French soldier left stateless in the Ukraine for 48 years. Catrain was a farm worker before the outbreak of World War II. Drafted into the French army, he was taken prisoner by the Germans in 1940. Driven from camp to camp, at the end of the war in 1945 he ended up in Königsberg, now Kaliningrad (Russia). Missing any chance to return to France, he married a woman in Strikhivtsi, a small town in Ukraine, where he joined a collective of farmers, becoming known as "Paul French." In 1984, French diplomats finally managed to arrange a meeting with Catrain under the supervision of the KGB. Not until 1993 was he returned to France. Read less
Catrain Paul was born on June 25, 1919, in Crecy-sur-Serre, France. He is a figure of historical significance, having lived through many pivotal events of the 20th century. Catrain has been a witness to and an active participant in numerous historic developments.
Catrain Paul, though advanced in age, remains a figure of interest. Recently, he was featured in a documentary exploring the lives of centenarians in France. The documentary delves into their life experiences, resilience, and the changes they have witnessed over the decades. This feature has brought renewed attention to Catrain, who shared insights from his years in various interviews accompanying the documentary's release.
Due to his age, Catrain Paul is not active on social media platforms. However, several social media communities and history enthusiasts often discuss his interviews and appearances in documentaries. These discussions mainly take place on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where fans and history buffs share clips and quotes from his interviews.
In recent years, Catrain Paul has participated in several projects aimed at preserving history through personal narratives. One notable project is the "Voices of the Century" initiative, where he contributed by sharing stories from his past. This project aims to record and archive the experiences of individuals who have lived through major historical events, providing a personal touch to these significant moments.
Catrain has also been involved in local history preservation efforts in Crecy-sur-Serre, where he has provided invaluable firsthand accounts for local museums and educational programs. His contributions help bring history to life for younger generations.
Catrain Paul's life and experiences serve as a rich source of history and inspiration. His firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into the past century's events, making him a cherished figure in historical circles. His involvement in projects and documentaries ensures that future generations can benefit from his knowledge and experiences.
His story emphasizes the importance of preserving personal histories as part of our collective understanding of the past. Catrain continues to inspire those who seek to learn from history and apply its lessons to today's world.