Jade-Fitzroy network facts for kids

The Jade-Fitzroy network was a secret group during World War II. It was part of the French Resistance, which fought against Nazi Germany when they occupied France. This network was started by Claude Lamirault and helped by Pierre Hentic. It was also guided by the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). The Jade-Fitzroy network was active from 1941 to 1944.

History of the Jade-Fitzroy Network

How the Network Started

During World War II, France was taken over by Nazi Germany. Claude Lamirault was a young man who was very unhappy about this. He wanted to help fight back. So, he left France and traveled to England. He went with his friends Eugène Pérot and Pierre Giran.

In London, Claude met people from the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). The SIS is a spy agency. Claude learned how to send secret messages and how to parachute. In January 1941, he parachuted back into France, landing in a place called Bracieux. His mission was to start a spy network.

Soon, Pierre Hentic joined Claude. Pierre was also a trained soldier. Claude's wife, Denise, and some of her family also joined the group. Other former soldiers helped too. The network was named Jade-Fitzroy. The "Jade" part came from the precious stone jade. The "Fitzroy" part was linked to a youth group Claude had been part of.

Working with Another Network

At first, the Jade-Fitzroy network mostly worked in the northern part of France. This was above the demarcation line, which divided France. Later, Jade-Fitzroy joined forces with another British spy network called Jade-Amicol. This other network was led by Claude Arnould and Philip Keun. They mostly worked in the southern part of France.

Pierre Hentic was very important for both networks. He helped arrange secret flights and boat trips between France and England. These trips were used to bring agents and important information. Small planes called Westland Lysanders were often used. Sometimes, boats were rowed ashore from Royal Navy ships.

The British SIS wanted the networks to work together. This was to share information better. However, there were some problems. Claude Lamirault was sometimes careless with security. For example, he wore a monocle and smoked British cigarettes, which drew attention. Some people were suspicious of him.

Network Problems and Arrests

Because of security mistakes, some radio operators were arrested by the Gestapo. The Gestapo was the secret police of Nazi Germany. Paul Fuchs and Gilberte Champion were among those arrested. After these arrests, the Jade-Fitzroy and Jade-Amicol networks separated in June 1943.

By early 1943, the main center for the French Resistance had moved to Lyon. This city was better for new groups to join. Claude Lamirault still had contacts in Annecy. This area was useful because it was close to Switzerland. The network gathered information on Nazi movements, aircraft production, and coastal defenses.

However, the network faced big challenges. Claude Lamirault was arrested in December 1943. His replacement, Paul Fortier, was arrested in January 1944. Pierre Hentic was arrested in February 1944. All of them were sent to Dachau, a Nazi prison camp. Denise Lamirault took over the network, but she was also arrested in April 1944. These arrests greatly weakened the network. The British SIS stopped working with the remaining Jade-Fitzroy agents.

The End of the Network

From July 1944, the Allies were invading France. What was left of the Jade-Fitzroy network was renamed 'Panta'. It became part of the Bureau central de renseignements et d'action. This was an early version of France's current intelligence service.

Claude Lamirault, Paul Fortier, and Pierre Hentic were freed from Dachau in 1945. Sadly, Claude Lamirault died in a car crash in Orléans on May 27, 1945. His wife and son survived. Pierre Hentic was given high ranks by both the British and French. He continued to serve in the French Army and passed away in 2004.