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Nany to Jean and GermaineHausermann in May 1940
Vierville - Tuesday, May 8, 1940 –
........ While I am writing to you (it is 10am, I am in bed) the bell of poor Piprel who was killed in car last Friday; I was reading your letter my Jean with the details of your friend Lantier's accident, when Jeanne came to warn that Piprel returning from Formigny where he had been driven his son to the bus had just killed himself by meeting with a truck coming from Port, at the crossroads of the Post Office. He survived for a few minutes this terrible accident, while seeking his wife. He succumbed to a heart attack, because he was not injured dangerously. And here is a family in desolation, the brave mother Piprel is unable to finish raising her sons, one of whom will leave immediately to the armies, and the other is still in high school. The Casino is still mobilized and gives asylum to some thirty little Parisians and their teachers. Morality, many, much caution, my Jean, admitting that we are careful, we meet many crazy people on the roads, never hesitate to wait 1 or 2 ‘ at the crossroads after having simply horned.
Georges does not send any sensational news, Jean is still in MB and must meet his wife in Paris today, he is called there as I told you every week. And since there is nothing less secure for him to come to see his family during the 2 days of Pentecost, Simon went to spend a few days with him.
We don't expect our corporal at that point either, he writes this week that he had to watch "like a mother" after his bruises that had been snatched against the typhoid and were to lie down 24 hours and fast (except an orange). I see here our Phil in this job. He also writes that he stomps to train his soldiers, I am very happy to see him so much for his work.
Good news of Coutances where boys work well, the grades are good and it gives hope. I don't think I have anyone from my colony to Pentecost and that's a shame because i has a great time and there are 4 days off, but boys want to take advantage of it to re-write their programs and mothers will stay so as not to make them regret this missed vacation. I must have them every 3 days before the exams to allow them to shake up the numbers and equations they will be saturated with.
I will see the sisters and the 2 little ones on Thursday to taste it, not even for lunch! The girl will be able to give her a hearty taste to pick up a bunch of flowers, the wood is beautiful at this moment. I'm very happy to take a look around it by leaning on my 3nd I was punished by what I sinned, and I was quite criticized for this British look! I felt stronger, despite everything, my little Doctors were supporting this failing heart and my faith began (without suffering) to make some variations of menus that are so enchanting; at times I had enough of these roasted and red meats and the rest cooked with water!
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Nany in Germaine and Jean Hausermann in Rosario
Vierville - Tuesday - 14 May 1940 -
My darling children
Before you start writing I turned the button of my TSF which for the past few days gives us the bulletin of operations, Every hourIt's to tell you if we're worried about the news from East and North and how much we think of those who fight there. Your brothers have the first place in it, my little Maine, who must be in the middle of a fight because they are fighting from the North Sea to Switzerland.
The little Georges Victoire who was with the tanks on the Belgian border had to enter Belgium too; all our permissionaries left behind leaving courageous women but in tears and since last night we see small refugees from the North and even from Paris who are being installed in the houses already requisitioned. The Sub-Préfet warned Dubois that we will probably send a hundred other refugees (families) and inform where to put them, I need to tell you that I have offered everything I have available in the old house. We'll be in the west corner, but I'll keep my big room, but the Chedal and Brigitte rooms, the two-room room.nd, the bishop's room can be occupied. I have already thought of having a kitchen installed in the laundry room by putting there the small stove of the kitchen, the pool room serving as a common room, with beds one can make a living room where the fruit tree is only located! (and there is only one), my Coutançais took away 6 Beds with mattresses and blankets, toilet tables and other seats that are missing in the home. They have to bring all this back at the end of June, but we're not there yet! Anyway, we'll have to arrange for the unfortunate ones who will still be driven out of their home.
The invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium was like a lightning strike; certainly we could expect everything with the raged dogs from the East, but we could still hope that they would keep their promises, it seems nothing and we are following the progress of these hordes that remind the Huns. Naturally they dropped bombs on our big cities, Lyon, Nancy were particularly targeted147 dead 376; Longwy this morning, near the Luxembourg border, is surrounded (poor Beaujon).
I also thought of the Collards who must be unable to go far, whom they send me at least my old Tantine... All this in a splendid, clear, sunny time at wish; one cannot believe in this beautiful peace and this lush countryside, that I have rarely seen as rich, that one fights, intersperses, weeps and suffers! It must have been a very sad separation that Henry has with all yours!
