World War 11 French Resistance Flag

WORLD WAR II FRENCH RESISTANCE FLAG, 1939-1944
FRANCE LIBERATION, CROSS OF LORRAINE

Flag size (HxL) 11’x 16 ¾”
Frame size (HxL) 16 3/8” x 23 3/8”

World War II French Liberation flag with the Cross of Lorraine; made in silk, dyed in the traditional French National vertical tricolor stripes of blue, white and red. A double barred yellow cotton cross symbolizing the Cross of Lorraine is machine stitched in a “laid down” position on the white stripe. A cross, when sewn on its side, adds a symbolic message from the flag maker; historically, a resting cross was a way to signify resistance, the cessation of a burden and/or humanity’s struggle between heaven and earth. The flag itself was likely a mass produced French National parade flag and at some point during the resistance, a French citizen machine stitched the Cross of Lorraine onto the white stripe. This historic flag was owned and preserved by Army Sgt. Maynard Sell who served in the 79th Lorraine division during World War II, as detailed in the description below.
While the Cross of Lorraine is a major historical symbol, it became a dedicated emblem for France in defiance against tyranny, and the liberation of the homeland led by Charles de Gaulle of the “Free France” movement in World War II. The cross was used as a patriotic symbol to defy the Nazi swastika and to distinguish Free French forces from German occupied Vichy government. The Cross of Lorraine was used on French National flags during the War, displayed on Free French warships and aircraft fuselages; in anticipation of United Kingdom and United States Allies liberating their towns, a number of French civilians secretly made Cross of Lorraine Liberation Flags which they kept hidden in fear of being caught, as it was well- known, civilians caught making resistance flags during German occupation were immediately executed.
Condition
The colors are vibrant; several small spots of staining throughout, fabric separation in each of the four corners and residue on the top left corner from tape that had been used and removed at some point, and pinhole loss wrinkling throughout. Mounting: flag is pressure mounted to a mounting board that is covered with pre-washed cotton fabric over cotton batting surrounded by a vintage wood frame.
Provenance
Cross of Lorraine flag was owned by Army Sergeant Maynard Sell who served in the 79th Division during D-Day under George C Patton. The flag was cherished among several other keepsakes he brought home from his time in France, and he passed it down to his family who eventually offered it for sale to the public.

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 26-7-5