The WWII war effort of the Order of Saint Lazarus

Before the onset of the Second World War, the French Order of Saint Lazarus had undertaken steps to establish a near world-wide presence. The commencement of hostilities and in incursions of Nazi Germany and Facist Italy into neighbouring European countries led to a general breakdown in the administrative cohesion of the Order. This however was not enough to stiffle the humanitarian efforts of the Order particularly supporting the volunteer serrvices in France. Individual members of the Order gave their contribution towards the fight aganist the invaders, sometimes paying the ultimate price.