by Michel Kordas

Created on: May 27, 2007

La Bassee, in northern France is where my mother delivered me at the local clinic.
We lived in Hulluch, Pas de Calais near Lens and my father was a coal miner. My dad did not really want to work underground. Having spent three years in England and Scotland during World War two, he went after the war to work for Mosanto Boussois, an American glass manufacturer in the town of Wingles. Not making it financially as I came along in 1948 in a difficult economy, he decided against his best judgment to work for the mining industry. Social benefits, free housing, free coal, free medicine and doctor were hard to pass up for a young man hard up for cash. I still remember my dad speaking English when he was drunk at some weddings or when an Englishman wanted to find the English memorial cemetery, he was able to guide them there. He would tell me "Good night son and have a good night of sleep." or "dobra noc in Polish". Na zdrowia...

La Bassee is a fine town with a history going back 2000 years. In 1914 the Germans invaded the city and it became a battle ground. Many homes were destroyed and when I see some of the old pictures, I wonder on the wisdom of a war. What a waste for a political argument. During the second World War, La Bassee was again invaded by the Nazis in 1940. The resistance movement was headed by Maurice Bouchery, known as Colonel Bouchery or "patron" in French meaning the boss. His heroic conduct and selfless attitude led to an inevitable encounter with the Gestapo. In the city of Lille where Maurice was born, he was supposed to meet
five American aviators and lead them to safety as he had done many a time. The meeting in a cafe took place and for a signal, he was supposed to light up a match.

Instead, the Gestapo arrested him and his companions of the French Resistance. Maurice Bouchery was tortured, imprisoned and never gave away his secrets. He was condemned to death by the German Military and faced the German guns on July 14, 1944 and died in Belgium, requesting a simple grave. His ashes were returned in 1948. I was blessed to live near his home where he conducted his activities when I was 14 and never realized what it takes to become a hero. My three years as a young man in La Bassee, where I had some good time in my life, made me realize how this town is special with a beautiful church and a Flemish style Hotel de Ville. It carries a flavor of "la joie de vivre" Joy of living.

Lille, not far, twenty kilometers aways is the Capital of Flanders. If you would like to walk on some cobble stones in the city designed by Vauban, it is really worth your time. Most people go to Paris but the Flemish belfry and place de la gare, are worth a good visit. The old part of the city "Le vieux Lille" where all kinds of shops are selling the best of France, you may wander around and contemplate many centuries of history. Lille
in September transforms itself into "La Braderie de Lille." All streets are closed and it becomes a giant flee market attracting visitors and tourists from around the world. You will be able to enjoy a good beer, french fries and mussels and good local music. Fun. I am planning to be there this year...so maybe I will be your guide. The office of tourism has all types of activities and schedule. You may visit the official website www.mairie-lille.com and request some information.
You may also want to brush up on your french... www.transparent.com Enjoy!

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