By John Smith • Published: 12 Nov 2020 • 16:29
A six-year-old boy, Marcel Pinte (code name Quinquin) was used as a courier by his father, head of the French Resistance in Aixe-sur-Vienne and now on Armistice Day 2020, his name has been added to the war memorial in the town near to Limoges.
According to Marc Pinte, 68, the grandson of Marcel’s father, he started out pretending it was a game but soon came to understand the importance of the work he was doing and then treated everything very seriously.
It appeared easy for him to wander past German patrols and check points with messages carried under his shirt but on the night of August 19, 1944 he accompanied his father to guide a large number of resistance fighters who had parachuted into the area in anticipation a major battle.
All were heavily armed and for some unknown reason, one of the group’s sten guns was accidentally discharged and Marcel was killed by what is now known as ‘friendly fire’.
He was buried two days later in ceremony attended by many freedom fighters and the tricolour flag of France was draped over his coffin.
When the RAF flew over the now liberated Limoges and dropped new supplies of weapons, the parachutes were made from black canvas in tribute to the brave Quinquin and although his death was an accident, he is officially considered to be a hero who died for France.
Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “France finally recognises its youngest ever war hero after 76 years”. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.
Euro Weekly News is delighted to continue be able to bring you a range of News from around Spain in English and Global News live as it happens.
Euro Weekly News doesn’t cost you anything but your internet connection. Whether it’s bringing you the local Spanish news or the International news today, we’ve got you covered!
Euro Weekly News, the leading free local and national newspaper in Spain, the people’s paper, we lead others follow!
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.