Figure 1.--Here we see the PCCB arriving at a German camp for French POWs. |
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L'abbé Maillet managed to take the boys on an extended concert tour abroad after the Germans occupied France. The boys gave concerts throughout the United States and Latin America. They were hosted by families in each city where they gave concerts. The Choir returned to France in 1943. They were put up at a residence in Paris--the Rue Eugène Flacha. The PCCB in 1943 during the German occupation toured Germany. Here they gave concerts to French POWs and workers that had been conscripted by the Germans for war work. These events were very emotional experiences for the POWs and workers. The PCCB was the only French boychoir allowed to visit the POW camps. They were escorted by NAZI minders. There was no concerts for German audiences.
The Choir after their 1940-43 tour of America and Latin America returned to France and a residence in Paris--the Rue Eugène Flacha. It was not ll that ideal of a time to crossing the Atlantic and returingvto France. The Germans had occupied the unoccupied Vichy Zone (November 1942). We have few details about the boys' experiences in occupied Paris during 1943 and early 1944. Actually it seems strange that L'abbé Maillet brought the boys back in 1943. I'm not sure how they traveled, but conditions in 1943 were deteriorating in France. Food was beginning to become scarce. Of course the boys had been away from their parents for 3 years and were no doubt anxxious to come home. Their parents considering the War probably had mixed emotions.
Abbe Maillet needed to find a home for the Choir. As the Germans occupied the Vichy unoccupied zone, there ws no reson for the boys to remain in southern France away from their families. Bishop Suhard sought a
home in Paris to house the Choir. The PCCB moved into a home at 14 Rue Eugene Flachat in Paris 17. From this point began the trdition of a full boarding school for the boys. This would the Choir's home until 1963. This was the Abbot Maillet died.
The PCCB in 1943 during the German occupation toured Germany. The Allied bombing had begun, but it was still relatively safe to travel in Germany. The purpose was to give concerts to the French POWs and workers that had trasported to Germany for war work. The PCCB was the only French boychoir allowed to visit the POW camps. These events were very emotional experiences for the POWs and workers. The PCCB was the only French boychoir allowed to visit the POW camps. They were escorted by NAZI minders. There was no concerts for German audiences.
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