Do you know why this square bears the name Place Edgar Tarquin? It’s a tribute to a man who stood against oppression. Edgar Tarquin’s story is one of courage during the dark days of World War II.
Born in Pertuis in 1921, Edgar Tarquin was a cabinetmaker. He became a communist activist. He lived in the Cabucelle-Oddo district. Even before the German occupation, he stood up for what he believed in. In 1940, he was suspected of distributing leaflets. These leaflets called for unity against the looming threat. They denounced the “government of bankers”. They demanded power for the workers.
When France fell, Edgar joined the Resistance. He became part of the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans. This group was under the command of Alphonse Dumay. In February 1943, Edgar participated in an attack. It targeted a train carrying German soldiers. The attack failed. Many organizers were arrested.
Edgar refused to join the Service du Travail Obligatoire. This was a forced labor program for the Germans. Instead, he joined the Maquis. This was a rural guerrilla group in the Luberon. Sadly, his time in the Maquis was short-lived.
In August 1943, Edgar was arrested in Avignon. The Sipo-SD, the Nazi security police, captured him. He was transferred to Marseille. A German military tribunal sentenced him to death on September 21, 1943. Edgar Tarquin was executed that very day.
There are conflicting accounts of the execution location. Some say it was at Chave prison. Others believe it was at Fort Saint-Nicolas. Regardless, his courage in the face of death is undeniable.
Two letters from Edgar reached his parents. One was published in Rouge-Midi. This was a communist newspaper. The letter was delivered by a gravedigger. Another version says the truck driver found it. This shows the impact he had on those around him.
Edgar Tarquin was officially recognized as “Mort pour la France”. This means “Died for France.” In 1945, Marseille renamed this square Place Oddo to Place Edgar Tarquin. It was to honor his sacrifice. A plaque was placed on the wall of his family’s home. In 1980, his hometown of Pertuis also named a street after him.
Standing here at Place Edgar Tarquin, remember the young man who fought for freedom. He stood against tyranny. His spirit lives on in this place. It reminds us to never forget those who sacrificed everything for a better future.