When the Germans hacked prostrate France into two parts the line of demarcation placed the tiny village of Cérilly in Unoccupied France. Its cemetery, half a mile away, was in Occupied France. By special dispensation, the German occupation authorities permitted funerals to cross and recross the line without the usual formalities.
Funerals became strangely frequent. Always first in processions was Pierre Guichard, dignified beadle of the Cérilly church. Next, the cure, sprinkling holy water with an energy suggesting joyous abandon. Behind him came the coffin bearers, their spirits lighter than the heavy box...
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