European Resistance Archive/European Resistance Archive (ERA)
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Experienced massive changes during the war and then after the war as well.
Experienced massive changes during the war and then after the war as well.
Ha vissuto dei cambiamenti enormi durante la guerra e poi anche dopo. -
I must say that we imagined a different world after WWII. A different world would arise than the one we live in now.
I must say that we imagined a different world after WWII. A different world would arise than the one we live in now.
Devo dire che avevamo immaginato un mondo diverso dopo la guerra. Un mondo diverso rispetto a quello in cui stiamo vivendo invece. -
But one just has to adjust one’s expectations to what is going on in society.
But one just has to adjust one’s expectations to what is going on in society.
Ma bisogna adattare le proprie aspettative a quello che sta avvenendo nella società. -
At the time I was very active in Ljubljana and a lot was going on in Ljubljana.
At the time I was very active in Ljubljana and a lot was going on in Ljubljana.
All'epoca ero molto attiva a Lubiana e a Lubiana stavano succedendo molte cose. -
The walls were plastered with lists of hostages
The walls were plastered with lists of hostages
Le pareti erano ricoperte con le liste degli ostaggi -
and practically every day you would be informed of something horrible.
and practically every day you would be informed of something horrible.
e praticamente ogni giorno venivi a sapere di qualcosa di terribile. -
It is difficult to say whether one could even feel in the mood to create some great piece of art.
It is difficult to say whether one could even feel in the mood to create some great piece of art.
Era difficile dire quando ti saresti sentito dell'umore giusto per creare qualche grande opera d'arte. -
Nonetheless, I would, just to remain a painter –
Nonetheless, I would, just to remain a painter –
Tuttavia, io lo dovevo fare, giusto per restare una pittrice, -
usually doing things similar to that in the program at the Zagreb Academy – just enough to stay in condition.
usually doing things similar to that in the program at the Zagreb Academy – just enough to stay in condition.
di solito facendo delle cose simili a quelle del programma dell'Accademia di Zagabria – giusto per continuare. -
It was later, when I joined the partisans that I could finally make use of my painting skills.
It was later, when I joined the partisans that I could finally make use of my painting skills.
Fu dopo, quando mi unì ai partigiani, che riuscii finalmente ad utilizzare le mia capacità artistiche. -
Romana Verdel was born in Remschenig/Remcenik in 1938 in the bilingual part of Carinthia/Koroska. Her familiy belonged to the Slovenian minority. Together with her mother Anna Rotter and other relatives, she lived at the house of Katarina Sluga, her politically engaged aunt and founder of the antifascist women’s association. Being accused of a critical attitude towards National Socialism and network activities, some relatives join the Slovene partisans in 1943. Romana remains undiscovered by the Gesatpo and is being hidden with the children by her aunt Amalija, who also joins the partisans in the mountains and in Solcava in the valley Logartal. In April 1944, Amalija returns to Carinthia/Koroska. Roman is being taken in at a farmhouse and survives war there. 13 of her relatives fall with the partisans or die in concentration camps. The orphan Romana stays as a maid in the farm and later moves to the farmhouse of her partents in Remschenig/Remcenik. For 20 years, she suffers from anaemia. By and by, her life becomes more normal, but »when a child suffers from war and even is lucky enough to survive – the fear remains all your life«.
Romana Verdel was born in Remschenig/Remcenik in 1938 in the bilingual part of Carinthia/Koroska. Her familiy belonged to the Slovenian minority. Together with her mother Anna Rotter and other relatives, she lived at the house of Katarina Sluga, her politically engaged aunt and founder of the antifascist women’s association. Being accused of a critical attitude towards National Socialism and network activities, some relatives join the Slovene partisans in 1943. Romana remains undiscovered by the Gesatpo and is being hidden with the children by her aunt Amalija, who also joins the partisans in the mountains and in Solcava in the valley Logartal. In April 1944, Amalija returns to Carinthia/Koroska. Roman is being taken in at a farmhouse and survives war there. 13 of her relatives fall with the partisans or die in concentration camps. The orphan Romana stays as a maid in the farm and later moves to the farmhouse of her partents in Remschenig/Remcenik. For 20 years, she suffers from anaemia. By and by, her life becomes more normal, but »when a child suffers from war and even is lucky enough to survive – the fear remains all your life«.
