François Amoudruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
François Amoudruz
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François Amoudruz (2013)
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| Born | 7 September 1926 |
| Died | 21 July 2020 (aged 93) Schiltigheim, France
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| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Resistant |
François Amoudruz (born 7 September 1926 – died 21 July 2020) was a brave member of the French Resistance during World War II. He helped fight against the occupation of France.
Contents
Early Life and War Experience
François Amoudruz was born in Albertville, France, on 7 September 1926. His father worked for the government, and his mother was a teacher. He was the younger brother of Madeleine Rebérioux. In 1934, his family moved to Auvergne.
François was involved in Scouting in Clermont-Ferrand. This helped him learn important skills and values.
Captured by the Gestapo
In 1943, when François was just 17, he was studying law in Clermont-Ferrand. On 25 November 1943, the Gestapo raided his school. The Gestapo was the secret police of Nazi Germany. They arrested many people, and François was taken as a hostage.
He was first held in a camp called Royallieu-Compiègne internment camp in December 1943. This was a place where people were kept against their will.
Life in Concentration Camps
In January 1944, François was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp. Later, in February 1944, he was moved to the Flossenbürg concentration camp. These camps were terrible places where people were treated very cruelly.
At Flossenbürg, François was forced to work in a special group. He had to help make parts for Messerschmitt aircraft. This was very hard and dangerous work.
Escape and Freedom
In April 1945, the war was ending. The prisoners were forced on long, brutal marches called "death marches." During one of these marches, François managed to escape.
However, he was soon captured again and sent back to the camp. Luckily, he was freed by the Allied Forces on Victory in Europe Day. This day, 8 May 1945, marked the end of the war in Europe. François returned home to France on 24 May 1945.
After the War
After the war, François went back to his studies. He finished his law degree in Strasbourg in 1947. He then worked as a lawyer and later for the public prosecutor's office in Strasbourg.
Remembering the Past
From 1950 onwards, François dedicated his life to making sure people remembered the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a terrible time when millions of people were killed by the Nazis.
He gave many talks in schools and universities. He wanted to teach young people about what happened. He hoped that by remembering the past, such horrors would never happen again.
François was also a leader in several important groups. He was Deputy President of the Fédération nationale des déportés et internés résistants et patriotes until 2013. He was also Vice-President of the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Déportation. These groups work to remember those who suffered during the war.
François Amoudruz passed away on 21 July 2020, at the age of 93.
Awards and Honors
François Amoudruz received several important awards for his bravery and service:
- Political deportation and internment medal
- Resistance Medal (1947)
- Commander of the Legion of Honour (2016)
