Raoul Aglion

At a luncheon at the Town Hall Club, Dr. Raoul Aglion delivers the address "The Victories in the Desert," which chronicle recent achievements during the North African Campaign and further prospects for the region. Dr. Aglion was the "former attache of the French Legation in Cairo, who served with the Free French Army during the Libyan campaign under General Wavell."

Josephine Robb Ober begins the meeting who introduces the Toastmaster Paul Phelps Morand.

Aglion recounts efforts of soldiers to join the Free French Army. He tells the story of a group of soldiers who smuggled an airplane from Vichy-controlled Syria by sneaking petrol, one cup at a time. Next, he discusses early battles between British and Italian forces and describes the multi-national composition of the British soldiers.

Recorded at the Town Hall Club and organized by Le Cercle Français.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150203
Municipal archives id: LT5700