When France fell to German occupation in June 1940, six weeks after the initial assault began, the balance of power in the Second World War drastically changed as the strategic assumptions of the Allies was thrown into disarray.
The Free French Army was set-up shortly after the capitulation of the French Government, under the leadership of General Charles de Gaulle. This force was a mixture of French soldiers who had escaped from German occupied France and its colonies, as well as French citizens who had fled the country.
A camp was situated on Old Dean Common from 1940 to 1944, known as Centre D’Instruction Old Dean, that acted as one of the bases of training for the Free French Army. The community in Camberley welcomed the Free French into the community, organising fund raising events, inviting soldiers into their homes, and looking after their possessions during D-Day and beyond. Some French soldiers settled in Surrey Heath after the War, with their descendants still living locally.
To commemorate this, two blue plaques have been unveiled today (Saturday 11th November) by the French Attaché from the French Embassy, marking the Free French forces camp that was situated on the Old Dean.
This historic event has been organised by Surrey Heath Museum in partnership with the local community and Councillors, with the plaques funded by the Surrey Councillor Community Fund and Le Souvenir Français UK.
The plaques have been placed on Beacon Church and Lorraine School, as both buildings stand where the camp once was. The name of the school comes directly from the name of the Lorraine Cross, the symbol of the Free French Army.
Cllr Trefor Hogg stated:
“I am extremely pleased that we have this opportunity to remember all those extraordinarily brave people who trained at the Centre D’Instruction Old Dean, taking up arms to continue the fight for Fraternity, Equality and Liberty in partnership with us, as France and the United Kingdom continue to work together in partnership today.”
Commenting, Cllr Shaun Garrett said:
"It was great to see the community coming together and dignitaries including the Deputy French Ambassador, Members of the French Airforce, Surrey Heath MP Michael Gove and many. After the event at The Beacon Church we went to Pine Ridge & Lorraine Infant Schools to unveil the second plague.
"Special thanks to Paddy and Oh Crumbs Bake's N Cake's for the great cake he made. Massive thanks to Gill from Surrey Heath Museum for being persistent after many hurdles along the way and pulling this great event together."
Cllr Lewis Mears said:
"What an absolutely fantastic day on the Old Dean! We had a brilliant turn out to the unveiling of the two blue plaques - celebrating the rich history of the Free French Forces who setup camp on Old Dean in the Second World War.
"We enjoyed speeches from a variety of guests, learning exactly why these blue plaques are to be celebrated.
"Thank you to all the French dignitaries that came along, the historians, our Camberley East team, the Surrey Heath Borough team that supported the event, Sarah at the Beacon Church, all the members of the public, and a huge thanks to Gill Riding - our fantastic heritage officer."
Pictured, the blue plaque unveiling event at the Old Dean
