7 March 2026
Ceremony in honour of Christiane Cauvel
Le Mesnil-Saint-Firmin (Oise)
Copyright © 2026 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
En français 
On the initiative of Mr. Philippe Gheeraert, mayor of Le Mesnil-Saint-Firmin, a tribute was paid to honour the memory of Mrs. Christiane Cauvel.
Christiane Cauvel, born in November 1910 in Cauvigny (Oise), was a teacher at the village’s local school from 1933 to 1967.
Over the course of those years, she taught two successive generations of young children from Le Mesnil to read, write and count.
Unmarried and having subsequently settled in the Var, she passed away in February 2004 in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer at the age of 93.
Her actions during the war
During the Second World War, in collaboration with a few members of the Resistance, she agreed to shelter three Allied airmen in July 1944, despite the risks involved.
- 2nd Lt. Warren A. Thompson, an American pilot of a Douglas A-20 ‘Havoc’, who was shot down on 27 May 1944 at Caix (Somme) following a bombing mission on the railway facilities at Amiens.
- W/O Michael A. Bzowy, a Canadian gunner aboard a Halifax shot down during the night of 12–13 June 1944 over Pas-de-Calais during a mission targeting the railway facilities at Cambrai (Nord).
- Sgt. William S. Sharratt, British, bomb aimer aboard a Halifax shot down during the night of 22–23 June 1944 over the village of Quinquempoix during a mission targeting the railway site at Laon (Aisne).
2nd Lt. Warren Tompson Sgt. William Sharratt
These three airmen were taken in by various resistance groups. After a journey lasting several weeks that took them from village to village, all three were eventually brought together at La Borde castle, with the De Baynast family, and then entrusted to Christiane Cauvel, with whom they stayed for about a week.
On 15 July 1944, following a denunciation, the Germans raided the school and captured 2nd Lt. Warren Thompson and Sgt. William Sharratt. According to Christiane Cauvel’s written testimony, dated April 1946 and forwarded to the American authorities, W/O Michael Bzowy was no longer at her home that day.
‘Two were arrested at my home by the Germans on 15 July 1944 and deported to Germany. One, an American, returned home. I do not know what became of the other, an Englishman.’
The schoolteacher narrowly escaped arrest. At that moment, she had gone out to fetch supplies. Warned by the baker that the Germans were at her house, she managed to flee across the fields and hid in a shed on the plain.
On the day of the round-up, the young Joseph Gheeraert (father of the current mayor), who witnessed the events, alerted Edmond Geffroy, a member of the Resistance living in Chepoix. Edmond Geffroy came to the aid of Christiane Cauvel, who remained in hiding until the Liberation in early September.
2nd Lt. Warren Thompson and Sgt. William Sharratt were later transferred to Fresnes prison, in the Paris region. On 15 August 1944, along with more than 2,000 other prisoners, they were deported from Pantin to the Buchenwald concentration camp. They were among the 168 Allied airmen held in this camp until mid-October 1944. Following the intervention of Luftwaffe officers, the airmen were transferred to Stalag Luft III in Żagań, in eastern Germany (now in Poland). Faced with the advance of Soviet troops, the camp was evacuated at the end of January 1945. The prisoners were then sent to various other camps before finally being liberated by the US Army in May 1945.
Edmond Geffroy, arrested on 2 August 1944, was deported to Buchenwald camp on 17 August from Compiègne. In March 1946, he gave evidence in a letter addressed to the American authorities.
(Excerpt): ‘I feel it is my duty to draw your attention to the admirable and discreet conduct of Miss Christiane Cauvel, a schoolteacher in Le Mesnil-Saint-Firmin, Oise, during the German occupation. Having been denounced, she was forced to abandon everything and was severely robbed. On the day of the round-up, she had gone out to fetch supplies for her airmen. Two were arrested and sent to Buchenwald camp, where I saw them. I would be delighted if she were commended for her patriotism, her courage and her modesty.”
We do not know the circumstances of W/O Michael Bzowy’s capture, knowing only that he was sent to Stalag Luft VII in Silesia, then to Stalag IIIA in Luckenwalde, Brandenburg, until his release.