We pray for them, for France, our parish priest organized every evening after leaving school the prayer of the children.
Yesterday I gave up to the mayor who was with a single plug to go to Bayeux our old Pépita which will help him well in all races – for 1500F – it is not expensive but on the other hand I was not going to do what is called a case in this occasion. It is not possible to imagine what the administration of a commune – even small as ours – can demand in these times; The teacher who serves as secretary is on his teeth, and the assistant Piprel who lends himself and his car to everything that was needed, having disappeared (he and his car in crumbs) cannot be replaced, the elections cannot be done in France in time of war. So it is a question of helping and I offered myself to serve Secretary to the Secretary I am sorry that my activity is stopped and that I cannot help in a more effective way!
As I told you, I didn't have my Coutançais at Pentecost and I regret it very much, because it would have done them all good. The peace of our campaign is working on the nerves and your sisters have enough to feel theirs. I may see them tomorrow to taste it. I don't know if I will have the two big boys, 2 or 3 days before the examination of the X that takes place next week in Coutances, as for Centrale, it will take place in Le Mans, Paris being undesirable by these times of alert (there are several by 24 hours). Simon is preparing to drive them there by car, it would allow her to see her husband, j'insiste so that she takes Suzon, it would change her ideas a little bit, the poor girl always has good news of Georges but we must expect that the communications will otherwise be completely disturbed. L-Italy is very suspicious at this moment; and I wonder what your parents will decide; it can certainly not be expected that Marg. will join her husband, nor that Paulette will settle in Moussy ( ??) For 3 months, it is not time to get closer to the devil's mouth. We live in a very troubled time! So I saw your sisters and the two little ones that Madame Cordelle was accompanying on Thursday to taste only, they wished me 66 years (happy age!) and I was able to kiss my little Yves to whom I offered a trapeze that we will hang where you know; but it is a pity that the 2 comrades are not there, including the dent ( ???) who will otherwise receive new pieces at least the candy used; but did he put his tooth for a night under his cross? ?? I still see the posterior of the Phil (for we could only see that!) waving to discover the bounty of this blessed day in his bed. ( ???) Good news of the Phil who hardly expects permission. It's been five months since the poor kid got away.
I wrote to Georges who affectionately telegraphed it for May 10 to try to come during the permission (síhe has one!) of his elder. He would not have stolen it either and I cannot believe that he would be refused it, especially since Sagne is now on foot.
I had good news of my Phil who is still in Poissy; I also wrote to ( ??? Truss ??Bousquet ??) to ask her about Holland, she has none and is very naturally worried; where is the time when she declared herself international. (Bousquet)is mobilized and waiting to leave in Holland; they must not be many who cause the tongue! His wife waits for a baby at the end of the year, and bears very badly these first months of pregnancy. They are delighted with this new little one.
B. had to go back to Tunisia and Yo's husband who had just arrived on leave had to leave after 48 hours to return to his post very close to the Maginot line. Poor Yo is as sorry. What a distress, my good children for all! I will write again at the Blue Villa to know what it becomes and get news from the soldiers.
We would like to have a letter every day. Jean C. sees one of his factories finished; in one of them has to be completed.ir June loading the first shell, if it could only screw up one of the band to Hitler! We were advised by TSF not to approach a bomb unexploded, there is time for several hours; to report any suspicious or unknown character; the Boches use a lot of their paratroopers to sow spies everywhere. I would like him to drop one on the lawn, I do not think he would arrive in good condition in the hands of the gendarmes. They also have posters on the telegraph poles whose backwards is filled with notes for them; They were asked to destroy them, and they had already used this with the posters of Liebigen 1914.
Yesterday, when I wanted to call Trevières, I was interrupted by the office "phone interrupted, alerted", on Cherbourg probably. Our great port must be watched by these ... pigs. As I was looking to have the communication of Radio Paris yesterday I had the surprise to hear some Thorez, advise not to fight against the Boches, that they would protect us, etc. The communication continued in boche. Several times they were able to capture the wavelengths of our posts and we are thus deprived of real news. They are bandits who use every means to do harm. How will we get rid of this race, because all the leaders and valets are no better. I hate them, my John, and you have to tell your two little ones.
