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Fransua De La RokkThe leader of the French paramilitary fascist organization "Fiery Crosses",
Country:
 France |
Content:
- The Life of François de La Rocque
- Post-War Career and Political Activism
- Leadership of the Croix de Feu (Fiery Crosses)
- Wartime Collaborations
- Resistance and Post-War Imprisonment
The Life of François de La Rocque
Early Life and Military CareerFrançois de La Rocque was born in 1885 in Lorient, Southern Brittany, into an aristocratic family. His father was a distinguished military officer in the French Navy.
At the age of 20, La Rocque entered the Special Military School. Despite his diminutive stature, he was assigned to the cavalry. He later served in Algeria, where he distinguished himself in combat and rose rapidly through the ranks.
In 1913, La Rocque joined military intelligence under the command of the governor-general of Morocco. During World War I, he fought in Europe, earning numerous awards for his courage and leadership. By the end of the war, he was a staff officer for the Allied Supreme War Council.
Post-War Career and Political Activism
After the war, La Rocque retired from the military with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He worked for a time as an executive in the electrical industry.
While still serving in the military, La Rocque had been an active writer and commentator on political and military affairs. He was critical of democracy, advocating for a strong and responsible government.
Leadership of the Croix de Feu (Fiery Crosses)
In 1932, La Rocque became president of the Croix de Feu, an apolitical organization of veterans. Under his leadership, the Croix de Feu transformed into a far-right league. Its members referred to La Rocque as "Colonel," although he had never attained that rank.
Wartime Collaborations
Despite his earlier extremist views, La Rocque's political outlook shifted during World War II. He supported Marshal Pétain's Vichy regime and became a member of the National Council. The Croix de Feu's motto, "Work, Family, Country," was adopted by Vichy.
Resistance and Post-War Imprisonment
However, La Rocque also secretly collaborated with British intelligence. He was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and imprisoned in a concentration camp.
After the Liberation, La Rocque was arrested again by the French authorities for his collaboration with Pétain. He was eventually released, but remained under police surveillance until his death in 1946.