Romana Verdel è nata a Remschenig/Remcenik nel 1938 nella parte bilingue della Carinzia/Koroska. La sua famiglia apparteneva alla minoranza slovena. Insieme alla madre Anna Rotter e ad altri parenti, visse a casa di Katarina Sluga, sua zia, che era politicamente impegnata nonché fondatrice dell'Associazione delle Donne Antifasciste. Accusati di un atteggiamento critico nei confronti del nazionalsocialismo e di attività clandestina, alcuni parenti si danno alla macchia e si uniscono ai partigiani sloveni nel 1943. Romana non sarà scoperta dalla Gestapo e viene nascosta con i bambini dalla zia Amalija, che si unisce essa stessa ai partigiani della montagna e in Solcava nella Valle Logartal. Nell'Aprile 1944 Amalija torna in Carinzia/Koroska. Romana viene accolta in una fattoria e sopravvive alla guerra. Tredici dei suoi parenti cadono con i partigiani o muoiono nei campi di concentramento. Rimasta orfana Romana lavora come domestica nella fattoria e poi si trasferisce nell'azienda agricola dei suoi genitori a Remschenig/Remcenik. Per vent'anni ha sofferto di anemia. A poco a poco, la sua vita è tornata alla normalità, ma «quando una bambina soffre la guerra anche se ha la fortuna di sopravvivere, la paura rimane per tutta la vita». -
Erwin Schulz was born on the 13th of October 1912 in Tempelhof (belonging to Berlin since 1920). In 1922, he joined the workers sport group “Fichte”. These sport groups were considered as being progressive and anti-bourgeois. Five years later he joined the trade union, the central association of office workers. After Hitler took over the power in January 1933, opposition groups were slowly forbidden, “Fichte” also. Erwin Schulz was condemned to five years imprisonment for preparation of high treason, because he had distributed antifascist flyers and helped to keep up the clandestine structures of "Fichte". The next ten years he went through the prison of Luckau, the camps of Esterwegen and Börgermoor, the punishment division 999, Moroccan, French, English and American captivity. Not until October 1946 he returned to Berlin.
Erwin Schulz was born on the 13th of October 1912 in Tempelhof (belonging to Berlin since 1920). In 1922, he joined the workers sport group “Fichte”. These sport groups were considered as being progressive and anti-bourgeois. Five years later he joined the trade union, the central association of office workers. After Hitler took over the power in January 1933, opposition groups were slowly forbidden, “Fichte” also. Erwin Schulz was condemned to five years imprisonment for preparation of high treason, because he had distributed antifascist flyers and helped to keep up the clandestine structures of "Fichte". The next ten years he went through the prison of Luckau, the camps of Esterwegen and Börgermoor, the punishment division 999, Moroccan, French, English and American captivity. Not until October 1946 he returned to Berlin.
Erwin Schulz è nato il 13 ottobre 1912 a Tempelhof (distretto di Berlino dal 1920). Nel 1922 entra a far parte del gruppo sportivo operaio “Fichte”. Questi gruppi sportivi erano considerati progressisti e anti borghesi. Cinque anni dopo aderisce al Sindacato dell'associazione centrale degli impiegati. Dopo che Hitler prese il potere nel gennaio 1933, i gruppi di opposizione furono lentamente proibiti, anche il "Fichte". Erwin Schulz fu condannato a cinque anni di reclusione per incitamento di alto tradimento, avendo distribuito volantini antifascisti e aiutato a mantenere le strutture clandestine del "Fichte". Nel successivo decennio passò dalla prigione di Luckau, dai campi di Esterwegen e Börgermoor, dalla divisione punitiva 999, dalle prigioni marocchina, francese, inglese e americana. Solo nell'ottobre 1946 tornò a Berlino. -
Lorenz Knorr was born on July 18th 1921 in Eger (CSSR), today called Cheb. He was the son of functionaries of the labour movement. Before WW2, he was a member of the social democratic party of the CSSR. During Nazi-rule, he participated in spreading information, publications, acts of sabotage on armament- and war-transports as well as in blowing up ammunition depots. He was called up for the German Wehrmacht and in 1942; he came in front of a court martial for undermining military strength. He was sent to a punishment battalion in Africa. Here, as well as later in occupied Poland, he found ways of antifascist action. From 1947-1950, he was county secretary of the Socialist Youth Germany and from 1950-1960 he was their federal secretary. In 1960, he left the social democrat party in protest, being opposed to its affirmation of the NATO-policies. Due to this, he took part in founding the German Peace Union.
