Sister Eunice

Or Two Gun Grace as she was more commonly known to me. As mentioned in the story of Sister Faith, the convent of Le Grand Sein was predominantly full of French resistance assisting the British during WWII. Sister Eunice was awarded the GC for services beyond the call of duty (and so she should, terminating the enemy isn’t exactly part of a nun’s jobs description). Grace has now passed away so I thought I’d share with you the story of how she earned her medal of honour.

During the winter of ‘44 the Germans were

pushing supplies and ammunition across France towards Caen; this could of course was bring potential carnage to the allies planning of D-Day. A plan was hatched by the Allies for the French Resistance to take out a train estimated to be a staggering two miles long and packed to the gunnels with high explosive shells. Sister Eunice had a more personal interest in this operation as it was believed that a top ranking member of Hitler’s SS, Herr Tappenheels, would be on board that train. He alone was responsible for the death of ten resistance members in 1943 and in Sister Eunice’s eyes; his day of judgement was long overdue.

Under cover of darkness Sister Eunice with her haversack full of dynamite left the Convent. She waited at the Bijoux junction where she knew the train would have to stop; like a burglar of the night she crept stealthily underneath General Von Tappenheals carriage and entered via the specially built emergency exit that was situated underneath the hollow sofa inside his private quarters. All she had to do now was bide her time and capitalise on the element of surprise. She didn’t have to wait too long, for as she heard the door to his private bathroom close, she quietly slipped out from under the sofa and waited for his return.

She calmly stood in the centre of the carriage with her hands tucked up the opposite sleeves of her habit, when the General re appeared from the bathroom he questioned her arrival to which she said “I am here to say grace” ..... Continued..........