------------------------------------------
The ceremony on 7 March took place in front of the village hall, where a plaque was to be unveiled.
In front of a large audience, including Ms Nicole Cordier, a member of the Oise Departmental Council, mayors from neighbouring villages and former pupils, Mr Philippe Gheeraert recounted the life story of this courageous woman, who was also his schoolteacher after the war, sharing his memories of his school days.
Excerpt: “Why did we wait 81 and a half years to pay her the tribute she deserved?
Perhaps so that one of her pupils might become mayor of the village.
As a little boy, I was five years old; I was starting school for the first time. This remarkable woman had set her mind on teaching us to read, write and count. But what for?
I didn’t know she was such a great lady. I only found out at the end of my last year of elementary school when she retired. But today, on this special day, thanks to her, I have been able to write, read this speech and count… on your presence.
Speech by Mr Philippe Gheeraert
There are a few of his former pupils among us who will long remember those school years just a stone’s throw from here.
In the middle of the classroom stood a coal-burning stove, which bore the same name as the mayor and the roadmender: Godin. There was also a large blackboard with chalk, and a smaller one to the side ; that’s where we wre put on the naughty step.
Porcelain inkwells filled with purple ink.
There was no school on Thursday, and on Saturday afternoon, the older pupils had to clean the classroom.
And for left-handers, we had to write with our ‘good’ hand. ‘Miss, I hope to get a good mark today.’
But if we are gathered here this morning, it is for her acts of bravery during the Second World War.
Christiane Cauvel worked in conjunction with the Resistance. For several months, she had been hiding Allied airmen whose planes had been shot down in the region.
They came from the Château de La Borde and stayed for only a few days before being moved on to another location, and so on.
On 15 July 1944, as on other days, Christiane went to fetch supplies from the bakery. The Germans passed along Rue d’En-haut (a stroke of luck for her) and stopped in front of the school to arrest the three airmen present that day; one of them managed to escape.
Alfred, the baker, came out of his bakery to advise her against going back to school and to run away instead.
She made her way across fields and meadows, crawling as best she could, climbing over hedges and fences to hide in a shed on Chepoix Road, where she concealed herself and spent the night in a haystack.
The next morning, Joseph Gheeraert, as was his custom, went to feed the animals in that shed. The young lady emerged from her hiding place and asked him to inform Mr Geffroy, who lived in Chepoix, to come to her aid by fetching her discreetly; which he did immediately.
She had been denounced by a villager whose name I shall not mention.
For the record, Mademoiselle was 33 years old at the time of the events. On the same day, Mr Lucien Godin, the mayor, and his daughter Denise were taken to Amiens for questioning and then released the same day.
Mr Geffroy was arrested two weeks later and deported to Buchenwald.
In these difficult times, it is right to remind younger generations that there were people who, without bearing arms, helped to liberate France and its people from the yoke of the oppressor.”
Unveiling of the plaque by former pupils
Former pupils gathered in front of the plaque
Speech by a former pupil
Ms Nicole Cordier
The ASAA-Oise spoke of the fate that befell the airmen after their capture and also recalled the moving visits to the village by 2nd L. Warren Thompson and his family in November 2012 and by the descendants of Sgt. William Sharratt in June 2025.
To conclude the ceremony, a villager, accompanied by his guitar, performed “Love Is the Way.”
This tribute in memory of Christiane Cauvel concluded in the village hall with a drinks reception. An exhibition featuring old school photos and various documents relating to the rescue of the airmen was on display.
3 March 2026
Visit of Patrick O’Hara,
nephew of 2nd Lt. Francis J. Cummings.
Le Ployron (Oise)
Copyright © 2026 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
En français
After contacting the municipality of Le Ployron, Mr. Frédéric Poulard, a resident of Marseille, expressed a desire to visit the village accompanied by his American friend Patrick Francis O’Hara and his wife Vivian, coming from Orlando, Florida.
Patrick O’Hara is the nephew of 2nd Lt. Francis J. Cummings, a navigator aboard one of the two B-24 “Liberator” bombers who tragically lost his life on 18 March 1944, in a mid-air collision near the village.
