1. Battery-powered radio: The electrical current had been cut, and it was not possible to listen to the radio at the usual places.


2. Doors open and windows closed: Because of the frequent bombardments (by the English), at night windows were closed to prevent light from being visible from above. But, some doors were open to facillitate a rapid escape if bombs were dropped..


3. Bazouges: Village at the western entrance of Chateau Gontier on Craon road on which the Americans arrived: refer to the map of Chateau Gontier.


4. Mrs Belleville: Friend of Marguerite Gailliard


5. Carnot: map of Chateau Gontier.


6. Chateau Gontier: In the Mayenne prefecture. There was a population of 7,000 in 1944.


7. Chesnaie: Farm neighbouring Chateau Gontier, at Bazouges, where Marguerite acquired food rations. See the photo (taken in 1991), the small building in front of the house covering the well.


8. parcel: It was necessary to send food rations to JEAN-PIERRE’s parents in Paris.


9. FFI: Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur (French Internal Forces). The “maquis” (guerrillas) or French resistance.


10. Gandon: Property of the hotel-restaurant “du cerf” which was also the transport agency. See the map of Chateau Gontier and the photo (taken in 1942) of the courtyard with Jean-Pierre holding the reins of a horse.


11. Hotel de ville (place) : see the map of Chateau Gontier .


12. Jean-Pierre: Jean-Pierre Gailliard, aged 8 ½ in August, 1944, the grandson of Marguerite Gailliard who rewrote this narrative.


13. Laval: Capital of the Mayenne department (like a county), 30 km north of Chateau Gontier.


14. Le Mans: City 50 km from Chateau Gontier in the direction of Paris (see the regional map).


15. Marguerite Gailliard: born Casset (her maiden name), on October 20, 1879, the author of this narrative.


16. Michel: the son of Mrs. Trick, who had the same age as Jean-Pierre.


17. Miquette: Mrs Belleville’s dog


18. Pont (bridge): The Chateau Gontier bridge was the only passage which could be used by tanks to cross the Mayenne river. See the photos (taken in 1991).


19. St. Jean (place): See the map of Chateau Gontier


20. St. Just (place): See the map of Chateau Gontier . One of the photos of the bridge was taken from place Saint Just in 1991.


21. Mrs. Thomassina: Friend of Marguerite


22. Mrs. Trick: Store owner who lived below the small apartment where JEAN-PIERRE and Marguerite lived near the bridge. See the photo from 1991. The store is now a hair salon, the balcony on the second floor corresponds to JEAN-PIERRE’s bedroom.

Click on images to enlarge.

The Chateau Gontier bridge over the Mayenne river (in 1991). In the background is the hospital dome.

The Chateau Gontier bridge over the Mayenne river (in 1991). We (Jean-Pierre and Marguerite) lived just across the birdge to the left.

Apartment where JEAN-PIERRE and Marguerite lived near the bridge. The entrance on Thiers street.

Chesnaie farmhouse. A small building housing the well is in front.