Lorenz Knorr was born on July 18th 1921 in Eger (CSSR), today called Cheb. He was the son of functionaries of the labour movement. Before WW2, he was a member of the social democratic party of the CSSR. During Nazi-rule, he participated in spreading information, publications, acts of sabotage on armament- and war-transports as well as in blowing up ammunition depots. He was called up for the German Wehrmacht and in 1942; he came in front of a court martial for undermining military strength. He was sent to a punishment battalion in Africa. Here, as well as later in occupied Poland, he found ways of antifascist action. From 1947-1950, he was county secretary of the Socialist Youth Germany and from 1950-1960 he was their federal secretary. In 1960, he left the social democrat party in protest, being opposed to its affirmation of the NATO-policies. Due to this, he took part in founding the German Peace Union.
Lorenz Knorr è nato il 18 luglio 1921 a Eger (CSSR), oggi chiamato Cheb. Era figlio di funzionari del movimento operaio. Prima della Seconda guerra mondiale, era un membro del Partito socialdemocratico della CSSR. Durante il regime nazista, ha partecipato alla diffusione di informazioni, pubblicazioni, sabotaggi di armamenti, trasporti bellici e per far saltare in aria depositi di munizioni. Ricevette la chiamata per la Wehrmacht e nel 1942 si è presentato davanti alla corte marziale per aver sminuito la durezza militare. Fu dunque deferito a un battaglione punitivo in Africa. Qui, così come più tardi nella Polonia occupata, trovò vie di azione antifascista. Dal 1947 al 1950 fu Segretario della Gioventù Socialista Tedesca e poi dal 1950 al 1960 Segretario federale. Nel 1960 lasciò per protesta il Partito socialdemocratico, opponendosi alla sua adesione alle politiche NATO. A causa di ciò, ha preso parte alla fondazione dell'Unione Tedesca per la Pace. -
Giacomo Notari was born in Busana (RE) on December 6th 1927. Today he still lives in this small village in the mountains near Reggio Emilia. After having witnessed several innocent people killed by the fascists, he was still very young when he decided to become a partisan. After the 8th of September 1943 he joined the 145th Garibaldi Brigade »Franco Casoli«, operating in the mountains near Reggio in the area of Ligonchio, Busana and Cervarezza. His battle name was »Willi«. He took part in several sabotages of bridges and telephone poles, as well as in the last great battle to defend the Ligonchio hydroelectric power plant, from 10 to 14 April 1945.
Giacomo Notari was born in Busana (RE) on December 6th 1927. Today he still lives in this small village in the mountains near Reggio Emilia. After having witnessed several innocent people killed by the fascists, he was still very young when he decided to become a partisan. After the 8th of September 1943 he joined the 145th Garibaldi Brigade »Franco Casoli«, operating in the mountains near Reggio in the area of Ligonchio, Busana and Cervarezza. His battle name was »Willi«. He took part in several sabotages of bridges and telephone poles, as well as in the last great battle to defend the Ligonchio hydroelectric power plant, from 10 to 14 April 1945.
