On June 20, 1940, courageously and devotedly carrying out orders to halt the German advance at all costs, three Polish soldiers from the "Maczek" Brigade fell in the line of duty while attacking a reconnaissance column that was about to pass through the village of Luçay-le-Mâle.
Every year, the municipality commemorates these soldiers who came to the Berry region, and lost their lives there, to defend the cause of freedom.
This year, the "Friends of La Martinerie" (“Les Amis de La Martinerie”) attended the ceremony, bringing the departmental flag of the association representing Poles who fought alongside French troops during the 1914–1918 and 1939–1945 conflicts.
This flag was entrusted to the Friends of La Martinerie for preservation and display in the "Flag Room" by André and Irène Reignoux (née Pawelczyk); Irène’s father was the driving force behind the Polish veterans' association and served as its final standard-bearer.
The flag, which is in a very fragile state, was displayed alongside a showcase containing personal items belonging to the three soldiers, artifacts preserved by the municipality of Luçay-le-Mâle.
The article in La NR
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Photo credits: Philippe Guillot and Jean-Jacques Bérenguier
