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Editorial Pont-Audemer
Published on
June 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
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As we approach the day of commemorations celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Beuzeville (Eure), on Saturday June 8, 2024, the local historian of Beuzeville, Samuel Grente, once again conducted research on a personality who participated in the events of 1939 to 1945: Camille Renoult, veterinarian in Beuzeville and who was resistant. More exactly head of the resistance network “Archbishop Saturne”, attached to the Civil and Military Organization (OCM). However, he is not very well known.
Through historical and genealogical research, Samuel Grente found the grandchildren of Camille Renoult, Bruno Raynal and Caroline Raynal-Normand who took part in the game of investigating the past. They have, together, written a text recounting the life of the resistance fighter, and will be present during the commemoration on Saturday June 8 with their aunt Claudine, daughter of Camille Renoult. A special tribute will be paid to their ancestor.
Camille Renoult, great resistance fighter in Beuzeville
Doctor Camille Renoult, veterinarian in Beuzeville from 1934 to 1948, was also an eminent member of the Cadre Noir de Saumur, a national riding school, where he was ranked Captain. Unlike some, he committed himself from the start of the German occupation alongside General de Gaulle, which marked him throughout his life. Recognized for his courage and intrepidity, in 1942 he created “Archbishop Saturne”, a branch of the Civil and Military Organization (OCM), a major resistance movement, in Beuzeville.
Camille Renoult distinguished himself by significant acts of resistance. His resistance group OCM began in clandestine activism. He played a key role in several resistance networks and contributed to important operations, including the transport of weapons and strategic sabotage which preceded the Normandy landings.
He was honored with several prestigious distinctions such as the Croix de Guerre (1940), the Resistance Medal (1947) and the Legion of Honor (1952). Devoted father of two daughters, Josette and Claudine, he shared unforgettable moments with his grandchildren, Caroline and Bruno.
Also an artist and musician
Camille Renoult, from a cultivated family in Rouen, distinguished himself from childhood by his multiple talents. Raised in an artistic environment thanks to his father, a teacher and photographer, he developed a passion for drawing, painting and sculpture, becoming a recognized figure in artistic circles by caring for the animals of famous painters like Utrillo, Lucie Valore and Derain.
A sailor, he loved going down the Seine and going fishing in Deauville. Camille Renoult loved painting outdoors, particularly in Port-Marly, on the Côte de Grace and on the coasts of the south of France. His works, often powerful and both primitive and expressionistic, reflected his deep commitment to art. An accomplished musician, he played the piano and the accordion, adding an extra dimension to his well-rounded artist profile.
He founded the racing company in Beuzeville
Appreciated for his independence of mind and his charisma, he preferred the company of his close friends and avoided the excitement of art galleries. In February 1938, he founded and chaired the Beuzeville racing company, where he exercised visionary leadership for the city, always ready to help those around him.
Camille Renoult played a crucial role within the OCM and the Archevêque Saturne sub-network, establishing strategic links with the Surcouf maquis. In November 1943, his network facilitated the transport of weapons from Chartres to Beuzeville, intended mainly for this maquis, while collaborating with local resistance fighters in Trouville, Deauville and Touques.
In April 1944, on his initiative, Gaston Le Braz, parachute instructor from London, came to train the Beuzeville resistance fighters in the handling of explosives and weapons, essential training to intensify resistance actions from May 1944, including cable cutting, recovery of Allied airmen and railway sabotage.
He blows up a railway line
On June 5, 1944, after receiving coded messages announcing the Landing, Renoult and his men executed the prepared plans, succeeding on July 18 in blowing up the Houlgate-Deauville railway line and a diesel tractor carrying underwater torpedoes.
Faced with increased repression by the Gestapo from July 21, his family had to flee and take refuge in Bostenney Castle in Beuzeville. On July 25, under enemy fire, Renoult guided the liberating forces, including a British commando and local resistance fighters led by Arthur Hanne, towards Beuzeville, where they captured an important arsenal and took many prisoners, demonstrating the exemplary courage and determination of the Beuzeville resistance.
Camille Renoult, a man of action and great intelligence, knew how to captivate those around him thanks to his charisma, his kindness and his expertise. Highly appreciated by both his family and his customers, he remains a model of commitment and humanity, whose legacy still inspires today.
Text written by Caroline Raynal-Normand and Bruno Raynal
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