Giacomo Notari, nasce a Busana (RE) il 6 dicembre del 1927. Tutt’ora vive in questo comune di montagna sull’Appennino reggiano. Giovanissimo, dopo essere stato testimone di diversi episodi di uccisioni di innocenti da parte dei fascisti, decide di diventare partigiano con il nome di battaglia di »Willi« dopo l’8 settembre 43’ entrando nella 145° Brigata Garibaldi »Franco Casoli«che opera tra Ligonchio, Busana e Cervarezza, nella montagna reggiana.Contribuisce al sabotaggio di diversi ponti e pali del telefono.Ha partecipato all’ultima grande battaglia per la difesa della centrale idroelettrica di Ligonchio (RE) dal 10 a l 14 aprile 1945. -
Lidia Valeriani, Montecavolo di Quattro Castella 23.01.1923 - Reggio Emilia 17.12.2014. Starting from 1939 she became active in »Soccorso Rosso«. After Mussolini’s fall, on 8 September 1943, she took part in demonstrations and assisted disbanded soldiers. Lidia Valeriani organized the strike in Montecavolo and consequently became a victim of persecution by the fascists. She then fled in the province of Modena, working with the »women support groups«. From March 1944 she joined the »2nd Division Modena lowlands« of the 35th Garibaldi Brigade »Walter Tabacchi« working as a secretary of the headquarters. She took care of both dispatch rider and military tasks until the Liberation. She was awarded a Silver Medal for Military Valour.
Lidia Valeriani, Montecavolo di Quattro Castella 23.01.1923 - Reggio Emilia 17.12.2014. Starting from 1939 she became active in »Soccorso Rosso«. After Mussolini’s fall, on 8 September 1943, she took part in demonstrations and assisted disbanded soldiers. Lidia Valeriani organized the strike in Montecavolo and consequently became a victim of persecution by the fascists. She then fled in the province of Modena, working with the »women support groups«. From March 1944 she joined the »2nd Division Modena lowlands« of the 35th Garibaldi Brigade »Walter Tabacchi« working as a secretary of the headquarters. She took care of both dispatch rider and military tasks until the Liberation. She was awarded a Silver Medal for Military Valour.
Lidia Valeriani, Montecavolo di Quattro Castella 23.01.1923 - Reggio Emilia 17.12.2014. Dal 1939 è attiva nel Soccorso Rosso. Dopo la caduta di Mussolini e dall’8 settembre 1943 partecipa a manifestazioni e accoglie militari sbandati. Organizza lo sciopero di Montecavolo e per questo è perseguitata dai fascisti. Fugge in provincia di Modena dove prima lavora nei Gruppi di Difesa e poi (marzo 1944) entra a far parte della 35° Brigata Garibaldi »Walter Tabacchi«- 2° divisione Modena pianura come segretaria del Comando. Svolge sia ruoli di staffetta che militari fino alla liberazione. E’stata decorata con Medaglia d’argento al merito come partigiana combattente. -
He was born on November 16th, 1924 in Warsaw. He joined the scouts from in the mid-thirties. During the siege of Warsaw in October 1939 He helped the troops to move around the city. During the first years of occupation he engaged as a member of the Main Tutelary Council (RGO) and helped the poor and the war prisoners. He often illegally provided food and organized the evasions of Polish officers from German prisons. At the same time he took part in life-saving actions in the ghetto, leading Jews to the Arian side. He was a member of the Armia Krajowa (the Home Army), was arrested in 1942 and put in Pawiak prison. Later he was moved to Majdanek, Buchenwald and Schonebeck concentration camps. He is living in Warsaw today.
He was born on November 16th, 1924 in Warsaw. He joined the scouts from in the mid-thirties. During the siege of Warsaw in October 1939 He helped the troops to move around the city. During the first years of occupation he engaged as a member of the Main Tutelary Council (RGO) and helped the poor and the war prisoners. He often illegally provided food and organized the evasions of Polish officers from German prisons. At the same time he took part in life-saving actions in the ghetto, leading Jews to the Arian side. He was a member of the Armia Krajowa (the Home Army), was arrested in 1942 and put in Pawiak prison. Later he was moved to Majdanek, Buchenwald and Schonebeck concentration camps. He is living in Warsaw today.
