In June 1944, as the Allied invasion was imminent, General Kœnig, with André Dewavrin, known as “Colonel Passy” by his side, were strategizing for the upcoming operation. The Germans were eager to uncover the specifics of the invasion, while the Anglo-Americans knew that Operation “Overlord” would take place in Normandy on D-Day, a decision left to General Eisenhower to determine. Despite being out of the loop on key strategic decisions, General de Gaulle relied on his secret service to keep him informed on crucial matters.
The French secret service, initially known as 2nd bureau, then as Bureau central de renseignement et d’action militaire, and finally as Bureau central de renseignement et d’action (BCRA), now serves as the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSS). André Dewavrin, alias “Colonel Passy,” a prominent figure of the Free French Forces, played a pivotal role in establishing these intelligence agencies. He created a network that served as a vital link between the fighting France and the Resistance movement, operating independently within the constraints of British oversight.
Since the challenging days of December 1940, when Passy fell victim to a British destabilization plot known as the “Howard affair,” significant progress had been made. The BCRA had solidified its position as a crucial conduit between France and the Resistance, albeit under the watchful eye of the British who controlled many clandestine operations between England and occupied France. Despite this, De Gaulle maintained a high regard for Passy, recognizing him as one of his most loyal companions during the war.
Independence remained paramount for De Gaulle, and he continued to support Passy, even as their paths diverged in the post-war era, particularly during the Algerian War. Jacques Soustelle, an ethnologist and pre-Columbian civilization specialist leading the DGSS in Algiers, was a political Gaullist, contrasting with Passy’s hands-on approach as the head of the BCRAL in London, overseeing clandestine operations in northern France and serving as Chief of Staff for General Kœnig, who led the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) from London.
As events unfolded leading up to the climax of the war, Passy’s strategic acumen and unwavering loyalty to De Gaulle remained integral in navigating the complexities of espionage and resistance efforts. The interplay between the various agencies, including the British oversight and French independence, underscored the challenges and successes of coordinating operations in the context of the broader Allied effort to liberate France from German occupation. Ultimately, the collaboration and dedication of individuals like Passy and his team were instrumental in achieving the long-awaited triumph of D-Day and the subsequent Allied victory in World War II.
