France, Liberation-Resistance period (1944-45). - Lot 251

France, Liberation-Resistance period (1944-45). Official armband worn by the Mont-Mouchet FFI. In red and white canvas, stenciled Lorraine cross in blue and two "FFI d'Auvergne - Milices patriotiques" stamps. Numbered 049. Metal buckle. Length: 37 cm. (wear and minor accidents. Fairly good condition). Accompanied by René ONDET's personal documents, including his application for a volunteer serviceman's card with service record in the Mont Mouchet maquis, and two loading workshop cards in Clermont-Ferrand. Born on April 8, 1910 in Saint Amand-Montrond (Cher), René Ondet, a commercial employee, was mobilized on September 1, 1939, then demobilized on August 5, 1940. He returned to work on September 1, 1940 at Vve Bernard Fils et Cie in Clermont-Ferrand. In mid-March 1943, he joined the Clermont-Ferrand section of Franc-Tireur. Under the command of Gaston Beaufils, he contributed to the formation of sizaines, the setting up of arms depots and several sabotage operations. On March 1, 1944, René Ondet was called up to the Mines Department at Les Gravanches in Clermont-Ferrand. He joined the Mont-Mouchet maquis on May 15, 1944, and was assigned to Captain Barthaud's protection-transport company on June 20. On June 2, 10 and 11 1944, René Ondet took part in the fighting at Mont-Mouchet, then at La Truyère on June 20 1944 as a corps-franc group leader. On July 25, 1944, he joined Captain Ducret and Lieutenant Cristal's corps-franc and took part in the liberation battles in Clermont-Ferrand. After the liberation of Clermont-Ferrand, he joined the 13th Train des Équipages until July 31, 1945, when he resumed his professional activities. René Ondet was approved for the rank of sergeant on October 3, 1952.