A stele of cold grey stone stands before you. It speaks of Emile Bollaert. This unassuming monument in Lyon holds a powerful story. A story of courage resilience and unwavering resistance.
Emile Bollaert was no ordinary prefect. Born in Dunkerque in 1890 he was a man of many roles. A lawyer a soldier an administrator and a pivotal figure in the French Resistance. His career path was impressive. He served as prefect in various departments including the Loire Gers Aube Vaucluse Finistere Haute-Marne Vosges and Maine-et-Loire. He even served as the General Director of Beaux-Arts. But his most important role began in Lyon.
In 1934 Emile Bollaert became prefect of the Rhone. He served alongside Edouard Herriot the mayor of Lyon. This period of relative peace ended abruptly with the rise of Marshal Petain. Bollaert refused to swear allegiance to the Vichy regime. A bold act that cost him his position. Yet he did not seek compensation from the state. Instead he became an insurance broker. Secretly he worked in the Resistance.
His actions during World War II solidified his legacy. Under the alias “Beaudoin” he served as a crucial link between the French Committee of National Liberation and the National Council of the Resistance. His commitment to the cause proved dangerous. Attempting to reach General de Gaulle in Algeria his boat was wrecked. He and Pierre Brossolette were arrested by the Germans. Imprisoned in Rennes then Fresnes. Brossolette died under torture in the Gestapo headquarters. Bollaert however survived. He was deported to Buchenwald then Dora and finally Bergen-Belsen. He endured unimaginable horrors. He was elected delegate for 60000 detainees. He was liberated by the British Army.
Repatriated in 1945 Emile Bollaert served as Commissaire de la Republique in Alsace. He later became the High Commissioner of the Republic in Indochina. He negotiated with Ho Chi Minh and Bao Dai. He sought peace but the path was difficult. His efforts to bring about independence and unity in Indochina are part of his enduring legacy. After retiring he continued a dedicated life. He served as president of the Compagnie Nationale du Rhone. He died in Paris in 1978.
This stele a quiet sentinel honors Emile Bollaert’s remarkable life. It represents a man who placed duty before self. A man who faced unimaginable adversity and emerged with his spirit unbroken. It whispers of resilience against overwhelming odds a tribute to a remarkable life devoted to serving France. Remember his name. Remember his sacrifice. Remember the Emile Bollaert stele.