Andrée Dumon, known by her codename “Nadine,” was a prominent figure in the Belgian Resistance during World War II. Born on September 5, 1922, in Brussels, she became an integral member of the Comet Line, a network dedicated to aiding Allied airmen shot down over occupied Europe. Her courageous efforts and unwavering commitment to the cause exemplify the resilience and bravery of those who opposed Nazi tyranny.
Raised in a family with a strong sense of patriotism, Andrée was deeply affected by Belgium’s capitulation to German forces in 1940. Her father, Eugène Dumon, was a physician and a leader within the Luc-Marc intelligence network, while her mother, Marie Dumon, was active in the Belgian Red Cross. This environment fostered Andrée’s early involvement in resistance activities. Initially, she engaged in symbolic acts of defiance, such as distributing “V” for victory symbols throughout Brussels. However, her role quickly evolved into more substantial contributions.
In October 1940, Andrée’s mother introduced her to Frédéric De Jongh, a key figure in the burgeoning Comet Line.
Embracing the codename “Nadine” to avoid confusion with another resistance member named Andrée De Jongh, she began serving as a courier. Her responsibilities included escorting downed Allied pilots from Belgium through France to neutral Spain, a perilous journey that required meticulous planning and nerves of steel. By December 1941, she had successfully guided numerous airmen to safety, often personally accompanying them to Paris.
The inherent dangers of resistance work became starkly evident on August 11, 1942, when the Dumon family was betrayed by an informant known as “Coco” to the Gestapo. Andrée, along with her father, was arrested by the German secret police, the Geheime Feldpolizei. Despite intense interrogation, she steadfastly refused to divulge information about her comrades or the operations of the Comet Line. Her silence led to her deportation to the Ravensbrück concentration camp and later to Mauthausen. Enduring the brutal conditions of these camps, Andrée remained resolute until her liberation in April 1945.
After the war, Andrée faced significant health challenges due to her imprisonment, requiring two years to regain her strength. For decades, she refrained from discussing her wartime experiences. It wasn’t until the 1990s, as she entered her seventies that she began sharing her story, recognizing the importance of educating younger generations about the sacrifices made during the war. In 2018, she published her memoirs titled “Je ne vous ai pas oubliés” (“I Have Not Forgotten You”), providing a poignant account of her experiences and honoring the memory of her fallen comrades.
Andrée Dumon’s legacy is a testament to the extraordinary courage and dedication of those who risked everything to oppose oppression. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that determined individuals can have in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her contributions to the resistance movement not only aided in the liberation of Europe but also continued to inspire future generations to stand against tyranny in all its forms.
Andrée Dumon passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and resilience that will not be forgotten.
Many thanks to Otto van Solkema for drawing my attention to this hero.
Sources
https://www.conscript-heroes.com/escapelines/I-havent-forgotten-you.htm
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9e_Dumon
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