During a trial about wartime crimes, the opposing lawyers decide to duel after the Paris trial. In 1949 Roger Nordmann (called Pierre Nordmann in The Unfree French: Life Under the Occupation) took exception when his brother was deported after denunciation by one of Jean-Louis Tixier-Vignancour clients. The affair ended after blood had been drawn from Nordmann.
In 1965 Jean-Louis fought a different battle when he challenged de Gaulle in the presidential elections.
From: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle; Nov 14, 1949
PARIS COURT CASE ENDS IN SWORD FIGHT
…They met at dawn at Marnes-la-Coquette, a village near Paris. M. Nordmann was slightly wounded. The duel had been pending for three weeks since a court case which M. Nordmann made veiled accusations that Maitre Tixier-Vignancourt was…
From: Hull Daily Mail; November 12, 1949
THREE-HALFPENCE
…anybody had been hurt. The answer was: “We have nothing to tell you.” Nordmann’s wound was only an inch deep. Mai Ire Tixtier-Vignancourt said that Nordmann fought with eonrase.” Duels are illegal in France…
From: Lincolnshire Echo; November 12, 1949
SWORD DUEL IN THE WOODS AT DAWN
…He told Reuters on the phone—” I can only tell you there was no reconciliation. The duel has changed nothing.” Tixtier-Vignancourt said that Nordmann fought with courage. ” was physically handicapped, but had a high morale,” he said. ” Mv opponent was…
From: Dundee Evening Telegraph; November 12, 1949
A transcript of the event was sold at auction along with other documents relating to the duel.