Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque

Hidden in plain sight, the Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque stands as a silent testament to courage and sacrifice. Right here, on the corner of Avenue de Saxe and Rue Dunoir, this stone memorial whispers the names of two men who defied the darkness of Nazi occupation: Philibert Gaillard and Frédéric Dutrion. The Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque doesn’t shout its story. It reveals it slowly, like a secret shared between friends. Philibert Gaillard, a member of the Socialist Party (SFIO), used his office at 85 Avenue de Saxe and his home as havens for those fighting for freedom. Parachutists found refuge within these walls. False papers were forged, offering a lifeline to those hunted by the Gestapo. Gaillard facilitated escapes to England, Spain, and Algeria. He distributed funds from England, ensuring the Resistance had the resources to continue their vital work. But betrayal lurked in the shadows. On March 29, 1944, the Gestapo, acting on a tip, apprehended Gaillard at his office. He was imprisoned in Montluc, then on June 9, 1944, he was taken to Communay and executed, along with 17 others. The Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque also honors Frédéric Dutrion. Another SFIO militant, Dutrion was a member of the Socialist Action Committee (CAS). His shop, located on this very corner, became a hiding place for the clandestine newspaper, *Le Populaire*. Dutrion was arrested and sent to the Compiègne-Royallieu transit camp. He tragically perished during his deportation, a victim of the brutal Nazi regime. The Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque is more than just a piece of stone. It’s a window into a time of extraordinary bravery. It is a reminder that ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts of courage when freedom is threatened. As you stand before the Gaillard / Dutrion Plaque, remember the sacrifices made by these two men, and countless others, who dared to resist.