Letters from Maurice Rougier
of 25 and 27 August 1940
Letter of 25 August 1940Addressed from Bourg by Maurice Rougier to Suzanne Rougier (to Cancon)
"Sunday, August 25
My darling
As my telegram told you, I think I'll go to Nice either Friday or Saturday for the Family Council.
(This is the result of Fredy's death, which leaves his widow (second wedding) Madeleine, their two boys and especially Madette daughter of Fredy and his first wife Simone Batsale dead. Madeleine is disabled, which explains the need for a family council to decide her future guardianship). All this has asked or requested a fairly long preliminary agreement, Madeleine's letter to me, dated August 10, went to Pamiers and only joined me here two days ago, I had to get along with Jeanne Rougier who must go there as the mandate of Madette, I now await the final agreement of Madeleine to whom I have just telegraphed.
I think you're not gonna be unhappy with that, since you told me in your last letter that you'd rather delay your trip to travel with the American.
Louis (Louis Scola, his nephew, raised in St-Cyr) I've had him assigned to the Bourg regiment, he's fine, it's amazing that he's just being assigned here.
What did Mother decide?
(It's about whether she stays in a free zone or if she comes back to her house in Seals)The comrades I spoke to agree with her that she would better wait because she doesn't have to leave.
Louis is planning to go to Paris in early October to liquidate his entire house, sell the furniture and come back to the free zone.
The Germans are pretty nervous right now and the occupation is harder, maybe because their business in England (the landing project) Don't walk as they want, maybe the blow isn't played, the longer they're running, the harder it is because of the bad weather.
The school starts at Sept. 16th, and I'll go to the director on Monday.
All of you
your Mauritius
Letter of 27 August 1940Addressed from Bourg by Maurice Rougier to Suzanne Rougier (to Cancon)
"Bourg 27 August
My darling
I don't know who told you that we were travelling by cattle train, the trains in the free zone are like those of the old class, but see that you have the necessary identification, that's the only thing you're asked for, the age of the children being carried there. ...??... , but take a family ticket that will give a 3/4 discount for Claude.
I'm leaving the director's office, Miss L'Hôpital, and it's very likely that our offices will stay in the girls' high school, which will then be in boys' high school, and the classes will be split this year, on the girls' side and on the boys' side. I have them registered for the 6th A Latin English.
- birth certificate if possible
- medical certificate
- vaccination certificate
- school certificate indicating the skills and conduct, to be issued by their mistress of Cancon.
Nothing new for the accommodation, you have never answered my proposals to rent something empty, you will see when arriving, but it will not be too late: one apartment of 5 rooms and one of 4 just left behind. They also count the kitchen in the number of rooms. There is one 3 free in a new house on the 3rd floor, another of 5 with terrace but too close to the iron chemein track, trains must prevent sleeping.
Madeleine telegraphed me from Nice that the date of the council should be fixed by the court, perhaps it will be Friday or Saturday, she has to telegraph me about it. In any case do not change anything when you arrive next week, it is time for you to come, for the hotel I have not yet decided. I thought, if you were not to stay there long, take the Terminus more expensive, but where there is this large garden (42 to 45f a day)
I kiss you tenderly.
The American husband won't stay in Valencia, but he'll go to Lyon. ...???...
your Mauritius
