Remembering the Free French forces on the Old Dean Common in Camberley

On Saturday 11th November 2023 Surrey Heath Museum had two blue plaques unveiled in the Old Dean estate in Camberley, both in remembrance and in celebration of the Free French forces camp on Old Dean Common from 1940 to 1944.

Both places, the Beacon Church and Lorraine School, stand on the site of the Free French forces camp. Surrey Museum’s Heritage Officer Gillian Riding opened the event and introduced the dignitaries, Trefor Hogg – Surrey County Councillor covering the Old Dean ward, the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Councillor Pat Tedder, Rt Hon Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath, Edouard de Guitaut (Le Souvenir Francais, Great Nephew of Charles de Gaulle), Maj L B Gurung MVO (RMA Sandhurst) and representatives from Le Souvenir Français UK.

Prior to the unveiling of the plaque on Beacon Church, by the French Attaché from the French Embassy, dignitaries spoke about the history of the camp and of General de Gaulle and his leadership of the Free French forces. After the unveiling everyone was invited inside the Beacon Church for tea, and to view some of the Museum’s artefacts of of the camp, and to hear more of the history of General de Gaulle and his Free French forces.

On a lovely sunny day yours truly couldn’t resist a photo next to the dais with Maj Lok Gurung MVO, and CCllr Trefor Hogg. Also, worth noting that the Mayor spoke of the Surrey Museum plaque on Paddock Wood Girls Finishing School, which during WW2 was the secret home, created by Mrs Rosette Savill, of the rehabilitation and recovery site for injured Free French soldiers and resistance personnel.

All round a good day showing respect and celebration of Camberley’s contribution to Free French Forces. Thanks to Mike Hillman for the photo of the plaque at Lorraine School.

Mrs Rosette Savill’s story told in the country of her birth

One must respect the dedication, perseverance, and determination of those involved in historical research. I know of one such person, and it’s Pippa Anderson, whose resolve has been to promote an appreciation of the life and work of Mrs Rosette Savill.

I’ve reported, HERE and HERE, on the unveiling of a blue plaque on the original building of the Free French Rehabilitation Centre, and subsequent Paddock Wood Girls Finishing School, which the blue plaque acknowledged.

So that Mrs Savill’s story is more widely known in Monaco, the country of her birth, Martine and her husband Robert (former PW tennis & music teacher), who live in Monaco, organised that Pippa Anderson’s article appeared in Monaco Life.  You can read the article HERE, or by clicking on the image below. It’s fitting that Monegasques should know about her, and know that she lived in Lightwater. [Note: this article has been updated to include Martine and Robert Frost’s conribution].

Lightwater’s first Blue Plaque commemorates the work of Mrs Rosette Savill

Pippa Anderson, and Gillian Barnes-Riding deserve our heartfelt thanks for their energies in arranging for the placing of a Blue Plaque commemorating Paddock Wood Girls Finishing School and the WWII Free French Rehabilitation Centre in Lightwater.

This afternoon, just after 2.0pm, the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Valerie White, unveiled the blue plaque on the School House of the Paddock Wood Girls Finishing School, one of the remaining original buildings on the site.

During WWII Mrs Savill was a Welfare Officer for the Free French Forces and the French Resistance Movement, and offered her Paddock Wood home as a rehabilitation and recovery site for injured Free French soldiers and resistance personnel. At the end of the war, those soldiers helped by Mrs Savill asked if she could arrange an English education for their daughters. It’s from these beginnings that the Girls Finishing School developed.

Today, over 20 past students and teachers witnessed the plaque unveiling, and afterwards listened to past student, Pippa Anderson, retell the remarkable story of Mrs Rosette Savill and her achievements. Here’s my brief photo montage ….. a video of the event, and image of the plaque will follow.