French Forces in Greenock

Local Historian Vincent Gillen gives a talk on the French Naval Forces in Greenock during WW2. He gives details of sinking of the Maille Breze on 30th April 1940 and then goes on to tell the story of the Free French in the town

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My mother stepped out with a Free French serviceman during World War II (according to her he was a paratrooper). It was some kind of befriending scheme for the young men at the time, don't know how it was organised, maybe through the church or Glasgow University. According to her it was completely platonic - she was a good Catholic girl. I still have a copy of the photo he gave her - a studio portrait - and yes he was very handsome. My dad grew up in Greenock and was sent to Ireland to avoid the Blitz ( he was younger than my mum - zut alors!). His older brother served in the Army, I think in India. Thanks for this...I was born and brought up in England but always feel proud of that bit of history, especially when I see pictures of the Cross of Lorraine. X.