Wednesday (15 May)
The TSF this morning tells us that Holland has dropped....We should not expect a heroic defense from an unarmed country, but it is still regrettable for us, the little resistance they brought to support the heroic Belgian soldiers and ours who seem to be fighting as lions.
I saw the brave Maillet and Laronche who were leaving...ir married and father of family, is in a artillery regiment that depends on thendYesterday I learned with surprise that the queen mother of Belgium is a refugee not far from here with her 3 little children in a small castle that you know well between Mosles and Bayeux; the villas of St. Lawrence rent to people from the Court arriving with some trunks.
The cars are starting to pass loaded with suitcases, we even see whole buses coming from Paris or further away, and the war is unfortunately continuing!
Your President's speech is pleasant to hear "neutrality," he says, does not mean insensitivity" and he wants to protest this ( ???) last. Roosevelt who still thinks he's the great referee will perhaps put his word, just so that the South Americans don't speak alone.Bravo for the Argentinians and God protect us!
I'm taking your last letter, Jean, and I understand the G.H. mutation. (Gilbert Hersent?) And I am glad for you that your communication is being taken up more easily. I will send your letter to Jean C. that she will be very interested. The White is below everything, and I would like the young people to understand the inutility of these old birbes! As for the GTM if the White had informed it is likely that this one would not have abused by its director of his situation. I am really glad that you could finally communicate with G.H. Could you bring him to know about this? The cross he put on the dear Yo shows that he is wearing you affection. I will write to Mrs. J.H. (Jean Hersent) To express my gratitude to him, it will surely be passed on to whom. You did nicely to buy some memories of the (Forbue ??) and I very much understand the grief of all to see this old family house go away so sadly; the case has unfortunately been found here frequently. strength If you don't, others will take it.
So I have to see my Coutançais to taste it this afternoon, and it, it will pour out while we had a radiant time for a few days, I spent all my afternoon in the vegetable garden with my work, but it will grow our vegetables, we will need it, life increases day by day, and I never saw a 3F cabbage pay in this country where it grows like dog.
I had Mrs. Moncek's visit. ( ?) The wife of the secretary of the legation of Czechoslovakia, who brought a box of 15 pretty prints and engravings from her husband (1ir The good people are always grateful for the attention I had for them this winter. She told me many things that were a pity about the invasion of her country; one of her sons who was 12 years old and who had taken her to be operated by her brother-in-law, who was barely convalescent when they were taken by the Boches; she and her husband were threatened. Gallows If they're caught there, they're charming.
I'm saving my life, I'm not gonna end it, my darling children to unload my heavy heart.
Your old Nany.
(PS)We're gonna have to put down the new fence this week. I wonder why I'm doing all this. Old Nany's courage goes!
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Nany in Germaine and Jean Hausermann in Rosario
Vierville21 May 1940 - Tuesday
My John, I received your usual letter yesterday morning; I was anxious to read you and to hear from you. It always brings comfort and we need it in these days of anxiety and worry, that, I know, you live intensely too. For two days above all a car parade continues on our roads, carrying people who flee. Yesterday evening I gave shelter to one of the d'elle whose owner was in trouble on the road to Grandcamp with 2 other cars. They arrived from the North, d'Avesnes, the poor people and the brief account of this Mr. gave a very terrible idea of what was going on.
Our troops, who were very well armed, had first given up their confidence, then they had retired and, above all, they had a great aircraft attack that did not respect anything. Before arriving here, this family had gone to the Tréport where they hoped to find something to rent, but the bosom planes bombed without mercy, especially a large English hospital that was installed there, and they took the road back to get here.
I wrote to your sister No, from the 1stir
day, my little Maine, offering her the gîte for all the nest that probably had to be thought of ( ???)
evacuate even before the great rush. I don't have an answer, but whatever it is they will be welcome if they arrive.
Robert Collard says that if they come here, we have to help each other.
