Moulin-Neuf Stele

In August 1944, after the Normandy landings, German troops retreated towards Saint-Nazaire to form what would become the Saint-Nazaire Pocket. The Paimbœuf area became unstable, while local FFI groups tried to encourage German desertions.

On 12 September 1944, Jean-Léon Rondineau from Frossay, a member of the 10th FFI Battalion, met Alfred Martin from Paimbœuf. With a third man, they attempted to persuade enemy soldiers to surrender. Near the Corbinais crossroads, their encounter with two German sentries turned violent: shots were exchanged, wounding both a German soldier and Rondineau.

The Germans soon returned, captured the two resistance fighters, and—despite attempts to negotiate—ordered their execution.
Later that afternoon, the men were shot at Moulin-Neuf and buried secretly near the Loire.

After the Liberation on 14 May 1945, their bodies were exhumed and buried in Paimbœuf cemetery.
Jean-Léon Rondineau and Alfred Martin were officially recognised as “Died for France.”