Who remembers the unsung heroes? Right here, on the Rue du Temple, the Hippolyte Perrau Plaque whispers a story of resistance. The Hippolyte Perrau Plaque commemorates a man who dared to defy the Nazi occupation. Hippolyte Perrau, a sergeant in the armed groups of the National Front, lived and was arrested at this very address, 18 Rue du Temple. The plaque serves as a stark reminder of his sacrifice.
Hippolyte Perrau was more than just a name on a plaque. He was a husband, a father, and an electrician by trade. He was also a staunch believer in human rights. He served as secretary of the Human Rights League in the 4th arrondissement. He joined the Communist Party in 1938. His entire family shared his convictions. His wife was also a member of the Communist Party. Even his sons were apprehended for selling communist newspapers.
In October 1940, police raided the Perrau home. They found pre-war communist brochures. This discovery foreshadowed the danger to come. On June 28, 1941, Perrau was arrested at his home. The police suspected him of clandestine communist propaganda. He was taken to the Hôtel Matignon, a holding place for other activists. From there, he was transferred to the German camp at Royallieu in Compiègne.
In the spring of 1942, tragedy struck the Perrau family. Hippolyte’s 18-year-old son, Jacques, died. Months later, Hippolyte himself was selected for deportation to Auschwitz. This was in retaliation for communist resistance actions against the German army. He arrived at Auschwitz on July 8, 1942. He was assigned the prisoner number 45965.
The conditions at Auschwitz were brutal. Despite this, Perrau was admitted to the camp hospital just two days after being assigned to Block 22a. He tragically died there on July 20, 1942. His time in Auschwitz was short. But his bravery and defiance resonate through the years. The Hippolyte Perrau Plaque stands as a testament to his courage and the enduring spirit of resistance. It reminds us to never forget the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.