Date of birth:

July 21st, 1903 (Paris, France)

Nationality:

French

At the beginning of the Second World War, the Jewish Jean Gorodiche was chief surgeon of the hospital of Arles and the Jeanne d'Arc clinic.
As soon as the anti-Semitic laws were announced, Gorodiche was no longer allowed to practice his profession.
He was arrested in December 1941 for making remarks against the Vichy government and the Germans and then sent to Corsica under house arrest.
He managed to reach Cannes and decided to join the Free French Forces.
Gorodiche was captured in Spain, but managed to escape to London and joined the resistance under the name "Commandant Granville".

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Citation:
"This French doctor was parachuted into France on 27th June 1944 to set up a medical organisation in Creuse, Correze, Cantal, Haute Loire and Puy de Dome.

By 26th August he had accomplished his mission travelling with extreme difficulty by day and night throughout this extensive area and over roads infested by retreating Germans who were extremely nervous and savage owing to repeated ambushes in the district.

It was largely due to his efforts that a very large number of wounded received proper medical aid. His success not only saved many lives but greatly strengthened morale.

It is recommended that Commandant Gorodiche be appointed an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (Mil.)(Hon.)."

Recommended by Colin Gubbins
Major-General
27.4.45

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 31st, 1947

• - https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7488909
  - https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/
  - https://www.ajpn.org/
  - https://museedelaresistanceenligne.org/