Merriam Press Military Memoir ME2. First Edition (2014)
Rarely-described daily life in German-occupied France during World War II as well as the dramatic military experiences of a family member, are impressively chronicled in correspondence between members of a French family. Excerpts from 45 recently translated letters form the foundation for "Enter the Enemy."
France's surrender to Germany in June 1940 dramatically alters the lives of French Army Officer Henri Dunat, his wife, and his sister in the south of France. The essence of the letters offers unique insights into the life-changing hardships resulting from this deeply controlled life. Shortages of food and other key essentials, virtually non-existent modes of transportation, the inability to move about freely, and censorship, are expressed in hard, realistic terms in the letters. Dunat's exemplary military achievements, including his dramatic escape from Dunkirk and his hazardous escape from occupied France, also are tracked in the letters and from his official military record. His exploits in North Africa, Italy and France earned him high international honors.
"Enter the Enemy" differs significantly from other books written about the German occupation of France and other countries it invaded during World War II. Domination by a foreign power and the resulting hardships for the inhabitants leads to an intimacy with daily life in villages and small towns that is rarely touched upon other than, perhaps, in transitory terms.
Because of the uniqueness of its origins and subject matter this book will be of wide appeal to students of history, particularly World War II history, to veterans and to all institutions housing a history department or center.
Included in the book are two appendices, with samples of the original letters in French along with English translations, copies of each of the 45 translations, and copies of Dunat's awards documents.
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Dunat Family Writes of the Impending War
Chapter 2: May 10, 1940-Germany Invades France
Chapter 3: Captain Henri Dunat at Dunkirk
Chapter 4: June 22, 1940-France Surrenders to Germany
Chapter 5: The Vichy Government is Formed
Chapter 6: Germans Occupy All of France; Captain Henri Dunat Prepares His Escape
Chapter 7: The Escape
Chapter 8: Lieutenant Colonel Henri Dunat in North Africa
Chapter 9: June 6, 1944-D-Day-Allies' Invasion of France
Chapter 10: May 8, 1945-War Ends in Europe; Dunat's New Duties; Paris Celebrated
Epilogue: Dunat Family Reunion; Letter From President Eisenhower; Memorial and Eulogies
Appendix 1: Letter Samples
Appendix 2: Decorations and Medals Awarded to Henri Dunat
25 photos and documents.
