SCOTS AND FRENCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 October 1941, Page 6

SCOTS AND FRENCH

FEELINGS OF AFFECTION. One of the saddest items about the unfortunate recent fighting in Syria was that three French and two Scots had been buried side by side. There has always been the greatest feeling of affection in France for the Scots, for so often have Scots and French fought side by side. Louis XI had a Scots bodyguard, and Scots fought in great numbers in the armies of France throughout the Middle Ages. Joan of Arc when captured had Scots in her bodyguard. When Joan of Arc day was celebrated, before the war, in Compiegne, by a historical pageant Scotland was frequently represented by Scots who had travelled all the way from Scotland to be present.

It was an incident in Franco-Scottish history that gave its motto to Brittany, that province of France where today resistance to the German invader is so strong. When Mary, Queen of Scots, as a child went to France and landed at Morlaix, in Brittany, surrounded by hei’ Scots bodyguard, a chain on the bridge broke. Fearing for the safety of their little charge the Scots archers closed in around her, blit the Due de Rohan, riding ahead, turned in his saddle and held up his open, hand, saying, “Jamais Breton ne fit trahison” (Never was a Breton a traitor), and thus the province got iL proud motto.