In 1942, a Jewish boy and his family are trying to escape to Switzerland. They almost succeed, but the Nazis capture them. They are sent to Rivesaltes, a brutal camp in France. Then the boys are taken away from their parents. No notice is given. They are just gone.
Years pass. The boy matures but forgets some things. He recalls that there was a priest named Father Louis Bezard who put them in a sack and escorted them through a station. He recalls being brought up as a Catholic in Marssac. He recalls encountering his mother again. His father did not survive.
However, he has one recurring question. How did they manage to escape Rivesaltes?
Years later, he learns. A clerk in the records office tells him about Mary Elmes. She was there at the camp. She sneaked the boys into the trunk of her car and drove past Nazi guards. No reinforcements. No recognition. Just courage.
She assisted many children. Got in trouble. Served time. And then just faded into normal life. Never wanted credit.
She was recognized Righteous Among the Nations in 2013. First Irish individual ever.
