex and precarious work of escape lines but also on the concrete, nerve-racking experiences of the airmen and those helping them. It shows the desperation of all those seeking passage to Spain, the myriad dangers they faced, and the lengths they would go to in order to survive.
Reviews / Votes
"Hundreds of Allied evaders achieved freedom thanks to the selfless dedication, courage, and sacrifice-often at mortal cost-of those who put together and managed all that was needed. This is the basis for Jean-Luc Cartron's impeccably researched book. It deserves to take its place among the finest historical accounts of that tragic time."-Evelyn Le Chene, author of Silent Heroes: The Bravery and Devotion of Animals in WarMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Dulles
United States
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
27 figures, index
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 244 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64012-102-7 (9781640121027)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2019
Potomac Books Inc
€31.99
Available for download

E-Book
04/2019
Potomac Books Inc
€33.49
Available for download
Person
Jean-Luc E. Cartron is an adjunct research assistant professor of biology at the University of New Mexico. He is the editor or coauthor of several books, including a biography of his grandfather, a prominent member of the Resistance in western France during World War II.
Content
List of Illustrations
Foreword by Roger Stanton
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author's Note
List of Abbreviations
1. A Perilous Hide-and-Seek
2. For King and Country
3. The Route Past Luchon
4. On the Run
5. Too Many
6. April Attempt
7. Hero or Villain?
8. Aftermath of a Betrayal
9. Maddy De Deken
10. The Woodcutter
11. Escapes and Hardships
12. The Road Blockade
13. Separate Fates
Appendix 1: Allied Evaders, Escapers, Resistance Fighters, and Engelandvaarders Who Attempted to Cross the Pyrenees into Spain, April 19-22, 1944
Appendix 2: The Escape Line Organizations
Appendix 3: Known Prisoners Who Escaped from the Train Bound for Neuengamme, June 5, 1944
Appendix 4: The Arrest and Deportation of Jacqueline Houry
Appendix 5: Evaders Helped by ""Francoise"" Organization in 1944 in Toulouse and Surrounding Area
Timeline of Key Events, 1944
Glossary
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
Foreword by Roger Stanton
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author's Note
List of Abbreviations
1. A Perilous Hide-and-Seek
2. For King and Country
3. The Route Past Luchon
4. On the Run
5. Too Many
6. April Attempt
7. Hero or Villain?
8. Aftermath of a Betrayal
9. Maddy De Deken
10. The Woodcutter
11. Escapes and Hardships
12. The Road Blockade
13. Separate Fates
Appendix 1: Allied Evaders, Escapers, Resistance Fighters, and Engelandvaarders Who Attempted to Cross the Pyrenees into Spain, April 19-22, 1944
Appendix 2: The Escape Line Organizations
Appendix 3: Known Prisoners Who Escaped from the Train Bound for Neuengamme, June 5, 1944
Appendix 4: The Arrest and Deportation of Jacqueline Houry
Appendix 5: Evaders Helped by ""Francoise"" Organization in 1944 in Toulouse and Surrounding Area
Timeline of Key Events, 1944
Glossary
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index