Upon being asked, Mr. Régis Grévin, mayor of the village, took charge of organizing the reception for this American family in partnership with our Association.
Almost exactly 82 years to the day after that horrific day on 18 March 1944, the visit began at the village hall in Le Ployron, where the American family was welcomed by the mayor and by the Durieux family, whose father had rescued Sgt. Charles Payne, the sole survivor of that tragedy. A “Welcome” banner was displayed on the facade of the village hall, which was decked with American and French flags. An exhibition was presented by the ASAA-Oise. Patrick O’Hara and his wife, visibly moved, clearly did not expect such a warm welcome.
We then made our way to the cemetery, where a plaque erected after the war commemorates the airmen who were buried there.
One speech followed another, beginning with that of Mr. Frédéric Poulard.
Patrick O’Hara then took the floor, expressing his deep gratitude to the villagers who had cared for the airmen’s remains.
“I am here on behalf of the family of one of the lost airmen, 2nd Lt. Francis J. Cummings. He was my mother’s brother. I bear his name. I am here today to thank the citizens of Le Ployron, on behalf of my family and all the families of the fallen airmen, for the courage, respect, and compassion this village showed by providing a dignified Christian funeral for these 19 brave men and for having courageously guided the sole survivor, Sgt. Charles Payne, to safety. A big thank you ! God bless you and your families.”
Next came the speech by Mr. Régis Grévin, mayor of the village.
“...We are pleased to welcome you today to honor the memory of Lt. Francis Cummings. Patrick, you are the nephew of Lt. Francis Cummings and you have come especially from the United States for this moment of remembrance. Your presence among us is deeply moving. It gives a face, a family, and a story to this name.
It is therefore with a deep respect that I speak today to honor his memory and that of these young airmen… On 18 March 1944, the sky over our village was the scene of a terrible tragedy. Two bombers collided, shattering mid-air the destinies of nineteen airmen. We will never forget their names. Only one man, Sgt. Charles F. Payne, survived this chaos. Rescued by Mr. Marceau Durieux and a few other residents, he was hidden in the water tower of our village and later evacuated by the Resistance networks.
If we live in peace today, it is thanks to the courage of these men who never saw their loved ones again. We will forever be indebted to them. At the cost of their lives, they made it possible for us to live in freedom. For their sacrifice, for our freedom: Thank you.
…Our gathering shows that more than 80 years later, the memory remains alive. It also shows that the friendship between our two nations is still strong.
On behalf of the village, we express our deep gratitude to Francis Cummings and to all the soldiers who fell for France. We will not forget them. Thank you ».
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the airmen. Wreaths were laid one after another, followed by the American and French national anthems.
The visit continued at the church where the airmen’s funeral had been held. A statement by Roger Levasseur, a member of the village’s Resistance movement and an eyewitness to the events of 18 March 944, was read.
Next, we visited the two crash sites. Since both aircraft had crashed in the middle of fields, it was impossible to get very close to them that day due to plowing and the poor condition of the paths. However, our American friends were able to see the crash sites of the two bombers from a distance.
The entire audience was then invited back to villagey hall for a drink. Gifts were exchanged. As a souvenir of his visit, Patrick O’Hara, once again visibly moved, was presented with a few small pieces of his uncle’s bomber, which he will take back to the United States as a treasured keepsake.
Throughout this magnificent day of remembrance, Patrick O’Hara repeatedly thanked the villagers who, at the time, had given his uncle and his unfortunate crewmates a dignified burial. He also thanked the families (including the descendants of the Durieux family) who, despite the risk of reprisals, had taken Sgt. Charles Payne in to help him avoid arrest. After so many years, he was able to appreciate how much this small village keeps the memory alive of that terrible tragedy.
This day will remain in the memory of everyone present.
27 September 2025
Ceremony in memory of the crew of Short Stirling MkIII BK653
RAF 214 Squadron
Bonneuil-les-Eaux (Oise)
Copyright © 2025 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés - All rights reserved -
En français
On 27 September, on the initiative of the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde and the Hauts-de-France region, two memorial stones were unveiled in tribute to Royal Air Force bomber crews in the village of Bonneuil-les-Eaux.
