Who was Robert Witchitz? This quiet street in Ivry-sur-Seine Rue Robert Witchitz bears the name of a remarkable young man. His story is one of bravery resistance and ultimately sacrifice. Robert Witchitz a telegrapher joined the French Resistance FTP-MOI during World War II. He was part of Missak Manouchian’s group.
Born in Abscon in 1924 Robert’s family moved to the Paris region when he was young. His father a miner of Polish origin was mobilized at the war’s start. Robert worked as a telegrapher then for a distillery making bicycle runs. He was secretly a member of the Jeunesse communiste. He was assigned mandatory work in Germany.
But Robert refused. Unbeknownst to his parents he joined the FTP-MOI in 1943. He actively participated in thirteen operations against the German occupiers. Each successful attack brought him joy. He saw it as a fight for France.
His parents only learned of his activities when police arrived at their home. Robert bravely faced arrest. He was apprehended after an operation targeting a German money transport. He even wrote a letter to his parents taking full responsibility. This was to protect his comrades.
Robert spent 100 days in prison. His parents were denied visits despite their pleas. He was sentenced to death along with twenty-two other members of the Affiche Rouge. They were executed at Mont Valérien on February 21 1944.
Robert’s name appeared on the infamous Affiche Rouge poster. It falsely labeled him as a Polish Jew who committed fifteen attacks. His true heritage and religion remain unclear.
His body was initially laid to rest in Ivry-sur-Seine’s cemetery. Later it was moved to the family tomb as per his mother’s wishes. Rue Robert Witchitz stands as a testament to his courage his sacrifice and his enduring legacy. It is a reminder of the human cost of war and the selfless bravery of those who fought against oppression.