“Remember those who fall so their families do not live in misery.” These are the words of Alfred Delattre. The Rue Alfred Delattre stands as a silent testament to a man of courage. He was a man who stood against injustice.
Alfred Delattre was born in Harnes in 1908. He was a miner and a communist activist. Delattre became a member of the Organisation spéciale (OS). This was a group of about thirty activists.
Delattre was active in the miners’ strike of May-June 1941. The police actively sought him. He handled propaganda and gathered materials. These materials helped publish clandestine newspapers like La vérité and La Vie ouvrière. He even helped write and distribute them.
In October 1940, Delattre collected arms and munitions. He worked with Charles Debarges, Marcel Delfly, and André Lefebvre. He left his wife Aline Ruquois and their four children. He went underground to organize sabotage.
The Feldgendarmerie arrested him on August 6, 1941. He was charged with repeated attacks using explosives and arson. The Gestapo took him to their headquarters in Lille. His wife was also imprisoned.
A German military tribunal condemned Alfred Delattre to death on August 28, 1941. The charge was sabotage. From Saint-Nicaise prison in Arras, he wrote a final letter. He asked his family to be proud. He wanted them to be proud of their father. He said he faced death with the head held high. He was a true Frenchman.
Alfred Delattre was executed on September 8, 1941. The execution took place at the citadel of Arras. Marcel Delfly and André Lefebvre were executed with him. In his last letter, Alfred Delattre wrote to his family. It was a difficult moment. His appeal for clemency had been rejected. He knew he would be executed at 8 a.m.
He asked his parents to embrace his dear Aline and care for her. He knew his children would be without their father. He urged them to ensure his children did not suffer. He wanted them to be proud of their father. He faced death with courage.
Delattre implored them never to forget those who would fall. He asked that their families not live in misery. He was a man whose minutes were counted. He lamented the misfortune of his wife losing her husband so young. He urged her to find courage for their children. He told his friends to be proud of him. He requested that everything left in his cell be returned to his family. It was a final memento.
The Rue Alfred Delattre is more than just a street. It is a reminder of sacrifice. It embodies resistance and unwavering spirit. Take a moment to reflect on the courage of Alfred Delattre. Remember his dedication to his fellow citizens.