Jules-Henri Desfourneaux The last French executioner to perform his duties in public Date of Birth: 17.12.1877 Country: France

1. Biography of Jules Henri Deibler
2. Hereditary Executioners
3. The Notorious Execution
4. Execution during World War II
5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Jules Henri Deibler

Jules Henri Deibler was a French executioner who served as the last public executioner in France during World War II. He carried out executions of communists and members of the French Resistance, including Marcel Langer, on behalf of the collaborationist Vichy regime.

Hereditary Executioners

Deibler came from a long line of executioners known as the Deibler family, with roots dating back centuries. Following the tradition of French executioners since 1792, Deibler used the guillotine as the method of beheading. He took over the responsibilities from his predecessor, Anatole Deibler, and initially served as his assistant during his first execution in 1909.

The Notorious Execution

In 1939, after Anatole Deibler's death, Jules Henri Deibler was elected as the leader and responsible for the last public execution in France. This execution took place on June 17, 1939, at 4:50 am on Boulevard Square in Versailles. The guillotine beheaded serial killer Eugène Weidmann. This execution gained notoriety as it was filmed from a private apartment near the prison.

Deibler insisted that the time of the execution be officially recognized according to Greenwich Mean Time, resulting in Weidmann's execution taking place during broad daylight, contrary to established customs. The chaotic scene outside the prison, with a lively crowd, bustling cafes, flowing wine, and jazz music playing on the radio, along with the filmed evidence, strengthened the government's decision to conduct future executions behind closed doors, away from prying eyes.

Execution during World War II

During World War II, at the request of the collaborationist Vichy regime, Jules Henri Deibler continued to carry out executions of communists and members of the French Resistance, including Marcel Langer. This led to the resignation of his assistants, André Obrecht, who turned out to be Langer's cousin, and the Martin brothers, Georges and Robert.

Deibler also became responsible for the first beheading of women since the 19th century. In 1943, he executed underground midwife Marie-Louise Giraud, who became the last woman to be executed in France. On April 21, 1949, Deibler beheaded Germaine Godefroy.

Later Years and Legacy

Fearing retribution after the war, Deibler succumbed to alcoholism, which became one of the reasons for his son's suicide. In 1945, Jules Henri Deibler resumed his duties as André Obrecht's assistant, who viewed him as his eventual successor despite their growing animosity. However, their disagreements continued to escalate, and Obrecht resigned in 1947.

Deibler continued to work as the chief executioner until the end of September 1951 when he died on October 1. Obrecht returned to service and succeeded Deibler as the chief executioner, serving until 1976, just one year before the last execution in France. The death penalty in France was finally abolished in 1981.