France, Republic. A Commemorative Flag For The French And Jewish Survivors Of The Vichy Government

A large French flag in silk depicting the colours of Vichy France, multiple linings, with embroidered golden text DEPORTES DU TRAVAIL DE CUSSET (Deported from the work of cusset) on the obverse, three edges surrounded by short bullion tassels, with the left side presenting four elasticized rings loops with a decorative gilt overlay for a rod attachment, the reverse is plain, the flag measures 119 cm (w – excluding rod loops) x 99 cm (h), creased, small areas of discolouration, remains in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: At the outbreak of the Second World War, France was divided into five zones. The occupied zone, under German rules, included the country’s West, North and East, including Paris. The Free Zone, which included the city of Vichy, was under the control of a new government whose policies were rife with anti-semitism and xenophobia. Thousands of Jewish people, including roughly one third who held French citizenship, were eventually targeted, detained, and shipped to concentration camps in France and Germany. A large-scale operation, later to be known as “Vel’d’Hiv” occurred on July 16, 1942 when 4,500 French police officers arrested and detained approximately 13,000 Jews at the Winter Velodrome.

As campaigns and deportations continued, negative reactions emerged from the public and citizens began providing help by offering hiding places or helping Jews cross the border into Switzerland. French resistance became a broad-based movement, engaging in underground activities and rescue operations. In November 1942, German forces took control of South France. The Vichy government continued to be active and serve German interests, particularly in the military sphere. By June the following year, the SS assumed full control of Drancy, the concentration camp in France, and an extensive system of anti-Jewish legislation was introduced which lasted until the end of the war. Cusset is a commune in the French region of Auvergne. It is a suburb of Vichy.