Joseph Darnand was a French collaborator with Nazi Germany during World War II. A decorated soldier in the French Army of World War I and early World War II, he went on to become the organizer and de facto leader of the Milice française, or French Militia, the collaborationist Vichy government's paramilitary police force. Darnand also served as an officer in the Waffen-SS. He was tried and executed after the war for treason.
Joseph Darnand c. 1943–1944
Darnand's grave in Batignolles Cemetery (Paris).
Collaboration with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy
In World War II, many governments, organizations and individuals collaborated with the Axis powers, "out of conviction, desperation, or under coercion." Nationalists sometimes welcomed German or Italian troops they believed would liberate their countries from colonization. The Danish, Belgian and Vichy French governments attempted to appease and bargain with the invaders in hopes of mitigating harm to their citizens and economies.
A Vlaamsch Nationaal Verbond (VNV) meeting in Ghent in 1941
Members of Free Corps Denmark leaving for the Eastern Front from Copenhagen's Hellerup station
HQ of the SS-Schalburgkorps in Copenhagen in 1943
Leader of Vichy France Marshal Philippe Pétain meeting Hitler at Montoire, 24 October 1940