 From 1943 until the Red Army liberated his camp at the end of World War II, he did forced labour in Breslau, Silesia.Back in Durenque, Joan was married to Camille Vidal before moving again to Mauron de Maleville (1949–1955) and returning close to home in Saint-Laurent-d'Olt (1955–1967), still as a teacher.He died in Algiers, eight years after being promoted to the then-French colony's capital.