On 17th March 1941 Francois Scornet (21) was taken from the Grand Hotel where he had been held by Jersey’s lovely Nazi visitors. He was loaded into a lorry together with a German firing squad, a French priest and a coffin. At St Ouen’s Manor he was tied to a tree and was executed shouting ‘Vive La France’. The full and definitive story is here.
This evening there was a moving ceremony attended by a fair smattering of the Island’s French nationals. The execution tree is gone but a tablet, over to the north of the Manor, marks the spot. We had cadets marching and prayers were said before a chilling rifle salute was fired and the Marseillaise rang out in the quiet summer evening.
Aux armes, citoyens
Formez vos bataillons
Among those present was Philip Malet de Carteret, the present Seigneur. His family have owned the Manor for the best part of 1,000 years unbroken. We chatted for a few minutes and he asked the rhetorical question of why they brought Scornet all the way to his grounds to shoot him. The best answer is that the Germans were afraid that to do so in the town area would invite trouble.
And speaking of heroes I was delighted to see Bob Le Sueur there, awarded his badly overdue MBE only this week. Chief among his many great works was the hiding of Russian prisoners during the Occupation; being caught at this malarkey meant almost certain death but that didn’t stop the likes of Bob. I was honoured to shake his hand by way of congratulations even though he doesn’t know me from a bar of soap.
Back On The Rock 
It’s incredible how long some of these war heros are having to wait to be recognised for their bravery. Good an MBE found its way to a worthy recipient eventually.
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Yes indeed Jenny – and Bob has continued to be active in all sorts of ways locally. Amnesty International, African charities etc. But always beavering in the background, never a figurehead. A very special guy.
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Thank you for sharing the story of Francois Scornet and for posting the photo from the ceremony. A great tribute, to a brave man. Nice job, Roy!
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Thank you Jill. The French people are proud, as am I, that Scornet is remembered 72 years on and will be long into the future.
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Roy, you bring Jersey’s amazing history right into the present with such ease.
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Ah thank you Jean. To my shame it was my first time attending the ceremony and being present at the spot brought the old story into sharp reality, especially the rifle tribute.
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I’d like to shake Bob’s hand, too. I like to hope I’d be as brave in the same situation, but none of us really know, do we? What a scary time that was.
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So true Juliann – and in fact Bob wasn’t the only one. While a few Islanders ingratiated themselves with the Germans, snooped on their neighbours etc. there were those whose bravery shone through. Bob represents the heroes of those dark days.
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And Bob would have treasured that handshake all the more if he knew you and your writing.
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I don’t know about that RH đŸ™‚ I think Bob is rather bemused when anyone congratulates or compliments him, a great guy.
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Glad that you are letting us know about Jersey ‘s history and the heroes of the occupation. Poor Scornet – imagine having to travel with your coffin? Can’t imagine it !
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Thank you SV – it is a sad story. There were a number of old folk there at the Manor last night who would have been alive at the time and for whom it must be difficult to forgive. Forget we must never do though.
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An amazing story, Roy. I’m surprised by Francois Scornet’s age – a 21 year old. I don’t know if people age slower these days or if I’m just getting old, but 21 seems very young to be so patriotic and heroic. What an amazing man…
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I share your sentiments Dianne. I can imagine he was singled out as ringleader because he stood up to the Hun after the group were captured. They didn’t like that. He could have saved himself with a show of contriteness I believe but that wasn’t his nature. Few would have had his courage.
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Many thanks for this lovely appreciation. I have attended almost every year for 40 years. It used to be so poignant when we had living 2nd World War Ancien Combattants, such as Emile Thebault there. Bob Le Sueur is a great family friend and his MBE was a result of my aunt Genette’s instigation. I was privileged to shake Russian Bill’s hand at the 75th Occupation anniversary commemorations in 1995, close to the Memorial Stone. RIP Francois, never forgotten.
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Thanks Ned. Nearly six years ago that post and I haven’t attended since. Well done aunt Genette – it took long enough for Bob to be recognised. I appreciate your visit and informed comments.
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My pleasure. It is such an important and moving ceremony which will continue hopefully forever!
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