MAQUIS sub-section "C" Bernard or Francs-Tireurs et Partisans Français (FTPF).

Initially called "Maquis de Chabanais" because it was based in this region, it attracted many young people from the Limousin area of the Charente and the Haute-Vienne who refused to be drafted to work in Germany.

Captain BEAULIEU took command of this maquis when it was formed in Pressignac in late May 1944. He was replaced in July 1944 by Bernard LELAY (Colonel BERNARD) by order of the general staff of the 5th FTP region.

The "Maquis de Chabanais" then became the "maquis BERNARD", composed of 250 men, organised into 12 companies and 4 battalions. It took part in the fighting at Chabanais (29-30 July and 1 August 1944), Exideuil, Oradour sur Vayres (19 July 1944), Aixe sur Vienne, the storming of Limoges (18 to 21 August 1944) and the Liberation of Angoulême (27 to 31 August 1944).

Bernard LELAY, was commissioned lieutenant colonel at the Liberation, then commander of the Angoulême military sub-division, and his regiment continued the combat at the front in Royan.