Stanislaw Baronowski è nato il 16 novembre 1924 a Varsavia. Si unì agli scout a metà degli anni Trenta. Durante l'assedio di Varsavia nell'Ottobre 1939 aiutò le truppe a spostarsi in città. Nei primi anni di occupazione si impegnò come membro del Consiglio di Tutela Centrale (RGO) per aiutare poveri e prigionieri di guerra. Spesso forniva cibo illegalmente e organizzava evasioni di ufficiali polacchi dalle carceri tedesche. Contemporaneamente prese parte ad azioni di salvataggio nel Ghetto, portando ebrei nel settore "ariano". Era membro dell'Armia Krajowa (Esercito Nazionale), fu arrestato nel 1942 e rinchiuso nella prigione di Pawiak. Successivamente fu trasferito nei campi di concentramento di Majdanek, Buchenwald e Schonebeck. Oggi vive a Varsavia. -
She was born on October 12th, 1916 in St. Petersburg. Before World War II her family bought the estate in Orwidów Dolny in the Vilnius county, today Lithuania. On Sept 17th 1939 the Soviet Army invaded the territory, the Vilnius county became a part of Lithuania, and after that of the Soviet Union. In the spring of 1941, her mother was deported to the Soviet Union inland during the surge of repression on Polish people. After the German invasion in the summer of 1941, Stefania started to hide people oppressed by the occupant in the estate where she lived alone. Several refugees from Warsaw, Jews, members of the leftist resistance movement were hiding there. Most of them survived the war. Stefania Dąmbrowska engaged in the works of the Polish Committee of National Liberation (PKWN) in Lublin as well as the committee documenting the Nazi genocide in the Majdanek concentration camp. She was awarder the medal of the Just Among the World’s Nations. She lives in Warsaw.
She was born on October 12th, 1916 in St. Petersburg. Before World War II her family bought the estate in Orwidów Dolny in the Vilnius county, today Lithuania. On Sept 17th 1939 the Soviet Army invaded the territory, the Vilnius county became a part of Lithuania, and after that of the Soviet Union. In the spring of 1941, her mother was deported to the Soviet Union inland during the surge of repression on Polish people. After the German invasion in the summer of 1941, Stefania started to hide people oppressed by the occupant in the estate where she lived alone. Several refugees from Warsaw, Jews, members of the leftist resistance movement were hiding there. Most of them survived the war. Stefania Dąmbrowska engaged in the works of the Polish Committee of National Liberation (PKWN) in Lublin as well as the committee documenting the Nazi genocide in the Majdanek concentration camp. She was awarder the medal of the Just Among the World’s Nations. She lives in Warsaw.
Stefania Dambrowska è nata il 12 ottobre 1916 a San Pietroburgo. Prima della Seconda guerra mondiale la sua famiglia acquistò la tenuta a Orwidów Dolny nella contea di Vilnius, oggi Lituania. Il 17 settembre 1939 l'esercito sovietico invase il territorio e la contea di Vilnius divenne parte della Lituania e poi dell'Unione Sovietica. Nella primavera del 1941, sua madre fu deportata nell'entroterra dell'Unione Sovietica durante l'ondata di repressione contro il popolo polacco. Dopo l'invasione tedesca nell'estate del 1941, Stefania iniziò a nascondere le persone oppresse dall'occupante nella tenuta dove viveva sola. Lì si nascondevano diversi profughi di Varsavia, ebrei e membri di sinistra del movimento di Resistenza. La maggior parte di loro è sopravvissuto alla guerra. Stefania Dąmbrowska si è impegnata col Comitato Polacco di Liberazione Nazionale (PKWN) a Lublino e ha lavorato con il comitato per la documentazione del genocidio nazista nel campo di concentramento di Majdanek. È stata insignita della medaglia di Giusto tra le Nazioni del Mondo. Vive a Varsavia. -
He was born on February 4th, 1929 in Warsaw. At the beginning of the war he engaged in the scouts’ activities, took part in reconnaissance actions and acts of sabotage. During the Warsaw Uprising he took part as a member of the AK (Home Army) in the unsuccessful attack on the Okęcie airport. Later on he reached the forests near Warsaw and subsequently served in three partisan squads. After the war, for a few years he was imprisoned in communist prison for subversive activity. He lives in Józefów near Warsaw.