The first ceremony took place near the crash site of the Short Stirling BK653, RAF 214 Squadron, shot down on the night of 16th to 17th April 1943.
In the presence of a large crowd, including local and regional authorities, flag bearers of patriotic Associations and the Bonneuil-les-Eaux brass band, Ms Nicole Cordier, departmental councillor and mayor of the village, began the tribute with a welcome speech, thanking those present for attending.
The memorial stone was then unveiled.
Our Association then recounted the history of this mission on the night of 16th to 17th April 1943 and the fate of each of the crew members. The names of the many courageous families from the surrounding towns and villages who helped the five escaped airmen by sheltering them and escorting them on their way to freedom were recalled.
This was followed by the laying of wreaths at the foot of the memorial, the sounding of the Last Post, a minute's silence and the Canadian, British and French national anthems.
Once the ceremony was over, all those present were invited to proceed to the site of the second commemoration to pay tribute to the crew of Lancaster ND681, RAF 214 Squadron, which crashed in March 1944.
27 September 2025
Ceremony in memory of the crew of Avro Lancaster ND 681,
RAF 100 Squadron
Bonneuil-les-Eaux (Oise)
Copyright © 2025 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
En français
After paying tribute to the crew of Short Stirling BK653, this second ceremony took place near the crash site of Lancaster ND681, shot down during the night of 15th to 16th March 1944.
The memorial stone was unveiled by elected officials and, as earlier in the day, our Association recounted the history of this night mission and the tragic fate of the seven crew members who lost their lives in this small village in northern Oise.
Wreaths were laid near the memorial. Then came the Last Post, a minute's silence followed by the Canadian, British and French national anthems.
The Bonneuil-les-Eaux brass band
The day of tribute continued in the courtyard of the town hall. Elected officials and authorities took turns speaking, each reminding the audience of the necessary duty of memory, emphasising the importance of passing this on to the younger generation so that we never forget these young airmen who, like so many others, had come from distant countries to fight, often sacrificing their lives, so that we could live in a free country.
Ms Nadège Lefèbvre, President of the Oise Departmental Council
Mr Arnaud Guiniou, Sub prefect
After the dignitaries thanked the representatives of the veterans, this magnificent day ended with a convivial drink.
13 September 2025
Ceremony in memory of the crew of B-17F # 42-30674 "Destiny's Tot"
95th Bomb. Group
336th Bomb. Squadron
8th Air Force
Campremy (Oise)
Copyright © 2025 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
En français
This ceremony was held near the crash site of Boeing B-17F # 42-30674 “Destiny's Tot” of the 95th Bomb. Group, to pay tribute to its crew.
This bomber was shot down on December 30, 1943, returning from a mission over Ludwigshafen, Germany, to bomb the chemical industries and port facilities.
The stele was unveiled by elected representatives of the Hauts-de-France Region, the Conseil Départemental de l'Oise and the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde.
The ceremony continued with a review of the events of the mission on December 30, 1943. The 10 crew members managed to evacuate the stricken aircraft before it crashed in a field near the village. All the crew survived. Seven managed to escape under cover of the Alsace escape network based in Oise, then Shelburn and also Burgundy escape lines. Seriously wounded, three were taken prisoner. The names of the many families in our region who gave assistance and shelter to the escaped airmen, at enormous risk, have been mentioned.
Although informed, the descendants of 2nd Lts Booher, Feingold and Tarkington were unable to make the trip from the USA to attend this commemoration in memory of their fathers. However, on the other side of the Atlantic, their thoughts were with us on this special day.
Wreaths were laid at the foot of the stele, followed by the American and French national anthems.
This magnificent day came to a close at the village hall in Campremy with a convivial drink. To conclude, elected representatives from the Département and the Région took turns to speak, reminding us of the importance of the duty of remembrance, of remembering the Allied airmen from distant countries who fought far from home, often at the price of the greatest sacrifice, so that we could live in a free country.
