Born: 1919 (Chalon-sur-Saône, France)
Died: 2016
Biography:
Jeannette Guyot (26 February 1919 – 10 April 2016) was a French Resistance operative who played a significant role during the Second World War. Known for her bravery and dedication, Guyot became one of the most decorated women of the war. She undertook numerous dangerous missions in Occupied France, moving fugitives, collecting military intelligence, and aiding Allied agents. Her remarkable achievements and contributions to the war effort earned her recognition from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Born on 26 February 1919 in Chalon-sur-Saône, Jeannette Guyot was the daughter of Jean Marie Guyot, a timber merchant, and Jeanne Guyot, a seamstress. Her early life was marked by the upheavals of war as she and her parents joined the French Resistance in the 1940s.
In 1940, Guyot became involved with the Amarante resistance network in Occupied France. Her courageous actions involved escorting fugitives from the Germans to the River Saône, where they would be safely ferried across to Vichy France. Her efforts saved numerous lives and helped many escape the clutches of the Nazi regime.
In August 1941, Guyot took on the role of a liaison officer for Gilbert Renault, a key figure in French resistance activities. This position allowed her to compile essential intelligence about the German Occupation forces and the Vichy Government. Her reports provided invaluable information to the Allied forces and contributed to their strategic decision-making.
However, in February 1942, while escorting a group of fugitives through Occupied France, Guyot was arrested by the Germans. She endured three long and arduous months in prisons in Chalon-sur-Saône and Autun before eventually being released. Unfortunately, during this time, her parents were also arrested for their own participation in resistance activities and were deported to separate concentration camps in Germany.
With the Germans relentlessly pursuing members of Guyot’s resistance networks, it became clear that remaining in France was too dangerous. On 13 May 1943, an RAF Lysander plane landed in a field near Luzillé, and Guyot was whisked away to England for her own safety.
In the United Kingdom, Guyot enlisted in the Free French Forces under the name Jeannette Gauthier. Despite facing initial challenges, she continuously lobbied her superiors for an opportunity to return to France and contribute further to the resistance efforts. Her determination and skill caught the attention of the Secret Intelligence Service and Office of Strategic Services, who selected her for training in St Albans, Hertfordshire, as part of Operation Sussex.
In January 1944, Guyot earned her parachute wings, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Her first mission as part of Operation Sussex was Pathfinder, a critical component of Operation Calanque. On 8 February 1944, she and three other French intelligence officers parachuted into Clion in Occupied France. Their primary objective was to identify dropping zones and establish safe houses in Northern France for 52 teams of Operation Sussex agents. Guyot played a pivotal role in assisting these agents upon their arrival in France.
One of the safe houses she selected was the Cafe du Reseau, where the owner, Andree Goubillon, was a close friend whose husband had been imprisoned by the Germans. Guyot’s deep network of contacts and her resourcefulness allowed her to carry out numerous dangerous trips throughout the region, aiding operatives and gathering critical intelligence on Gestapo activities.
By 1 October 1944, Guyot had successfully completed her missions and returned to the United Kingdom. Her exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the cause led to her being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, making her one of only two women to receive this honor during the war. She also received multiple other prestigious awards from France and the United Kingdom for her remarkable achievements in the face of danger and adversity.
After the war, Jeannette Guyot continued to live a life dedicated to service. She remained involved in various organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and justice. Her extraordinary contributions to the war effort and her unyielding perseverance make her a true hero and an inspiration to women around the world.
Awards:
– Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
– Various other awards from France and the United Kingdom