Rue Henry de Bournazel

What secrets lie hidden beneath the cobblestones of Rue Henry de Bournazel? Today, this quiet Parisian street stands as a testament to the extraordinary life of a soldier who became a legend. Henri de Bournazel, born in Limoges in 1898, yearned for a life of adventure. The call to arms echoed through his family, and he dreamt of far-off lands. With the outbreak of World War I, he convinced his father to allow him to enlist at the tender age of 16. He served with distinction, earning the Croix de Guerre. But it was in Morocco, under the vast African sky, that Henri de Bournazel would truly make his mark. Here on Rue Henry de Bournazel, named in his honor in 1934, we remember “The Red Rider”. He was known for his signature red spahi tunic, a symbol of his courage and charisma. From the battlefields of El Mers to the mountains of the Jebel Saghro, his bravery became legendary. He led his troops with a contagious enthusiasm, often singing as he charged into battle. Even his enemies whispered tales of his “baraka,” a supernatural protection that seemed to shield him from harm. Tragically, Henri de Bournazel’s luck ran out in 1933. During a fierce engagement in the Jebel Saghro, he was fatally wounded. The Red Rider may be gone, but his memory lives on in the hearts of the French people and in the street that bears his name.