World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
French Resistance leader Solange Alexandre dies aged 104
Solange Alexandre, a French Resistance leader, died aged 104 in Le Mans.
She joined the Resistance in 1941, during the German occupation of France in World War Two, and used the code name Corlay.
She carried messages and gathered information by bicycle across the region.
In 1944, she and her future husband founded the Pas-de-Boeuf resistance group near Ruillé-sur-Loir.
She commanded about 30 fighters, who carried out sabotage, sheltered Allied airmen and fought German forces.
Her group also took part in the liberation of Tours, and she ended the war as a lieutenant in the French Interior Forces.
France remembered her service, including President Emmanuel Macron, who paid tribute after her death.
She turned down the Légion d'Honneur twice before accepting it in 2024.
French Resistance veteran Solange Alexandre has died aged 104, according to reports published on 10 November 2026.
She died in Le Mans on 8 November, franceinfo reported.
Alexandre joined the Resistance in 1941 as a courier and spy, using the code-name Corlay.
In 1944, she and her husband created the Pas-de-Boeuf Resistance network near Ruillé-sur-Loir, where she led about 30 men.
She took part in sabotage and the liberation of Tours, and was awarded the Légion d'honneur in 2025.
- Who
- Solange Alexandre, a French Resistance veteran.
- What
- She died aged 104.
- When
- She died on 8 November 2026, according to franceinfo.
- Where
- Le Mans, France.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Alexandre heard General Charles de Gaulle's appeal on the radio and decided to join the Resistance.
She began working as a Resistance courier and spy under the code-name Corlay.
She and her husband formed the Pas-de-Boeuf maquis near Ruillé-sur-Loir, where she led about 30 men.
She took part in the liberation of Tours.
She received the Légion d'honneur, according to franceinfo.
Alexandre died in Le Mans, according to franceinfo.
- Age at death
- 104
- Resistance code-name
- Corlay
- Resistance network
- Pas-de-Boeuf
- Men under her command
- About 30
- Award
- Légion d'honneur, received in 2025
- Place of death
- Le Mans
3 sources
What people are saying
She said she only ever did her duty. But her duty was our freedom. France will never forget. Thank you
From that moment I knew I had to join up
Je n'ai jamais souffert d'être une fille