Rue René Guégan

Hidden within the tapestry of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, lies Rue René Guégan, a street whispering tales of courage and sacrifice. René Guégan, a railway worker born in Saint-Denis in 1911, made Villeneuve-Saint-Georges his home. He was a husband, a father of two, and a dedicated communist. Rue René Guégan stands as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his bravery in the face of adversity. In 1935, René Guégan joined the Communist Party. He served as secretary for various cells, including one in Paris’s 12th arrondissement and another in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. His activism drew the attention of the authorities, and he was closely monitored. His home was searched, and he was eventually mobilized, only to be demobilized months later. Following his demobilization, René Guégan was arrested and interned in various camps. He made a daring escape from Gaillon with Pierre Villon, a fellow communist. Upon returning to Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, he immediately rejoined the fight, becoming a member of the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans (FTP) in Paris’s 20th arrondissement. Tragically, he was arrested again, this time carrying false papers. He was imprisoned in La Santé and later handed over to the German authorities. The Germans labeled him a hostage, citing his knowledge of the Organisation Secrète (OS), a resistance group. On August 11, 1942, René Guégan was executed at Mont-Valérien alongside other hostages, in reprisal for attacks against German forces. His name is etched on the memorial at Mont-Valérien, a solemn reminder of his sacrifice. Back here in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Rue René Guégan isn’t just a street; it’s a testament to a local hero, a man who fought for his beliefs and paid the ultimate price.