I have confidence that the pocket created in the north of Sedan and St Quentin will be able to close with energy and valour; but it bleeds our hearts to think at what price! And we pray, we pray; it is not possible that God did not pity us, from France. You had to follow in your newspapers the change that occurred in the Ht Commandment. (Gaylin's clutter, call Weygand). Without wishing to be a referee, it is permissible to wonder how we have been allowed to sink in this way. Whether Holland has dropped after 2 days, it has not surprised anyone, they are not soldiers, and the 3/4 are or boaches or allies with boaches; Belgium has given and gives everything that it can, but the Maginot line which was said to be newly built from the Vosges in Calais? For 9 months our troops have been biting, inactive before our borders... we no longer know! but we have done well to resume a more energetic command and an ad hoc government! Mandel, a Jew! But what a will, has alreadyaccepted as Minister of Interior that he is since yesterday the incompetent Northern Prefects. (sic) We came back with their experience and their energy. want to have confidence but it does prevent us from spending very sad and anxious hours.
Meanwhile, this morning even Jean-Pierre and François approach the contest of the X. Poor children do so in sad conditions, they follow with emotion the tragic events that follow each other, it is not to assure them their full means. They have for 2j1/2 then I will see them arrive with Simon Friday until Monday. (28 May) They're leaving for Le Mans, where they'll be passing through Centrale. The few hours we spend in our beautiful, quiet countryside will do them good; it's hard to believe so much horror while we're so quiet here.
Of course, the whole village is full everywhere, and I have put the old house at the disposal of those who will need it. (Mary) I think I told you that I sold him Pépita, not without a few regrets, but we need all the vehicles right now.
The post works very badly, and the letters of the front do not arrive. On all sides I hear complaints from anxious parents. Poor Jeanne and Leon are without news of Georges for almost 15 days the same is true for allAnd that leaves hope for the unhappy parents.
I would like to hear from the blue villa. Also, my little Maine, and I understand all that you can suffer. I saw yesterday Leterrier whose two sons-in-law are at the front, the poor man, crushed with labor because we push our farmers to an intensive production and he leads his farm and his son-in-law, weeping with fatigue and worries in front of me. He really pityed me, and yet he was a very brave gunner in the war of 1914-1918.
Meanwhile I Emely the mason who repairs many of the evils (small and big) of this winter's jelly, and I put in the Brixard the fence that I told you about. I have trouble getting the necessary repairs done. I would need to feel closer to watching the old house.
All health is good, fortunately, there is no question of permission for anyone. Phil is poured into an "anti-parachutist" body, I cannot tell you what this consists of.
Jean Cordelle is waiting for 2,500 boaches as workers (this is already a nice figure).
George did not come back to his overseas front. However, he would have liked him to come, even if only eight days, near Suzon to see Phil before he left for the front.
Marcel (Hersent) I hope, but I'm not sure, that he is stirring the White who would need it. (Benezeth) on your transfer to Belgium let all of these poor beings see Believe I hope that the young bosses will remedy this after the war.
Your sisters courageously follow their task, they have been registered at the Coutances Town Hall where they expect several thousand refugees, to help these unfortunate people. Phil saw whole trains of these poor people with children, mothers with hasty and tired faces, crying little ones, all in the midst of incredible packages, because those we see here with their cars are still privileged.
I received a nice blue box from little Bernard, excellent dredging that I tasted and made taste with sparingness so that there would be some for my boys and Coutances. Thank you my good children for thinking about us, tell the charming godfather too. I am almost ashamed of being so spoiled by these times of rationing.
The protest of Uruguay and the South American republics has been a good one, it is also a comfort for those who are in their right. It is likely that Roosevelt who is treating his re-election and who is accustomed to imposing his authority on the whole new world will keep a small self-esteem wound from being let away by this little republic of Uruguay, but I also read with pleasure that the Argentinians also lean on the chanterelle and that the boaches are vilipended by you. They will never be enough. We also believed that Italy would find its former ally.Our Pope was not afraid to give his opinion frankly, and we seem to be standing still on this side. Provided that it lasts. Did you read that Mussolini, demanded from the window of his palace and asked to be heard answered some words "You will have to get used to not hearing my speeches anymore" ... No way!!What do the Tonazzi say about all this?
