Summer 1939

Around mid-June 1939, I received notification from the Valenciennes recruitment office that I was to be called up for the reserves from July 23 to August 6. I had to report to the Infantry Mobilization Center Number 12 at the Joan of Arc Institute before 11 a.m.

Sunday, July 23, I met several friends from the surrounding villages at the Lourches train station. They were headed to the same place for the same reason. The train ride via Somain and Douai was uneventful and the train arrived on time. Registration was held in the school classrooms, called the Joan of Arc Institute, where the floor was covered with straw and a few blankets, and was a mess. After registering, the medical exam and getting outfitted, the days were busy with receiving equipment and supplies. Then we had to learn everything the officers wanted to teach us.

The 33^rd Infantry Regiment, which had been disbanded at the end of the First World War, has now been revived. We belong to the 3^rd battalion under Commander Vigreux, an active duty senior officer, 10^th Company, commanded by Reserve Captain Cornet.

Early on, we assembled to form the company, sections and groups. We were presented with the 33^rd IR flag and we marched through town to the war memorial. We presented arms. The officers laid a wreath at the memorial. The ceremony ended and we returned to quarters.

Friday, July 28, we left on the train for Valenciennes, where we were quartered at the Vincent barracks. Sunday, July 30, at around 10 a.m., there was a large parade made up of several units through the streets of the city. I didn’t mind that I was excused from the parade.

Tuesday, August 1, we went to Buridan the same way, that is, by train. In the meantime, exercises and maneuvers filled up the week.

Sunday, August 6, Commander Vigreux assembled us in the school courtyard to bid us farewell and thank us for our good conduct during this very uncertain time. His speech ended with the words, “I’m not saying goodbye, but farewell, because in light of the current situation I wouldn’t be surprised if we met again very soon.” Monday, August 8, we resumed civilian life, worried about the madman in Nuremberg.