I saw a Twitter post last night, saying, ‘Rest in Peace Simone Segouin’. My brain logged in to its memory bank. My grey matter remembered it had heard the name somewhere in the past but couldn’t think when? I kind of knew it was something to do with Nazis, so I read into her story a further. It is a remarkable tale of courage, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Who Was Simeone Segouin?

Also known as Nicole Minet, Simone Segouin was a French resistance fighter in WWII. She played key roles in the fight against the Nazi occupation in France throughout the war. Born in 1925, Segouin was brought up in Thiverval-Grignon, just to the west of Paris.

At the age of 18, Simone showed that she meant business, joining the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans (FTP). This was a French resistance organization that vehemently opposed the German occupation of France. Simone became known for her bravery and resourcefulness, carrying out sabotage missions against the Nazi occupiers.

Celebrated Achievements

One of her most celebrated achievements was the role she played in the liberation of Chartres in August 1944. Along with fellow resistance fighters, Simone helped to seize control of the city. She also played a pivotal role in preventing the Nazis from destroying the city’s infrastructure and historical landmarks. Okay, she wasn’t the Kardashians, but that’s pretty inspirational, all the same.

She was also heavily involved in the capture of German soldiers and the blowing up of enemy ammunition and fuel depots. Her bravery and determination earned her several military honors, including the Croix de Guerre and the Medaille Militaire. Remarkably, she survived all these events intact and returned to civilian life thereafter.

After the War

Simone remained active in politics and social justice issues for several decades after the war ended. She also served as a local councilor in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. She remained an active and vocal supporter for the rights and and recognition of war veterans and resistance fighters.

Her extraordinary courage and determination to take the fight to the Nazis has inspired freedom fighters throughout the world. I think that Simone’s is a legacy that should be taught in history curriculums, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. They risked their lives to protect the freedoms and values that we hold dear today.

With the rise in far-right populism, it is tragic to think that we may, once again, be looking for inspiration from people like Simeone Segouin.

What an incredible woman.

Simone Segouin – 3rd October 1925 – 21st February 2023