DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Book ...

DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Book signed and inscribed, an 8vo paperback first edition of `Memoires de Guerre« (1954), which includes the years 1940 to 1942, being the first of a trilogy, published by Plon, Paris, 1954. A three lines inscription in de Gaulle«s hand above his signature `C. de Gaulle«, also dated 15th October 1954 in his hand. The 680 pages book is signed and inscribed in blue ink to the front free endpaper, and includes maps of different battles and troops movements. Inscribed to Maurice No‘l. Small overall age wear, with edges slightly trimmed. Dust jacket still present. F to G £150-200 Maurice No‘l was a French officer and painter, member of the French Resistance. Highly decorated for his exceptional actions during the war. No‘l managed to send important military information to the allies regarding the Atlantic wall, hiding the information under his own paintings. After attending a German officers request, he painted Marshal Rommel«s portrait which pleased him so much that he asked No‘l what could him offer in exchange. No‘l got a special pass allowing him to paint the port and ships in the Saint-Brieuc area. During 1943 and 1944 No‘l sent regularly information which was studied in London. No‘l was arrested in 1944 by the Gestapo and sentenced to death, but the day before the execution was exchanged against a German General.