Born in Le Mans in 1886 Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie lived a life of military service. He was also a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II. Today we stand at his final resting place in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie came from a family with Vivarais origins. The family was ennobled in 1829. His father Raoul d’Astier de La Vigerie was an artillery officer. His mother Jeanne was the granddaughter of Camille comte de Montalivet. Montalivet was Minister of the Interior under Louis-Philippe.
D’Astier’s early life was split between Paris and the family’s Château de Rançay. He attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint Cyr. By 1911 he was a lieutenant. When World War I began he joined a cavalry regiment. He later transferred to the air force.
During World War I Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie distinguished himself. He earned the Croix de Guerre and seven citations. He served as an officer in the 1st Moroccan Infantry Division. In 1916 he gained his pilot’s license. He commanded Escadrille N 88 also called Les Serpents. D’Astier shot down five enemy aircraft during many combats. He was wounded twice.
Between the wars d’Astier held administrative posts. These included assignments in Finland and Italy. He participated in the war in Morocco from 1927 to 1929. By 1936 he had become France’s youngest general. He commanded the 23rd aerial brigade. In 1939 he was appointed inspector-general of military schools.
When World War II broke out d’Astier was given command of the Zone d’Opérations Aériennes du Nord ZOAN. This zone held two-thirds of the French Air Force. In June 1940 as France faced defeat d’Astier advocated for moving the air force to North Africa. He wanted to continue the fight.
Darlan betrayed him. D’Astier was removed from his command. He then accepted command of the air forces in Morocco. After the British attack on French ships at Mers el-Kébir d’Astier refused to retaliate against British ships at Gibraltar. He was relieved of his command in August 1940.
Returning to France Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie joined the resistance. He worked with the Libération-Sud movement. In 1942 his brother Emmanuel delivered a letter from De Gaulle. De Gaulle invited d’Astier to join him.
D’Astier traveled to London. He was appointed as an aide to General de Gaulle. He became a member of the high military committee. He was sent to Algiers to prepare for de Gaulle’s arrival in North Africa. Later he commanded French forces in the UK.
At the beginning of 1944 d’Astier supported General Eisenhower. He assisted with preparations for the invasion of France. After further missions in Algeria and Spain he rejoined de Gaulle. This was after the liberation of Paris.
In November 1944 Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie was made a Compagnon de la Libération. He then became France’s ambassador to Rio de Janeiro. D’Astier died in Paris on October 9 1956. He is buried here in the Chobert family vault.
Françoise d’Astier de La Vigerie lived a life of courage and service. From his early military career to his crucial role in the French Resistance he dedicated himself to his country. He was also the brother of Emmanuel and Henri d’Astier de La Vigerie. Uniquely all three were Compagnons de la Libération. His legacy lives on as a symbol of French resistance and resilience during World War II.