“Jean Hemmen,” the name echoes with courage. This street remembers a man of conviction. Who was Jean Hemmen? He was not merely a name but a communist militant and a French resistant during World War II.
Born in Paris’s 13th arrondissement, Jean Hemmen’s early life was marked by political awakening. At 17, he joined the Communist Youth in Sevran. His father was a plaster molder. His passion for activism led him to become a permanent member of the Communist Youth in 1929. Jean Hemmen was responsible for underground youth activities. He coordinated antimilitarist actions in Grenoble and Valenciennes.
In the tumultuous years of 1931, Jean Hemmen co-led a miners’ strike in Northern France. His dedication earned him a spot on the central committee of the Communist Youth. From 1932 to 1933, he served as an illegal military officer. Venturing to the Soviet Union in 1934, Jean Hemmen became a referent at the Communist Youth International. There, he met his future wife Paulette Kérihuel.
As the shadows of conflict spread, Jean Hemmen organized aid for young Spanish communists. In 1936 he smuggled supplies and clothing across borders. During his time in Spain, Hemmen served as a political commissioner. He was assigned to the XIV International Brigade in 1938. A chest wound forced his replacement by Henri Rol-Tanguy.
Returning from Spain, Jean Hemmen joined the Committee for Aid to the Spanish People. He was also secretary of the association for volunteers of Republican Spain. Despite his efforts, he lost his reelection bid to the Communist Youth in 1939.
Undeterred, Jean Hemmen remained a clandestine communist militant in 1940. He organized popular committees and promoted sabotage in Paris’s southwest suburbs. In 1941, he joined the Special Organization. This armed combat group later formed the FTPF. Rising through the ranks, Hemmen became a commander. By early April 1942, he coordinated the Paris region’s FTP activities.
Tragedy struck on April 28, 1942. Jean Hemmen was captured in Saint-Ouen. He was registered as a hostage. On August 11, 1942, the German army executed him at Mont-Valérien.
Posthumously, Jean Hemmen was honored as a battalion chief in the regular army in 1946. He rests in the military square of the Boulogne-Billancourt cemetery. This street serves as a permanent reminder of his courage.
Jean Hemmen’s legacy extends to his family. His niece was the resistant Denise Albert. He married Paulette Kérihuel who he met at the Communist Youth International in the USSR.
The French state recognized Jean Hemmen’s sacrifice. He was awarded the “Died for France” mention. As you walk along Rue Jean Hemmen remember his unwavering spirit. He stood against oppression. He fought for his beliefs. His name will forever echo in the streets of Paris.