Wednesday morning
And the days pass my dear ones, more distressing than ever. Yesterday evening we learned by a short speech by Fr. Reynaud in the Senate that Amiens, Arras were occupied "The homeland is in danger" s`s writing in a beautiful and short speech and he also gave a brief account of what happened – a breach made at the hinge of the True Maginot line between Montmédy and Sedan; bridges on the Meuse forgotten The failure of a leader to be cut off and let the boaches pass with their heavy guns and tanks, the course of the undefended Meuse because considered dangerous?And Reynaud to claim heavy sanctions as were the unforgivable mistakes of some chiefs.We don't hear any more about Gamelin, I wonder if he is not in the prison of Cherche-Midi.
I was terrified last night looking at the map to see all these bullies already occupy in our dear private country as well as some of its best factories.
Suzon phoned me that a word put by Phil (with a stamp which proved that he had to have him put by a civilian) said that he was going to dig trenches there. (we think we will have to fix it!) His letter was apparently full of zeal, he told his mother not to worry if he could not write, that he was leaving with a handful of brave and cheerful sappers... that he would soon come back to Poissy to take his permission!!...Dear little man, as the heart bleeds me to know in this fight, and as I complain to the parents, Suzon especially.
Reims must be evacuated in part, the TSF warning the residents to report to the town halls of their asylum places. Your sister will not have had time to receive my offer, that's for sure. I will write to Toulon to know if they are there.
Our village is full of refugees, especially people from the North who were able to rent houses, empty or furnished villas. It is quite obvious that those who arrived in this way still had some means in their pockets, the most to complain about are the workers, the peasants evacuated by trains that they often had to go to find far away, the parade of these unfortunate ones repeated what was seen in 1914. Phil wrote to us that he saw passing whole trains of these unfortunate ones that were pitying.
I saw our mayor who spent his time running, he bought (order of the prefecture) bedding, household utensils, dishes, tables and chairs that are distributed. I regret that my health does not allow me to be more active and to go to help with the installation of all these families. There are many children that our brave teachers have welcomed and that they put me where! At 4h1/2 evening all this little world goes to church accompanied by good mother Campserveux who helps them to say a rosary for France.
When I think I can't even go there. I'm better, but the walk is very tiring and the Doctoress naturally advised me to refrain from doing too much. I can only go to the cemetery when your sisters are here, and I can only think of going to the mass that says at 9 am on Sunday morning, I who rises at 11 am!! Poor carcase mine!
I take your good letter, Jean, how grateful your old mother is not to neglect her in the midst of all your work that proves important. What a joy you didn't turn into Brussels; and that Bénéz. (Benezeth), So, I think it's a big deal.
I'm glad you received all the shipments. Do you have the Match (since 1-4). The book for your party is Provence. What will I offer you, my little Maine, for yours?
Since yesterday planes Many We're going to the sea, why?
♪ Tender kisses my four darlings, your Nany ♪
(PS) -A phone call from Simon tells me Phil's in Meaux.
- Jeanne just showed me a letter from her son written in the middle of the battle, he says that war is terrible.
- Do you want to keep the matte in mind?1/51/6
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Simone in Germaine and Jean Hausermann in Rosario
29 May 1940 Le Mans
My old Tony, my little Maine.
I've been writing to you for a few weeks, but we have a busy life full of all kinds of concerns, and then I know you've heard from us by Nany.
It is mainly because of this that I am writing to reassure you today, my dear Totoni on her in case the events worsen on our side. Quite frankly, I do not believe it, and my Jean is also convinced that the front is pretty stable too, but we must predict everything, he said, so as not to be caught up in the way, we saw what was the congestion of the roads when the exodus was made at the last moment! Once again, trust remains complete in France, all have an admirable morale, each works double and with a smile, our country is truly beautiful and one can be proud of being French.
The hard thing is to decide Mom to leave Vierville, you understand. We don't want to leave her behind us. It's done now, and it's understood that if the boaches move too far, let them pass the Seine for example, which is also a famous obstacle, one of us will go after Mom to bring her to Coutances, and we will all go south-west. We have cars, gasoline and money, so we are still among the privileged. In case we can't get to Vierville, we'll alert Nadler. ( ?) I'd be the easiest way to get there if Nany had to house three senior officers who would probably give her a pass.