He was born on February 4th, 1929 in Warsaw. At the beginning of the war he engaged in the scouts’ activities, took part in reconnaissance actions and acts of sabotage. During the Warsaw Uprising he took part as a member of the AK (Home Army) in the unsuccessful attack on the Okęcie airport. Later on he reached the forests near Warsaw and subsequently served in three partisan squads. After the war, for a few years he was imprisoned in communist prison for subversive activity. He lives in Józefów near Warsaw.
Tadeusz Sulowski è nato il 4 febbraio 1929 a Varsavia. All'inizio della guerra si dedicò a attività scout, partecipò ad azioni di ricognizione e a atti di sabotaggio. Durante la rivolta di Varsavia ha preso parte come membro dell'AK (Esercito nazionale) all'attacco fallito all'aeroporto di Okęcie. In seguito raggiunse le foreste vicino a Varsavia e successivamente prestò servizio in tre squadre Partigiane. Dopo la guerra, per alcuni anni fu imprigionato in un carcere comunista per attività sovversiva. Vive a Józefów vicino a Varsavia. -
Ana Zablatnik was born in 1923 in the village Ludmannsdorf/Bilčovs in the southern part of Carinthia. She belongs to the Slovenian speaking minority. Early, she and her family were confronted with humiliations. The threat of being deported by the Nazis in 1942, from which she and her family luckily stayed unharmed, led to the decision to contact the partisans of the „Osvobodilna fronta“, the Slovenian liberation front. They were active in 1943 near her home village. On May 6th 1944 she was arrested and brought to a Gestapo-prison in Klagenfurt. From the beginning of 1945, she awaited her trial in the notorious court of justice, but it was not realized anymore. She was released in the last days of war (4.-6. May 1945). She kept her resistant attitude against any form of discrimination up to today.
Ana Zablatnik was born in 1923 in the village Ludmannsdorf/Bilčovs in the southern part of Carinthia. She belongs to the Slovenian speaking minority. Early, she and her family were confronted with humiliations. The threat of being deported by the Nazis in 1942, from which she and her family luckily stayed unharmed, led to the decision to contact the partisans of the „Osvobodilna fronta“, the Slovenian liberation front. They were active in 1943 near her home village. On May 6th 1944 she was arrested and brought to a Gestapo-prison in Klagenfurt. From the beginning of 1945, she awaited her trial in the notorious court of justice, but it was not realized anymore. She was released in the last days of war (4.-6. May 1945). She kept her resistant attitude against any form of discrimination up to today.
Ana Zablatnik è nata nel 1923 nel villaggio Ludmannsdorf/Bilčovs nella parte meridionale della Carinzia. Appartiene alla minoranza di lingua slovena. All'inizio, lei e la sua famiglia hanno dovuto affrontare umiliazioni. La minaccia di essere deportate dai nazisti nel 1942 - dalla quale lei e la sua famiglia rimasero fortunatamente illese - portò alla decisione di contattare i partigiani dell'“Osvobodilna Fronta”, il Fronte di Liberazione Sloveno, attivo nel 1943 vicino al suo villaggio natale. Il 6 maggio 1944 fu arrestata e portata in una prigione della Gestapo a Klagenfurt. Dall'inizio del 1945 attese il processo nella famigerata corte di giustizia, che non venne mai celebrato e fu rilasciata negli ultimi giorni di guerra (4-6 maggio 1945). Ha mantenuto fino ad oggi il suo atteggiamento di resistenza contro ogni forma di discriminazione. -
Lucien Ducastel was born on August 28th,1920 in Darnetal. Soon he joins the Communist Youth Movement. As a member of the Communist Party (which was banned along with other Youth organisations and Workers) his activities consist of raising awareness of the French population regarding the occupation by distributing leaflets, especially at the factory gates, and hanging up posters protesting against the occupation and the Vichy government. He is arrested at his parents home in Petit-Quevilly by the French police on October 21st,1941 and taken to the prison in Rouen, from where he is transported to the Camp of Compiègne, a hostages camp, along with a hundred comrades. After eight months of imprisonment in the camp of Compiègne he is deported to Auschwitz on July 6th,1942. This transport will later on be called the convoi of the 45000s, as the deportees of this convoy, essentially political opponents, will be registered in Auschwitz with the numbers 45157-46326. Lucien gets the number 45491. He is one of the few that will ever return to France. Upon his arrival, Lucien Ducastel is transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he will stay for 8 months before returning to the Stammlager Auschwitz I. From there he will be transferred to Gross-Rosen in August 1944 and afterwards to Dora-Mittelbau, where he will finally be liberated. After a long recovery he returns to his work on construction sites and takes up his political activities in the French Communist Party and the Workers Union as well. He starts a family and moves to Nanterre in the 50s, where he still lives today. He is an active member of a association called « Mémoire vive » (alive memory) and visits school classes to talk about his experience during the war. This activity is extremely important to him.
