Henri Fenet

Henri Joseph Fenet (born the July 11th 1919 with Ceyzériat and dead the September 14th 2002) was commander of a battalion of the Division Charlemagne.

When the Second world war bursts, it leaves its Khâgne with Henri IV to enlist. After Saint-Cyr military school, it joined as a candidate the 3rd division of Colonial Infantry. At the time of the countryside of France in 1940, twice wounded, he sees himself decreeing the Military Cross.

With the autumn 1942, it joined the Service of Order Legionary, then the French Milice.

In October 1943, Joseph Darnand indicates it to become one of the executives of the first French brigade Waffen-SS, Franz. - SS-Freiwilligen-Sturmbrigade Nr.8. Passed by Senheim, then Bad Tölz (the school of pupil-officers of the S), it comes out from it with the rank of Obersturmführer (equivalent of Lieutenant). In July 1944, it fights with its regiment (of which it directs the 3rd company) in Galicie. Wounded, it receives there the iron cross of second class.

Restored, it joined the 33. Waffen-Pomegranate-division of Waffen-SS " Charlemagne" , in formation with Wildflecken of which it orders the 1st battalion of regiment 57. The " Charlemagne" is sent in Poméranie (Poland) in February - March 1945, to try to contain a Soviet opening.

Without heavy material, the troops are not likely any to contain the Soviet push and are folded up on Belgard. In the first days of March 1945, division is reorganized. Henri-Joseph Fenet sees himself allotting the direction of the 1st battalion of the regiment of walk (I/RM) which it will manage to evacuate of the hell Poméranie N, an exploit for which it obtains iron the cross of first class and a promotion with the rank of Hauptsturmführer (Captain).

The remainders of Charlemagne division are reorganized in two battalions. Fenet obtains the direction of the battalion of combatants (in opposition to the battalion of workers containing the elements eager to cease the combat).

In the night from April 23rd to 24th 1945, the general inspector Krukenberg is necessary in Berlin to take the command of the remainders of SS-Nordland division. It takes along there a battalion called the " Battalion Charlemagne " estimated at 300 French soldiers decided to continue the combat.

Fenet will carry out its troops until the capitulation of Berlin. Wounded, it obtains for its control the Ritterkreuz (Cross of knight of the iron Cross).

Looked after then released by Russian, it will be stopped with Valencian, will be denounced by its clean Tatouage. Condemned to twenty years of forced labors, it will be finally slackened in 1949.

It will be until its retirement chief of a company in automobile spare parts.

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