René Lefebvre facts for kids
René Charles Joseph Marie Lefebvre (born February 23, 1879 – died March 4, 1944) was a French factory owner from Tourcoing. He was a very brave man who worked secretly for the French Resistance and British Intelligence during World War II. Because of this, he was arrested by the German Gestapo (their secret police) and sent to a harsh prison camp called Sonnenburg in what is now Poland. He sadly died there. René Lefebvre was also the father of a well-known French Catholic leader, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
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René Lefebvre's Life and Bravery
Early Life and Family
René Lefebvre was born in 1879 in Tourcoing, a town in northern France. His family was very religious, with many members serving the Church over the years, including cardinals, bishops, and priests. René himself was a deeply religious Catholic who took his children to Mass every day.
He had eight children. Two of his sons, including Marcel, became missionary priests. Three of his daughters joined different religious groups, and his other three children started their own large Catholic families.
A Brave Spy in Two Wars
René Lefebvre was also a strong supporter of the idea of having a king (a monarchist). More importantly, he was a true patriot. During World War I, when the German army took over Tourcoing, he secretly worked for British Intelligence. He helped gather information for the British.
Later, during World War II, when Nazi Germany occupied France again, René bravely continued his secret work. He helped smuggle soldiers and escaped prisoners to parts of France that were not occupied, and even to London, England. This was very dangerous work.
Arrest and Sacrifice
Because of his important work against the German occupation, René Lefebvre was arrested. On May 28, 1942, he was sentenced to death in Berlin. The charge was "complicity with the enemy," meaning he was helping those fighting against Germany. He was sent to KZ Sonnenburg, which was a former prison turned into a concentration camp. These camps were very harsh places where people who opposed the Nazis were held.
René Lefebvre suffered greatly in Sonnenburg and died there after about a year. His body was never found.
Honoring René Lefebvre's Legacy
On July 16, 1953, years after his death, the French government officially honored René Lefebvre. He was given the Médaille militaire, a special military medal, for his active and brave participation in the French Resistance. This medal recognized his courage and sacrifice for his country. René Lefebvre was married to Gabrielle Watine, who passed away in 1938.
