Date of birth:

March 20th, 1913 (Lyon/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

Nationality:

French

Clement Boirayon served with the French resistance during the Second War. HeI joined the resistance at the beginning of 1941. The work at that time mainly consisted of distributing leaflets and newspapers, within various organisations. He and his comrades began sabotaging railways (especially at the Terre Noire tunnel) and destroying pylons.
He carried out numerous sabotage operations destroying windows in Rive de Gier and St. Etienne, particularly those of the Legion and of the main Police Station in St. Etienne etc. He and his brother played an effective role in the escape from St. Etienne prison during the night of Sept. 25-26 1943 at 5am, which was very successful (31 prisoners freed).
He and his brother Emilé continued to play an active roll in and around St. Etienne until the German withdrawal from the area.

After the war Boirayon emigrated to Australia, arriving in Sydney per Sagittaire 29 July 1949, and resided at 97 Unley Road, Unley, South Australia.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Citation:
"Monsieur Clement Boirayon started resistance work early in 1941 and worked until the liberation with British controlled circuits in the Lyon - St. Etienne area. He played an important part in building up resistance in this region, and distinguished himself in numerous sabotage operations against enemy communications in industrial installations. He also organised several parachute receptions and personally directed the transport and distribution of the arms received.

Amongst the many acts of sabotage in which Monsieur Boirayon took part were attacks on the steel works at St. Chamond and the important aluminium works (l’Usine de Duralumin) at Rive de Giers. Boirayon distinguished himself by his courage and daring throughout these operations. After D-Day he also took part in a number of guerilla engagements against the enemy, and showed initiative of a high order.

For his long and gallant services in the resistance movement in collaboration with British Officers, and for his courage in action against the enemy, it is recommended that Monsieur Clement Boirayon be awarded the King’s Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom."

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