Teaching hero

Your recent invitation to share “language contretemps ” led to a happy memory and a surprising discovery.

My school textbook was written by my two teachers of French, one of whom was a Frenchman named John Jammes.

I discovered recently he was a World War Two hero and was remembered on the school’s former pupils’ Facebook group: “Former French teacher John Jammes (1955-68) was a member of the French Resistance and was awarded the Croix de Guerre in recognition for his bravery and heroism.

“A popular figure within the school community, John spends his retirement sharing his wartime experiences with the younger generation.”

The textbook remains a prized possession as it was signed by both authors:

Alan Francis, Manche

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France