I went to Vierville yesterday to get the two taupins. (Jean-Pierre and François) The main thing is that the school is not a place where people can get their hands on the road. It is difficult to get them to Le Mans, where they will take the exam at Centrale. A famous complication this school could have done like the others and put the written in each preparation centre. The roads are still crowded with large carts of refugees, lamentable caravans and which hold our hearts. We are stopped every moment by the gendarmes. Le Mans is a forbidden city, it took special papers, it's full of English. Finally, it's not easy. Let's hope that success will reward our efforts. They're not too unhappy with the examination of l'X. Veremos.
So I saw our Nany yesterday, which is not bad, but could It is an extreme nervousness, pessimistic at all possible, every event (and yesterday's one, the betrayal of the Belgian king is not thin) each event puts it in a terrible state, against which one has difficulty fighting, for it gets angry as soon as one is upset. Because a General has been unable, all are good for nothing, she has no confidence or hope, and yet I assure you that we surround her with our best.
Suzon is with her right now to help her, my mother-in-law keeps the kids who stay at Coutances with Clementine. You must know that Tantine, Claudine and her baby have arrived in Vierville, which has put Mom out of her mind. They are obvious that they could have gone elsewhere, but Mom came to write to Robert that she was at his disposal for him and hers; you understand that he didn't let the occasion escape! Finally it's for a short time, fortunately, and Suzon will stay for a few days.
I can't believe we're not Never We could decide to let one of us settle down with her! So that she doesn't start a winter so alone, we were planning for next winter, but it's not convenient, we can't decide anything... we'll see, I don't know what I'm doing, she answers us. But we can't wait until October to decide, and that's hopeless. Finally, for now, there's nothing more to be done than waiting, without leaving our little houses in Coutances, the cities of the province are crowded and we'll probably still be happy to stay where we are. We will then try to organize ourselves better, separating ourselves, too large a house would tire Nany, but we will have to decide to come...
Try to do something in your letters, old Tony, without saying what I'm saying, cheers her up, and tell her you're counting on her to follow us next year, even if she has officers in the house, what can it do? We'd like to see this dear, quieter and happier mom. The Doctor finds her much better, but I feel like she's listening a lot, she forced her out of the garden every day and that's a lot to do to our Nany who has become very fearful for her health, not for any reason. But morale is a great thing for her, and your letters from every week are a joy to her, my dear Totoni, and little Maine would certainly be very happy if she wrote to her every once in a while, but she is very lonely in Vierville despite all our efforts.
Finally, she is delighted to have to house soldiers and I understand that everyone wants to do something for France. But we had to calm down a little yesterday! Suzon had spent his day the day before to arrange 3 bedrooms, it was necessary that the blankets be matched with the covers and the color of the room, empty all the cabinets... and the poor must only have a small canteen! She also wanted to house the ordinances in the rooms of good men, I persuaded her that they would be as happy in the hay with their comrades, to have the garage cleaned for the officers' cars, what I know again. You will not be surprised after that if she is tired, just to think about all these details!
Here's a lot of it on our Nany, my dear Totoni, but it will give you a little idea of her nervousness, task of doing something in your letters, but above all don't say that I've talked about all this!
What are you going to do in this time, my dears? My thoughts will often come to you, that they are far off on happy days!
We are now living in anguish, and we are still privileged. Philip is still behind, and John works day and night at his factory, he had a thousand Spanish, and now has about as many refugees, minors, all very good labour, and everyone puts a blow to it.
We are now working for the refugees, the soldiers need less knitting in this season. I think Saturday, at the end of the contests, go to Montreuil-Bellay with the boys, I could see a little Jean, there is no longer for him either Sunday or permission. And on the return I go with Michel to Cherbourg for Navale... as for the oral ones, it will be Rennes for l'X, Angoulême for Centrale, Brest for Navale..
We were very happy with the birth of little Bernard Rousseau, I hope my little Maine,
We've never heard of it, but your mom must be busy. Where are Nono and all his friends? In the South, no doubt, because Reims is evacuated. And did Guitte go to Ajaccio? If you had a little time to take the pen thinking about your old sister, my little Maine, what joy would I have! You probably have a lot to tell me about the little ones, which I think are very often, the little ones.
My old Totoni, this is John's address, in case you don't know where to reach us: Lt Cordelle, 38nd Genius, detached from the Ministry of Armaments, Montreuil-Bellay, Maine-et-Loire. As it is not in the area, he can give his address to abroad. Very tender kisses, we three to you four
Your Sim
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