born in paris, germaine brée grew up in the english-speaking channel islands. after graduating from the university of paris, she taught in algeria from 1932 to 1936. appointed to teach at bryn mawr in 1936, she returned to france to fight for the free french when world war ii broke out. she joined a volunteer ambulance unit, rising to the rank of lieutenant, and was assigned to the intelligence section of the free french in algiers. she received a bronze star and was named to the legion of honor. at this time brée befriended albert camus.