Gaston Vandermeerssche
Gaston Vandermeerssche | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 18, 1921 Ghent, Belgium |
| Died | November 1, 2010 (aged 89) Bayside, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Allegiance | Belgium |
| Unit | Belgian resistance |
| Conflicts | Second World War |
Gaston Vandermeerssche (August 18, 1921 – November 1, 2010) was a Belgian leader within the Dutch underground resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II.[1] Vandermeerssche's life in France during World War II became the basis for a 1988 novel by Allan Mayer, which was later adapted into the 1997 Belgian film, Gaston's War.[2]
Using the code name "Raymond", Vandermeerssche established an undercover smuggling line through the Pyrenees Mountains to deliver microfilmed intelligence from occupied Netherlands (Dienst Wim) and France to the Belgian military headquarters in London.[2]
Vandermeerssche emigrated to the United States and resided in Bayside, Wisconsin, where he died of natural causes on November 1, 2010, aged 89.[2] He was survived by his wife, Violette, three daughters and one son.[2]
References
- ^ "Gaston Vandermeerssche". The Daily Telegraph. London. November 19, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Rabideau Silvers, Amy (2010-11-04). "Gaston Vandermeerssche: WWII Dutch intelligence leader's story inspired book, film". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
External links
- Official document with signature of Eisenhower, addressed to Gaston Farochon for gallant service in assisting the escape of Allied soldiers