Lucien Ducastel was born on August 28th,1920 in Darnetal. Soon he joins the Communist Youth Movement. As a member of the Communist Party (which was banned along with other Youth organisations and Workers) his activities consist of raising awareness of the French population regarding the occupation by distributing leaflets, especially at the factory gates, and hanging up posters protesting against the occupation and the Vichy government. He is arrested at his parents home in Petit-Quevilly by the French police on October 21st,1941 and taken to the prison in Rouen, from where he is transported to the Camp of Compiègne, a hostages camp, along with a hundred comrades. After eight months of imprisonment in the camp of Compiègne he is deported to Auschwitz on July 6th,1942. This transport will later on be called the convoi of the 45000s, as the deportees of this convoy, essentially political opponents, will be registered in Auschwitz with the numbers 45157-46326. Lucien gets the number 45491. He is one of the few that will ever return to France. Upon his arrival, Lucien Ducastel is transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he will stay for 8 months before returning to the Stammlager Auschwitz I. From there he will be transferred to Gross-Rosen in August 1944 and afterwards to Dora-Mittelbau, where he will finally be liberated. After a long recovery he returns to his work on construction sites and takes up his political activities in the French Communist Party and the Workers Union as well. He starts a family and moves to Nanterre in the 50s, where he still lives today. He is an active member of a association called « Mémoire vive » (alive memory) and visits school classes to talk about his experience during the war. This activity is extremely important to him.
Lucien Ducastel è nato il 28 agosto 1920 a Darnetal. Presto si unisce al Movimento Giovanile Comunista. In quanto membro del Partito Comunista (bandito insieme ad altre organizzazioni giovanili e operaie) le sue attività consistono nel sensibilizzare la popolazione francese, sull'occupazione distribuendo volantini - soprattutto ai cancelli delle fabbriche - o appendendo manifesti di protesta contro l'occupazione e il governo di Vichy. Viene arrestato nella casa dei suoi genitori a Petit-Quevilly dalla polizia francese, il 21 ottobre 1941, e portato nel carcere di Rouen, da dove viene trasportato al campo di Compiègne, campo per ostaggi, insieme a un centinaio di compagni. Dopo otto mesi di reclusione nel campo di Compiègne sarà deportato ad Auschwitz, il 6 luglio 1942. Questo trasporto sarà poi chiamato il "Convoglio dei 45000", in quanto quei deportati, essenzialmente oppositori politici, saranno registrati ad Auschwitz con i numeri tra 45157 e 46326. Lucien ricevette il numero 45491. Fu uno dei pochi a fare rientro in Francia. Al suo arrivo, Lucien Ducastel fu trasferito ad Auschwitz-Birkenau, dove restò per otto mesi prima di tornare allo Stammlager Auschwitz I. Da lì sarà trasferito a Gross-Rosen nell'agosto 1944 e successivamente a Dora-Mittelbau, dove sarà finalmente liberato. Dopo una lunga convalescenza torna al lavoro nei cantieri, riprendendo le sue attività politiche anche nel Partito Comunista Francese e nel Sindacato dei Lavoratori. Mise su famiglia e negli anni '50 si trasferì a Nanterre, dove vive ancora oggi. È membro attivo di un'associazione chiamata «Mémoire vive» (memoria viva) e visita le classi scolastiche per raccontare loro la sua esperienza durante la Guerra. Questa attività è estremamente importante per lui.