The STO was introduced by decree of the French collaborationist government in Vichy in February 1943 and affected all French men born between 1920 and 1922. They were conscripted to work in Germany. The introduction of the STO led to nationwide strikes and protests in France. Many young men went underground or fled abroad to escape forced labour. In all, 390,000 French men were forced to work in Germany under the STO.
Service de Travail Obligatoire (STO) / Compulsory Work Service
- Synonyms: STO
