At the request of the president of the members of the “Légion d’honneur” society of Châteauroux, “les Amis de La Martinerie" hosted on Tuesday, august 17th, the 100th birthday of Joseph Bayle, knight of the “Légion d’honneur”.
This event was celebrated in our association’s flag room in presence of Gil Avérous, president of Châteauroux Métropole” and Mayor of Châteauroux, General (2s) Jean-Charles Bourrier, president of the members of the “Légion d’honneur” society in the Indre department, Florence Petipez, deputy mayor in charge of patriotic associations, various recipients of the “Légion d’honneur” from the Châteauroux comity, his family, his friends and Jacques Alabré, departmental flag-bearer. It is worth noting that “Les Amis de La Martinerie” takes care of several departmental flags including the departmental flag of the “Légion d’honneur” recipients who risked their own life.
After a brief introduction about Joseph Bayle’s career, colonel (e.r) Jean-Jacques Bérenguier president of the “Légion d’honneur” Châteauroux comity, evoked the reasons that led to Joseph Bayle’s regimental citation. “Outstanding private in every way, excellent Jeep driver, he captured, alone, 12 prisoners after he surprised them based on a swift decision, on April 24th 1945 in SIELMINGEN". This citation led to the obtention of the “croix de guerre” with a bronze star and later on (Several years later) to the obtention of his title of knight of the “Légion d’honneur”.
General (2s) Jean-Charles Bourrier awarded him with the medal of the 100th birthday of the “Légion d’honneur” members society.
The president of “Châteauroux Métropole”, Gil Avérous concluded this ceremony by giving Joseph Bayle a book about the Bertrand Museum, reminding people how important these events were for the younger generations to remember what they owe to their elders.
| Click on images to enlarge |
| Photos Credits: Marie-Claude Bérenguier et Roland de Vassoigne |
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| Brief introduction about Joseph Bayle’s career by the president of the “Légion d’honneur” Châteauroux comity |
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| Some of the participants |
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| The president of “Châteauroux Métropole”, the president of the “Légion d’honneur” society in the Indre department and “Légion d’honneur” recipients surrounding our centenarian |
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| Our dashing centenarian surrounded by all the participants, without masks, just for the picture |