Louis Aulagne, Georges Chazeau, Antonin Dumas, Marius Vivier Merle Plaque

In the heart of Lyon, a metal plaque, protected by plexiglass, stands as a silent testament to courage. The Louis Aulagne, Georges Chazeau, Antonin Dumas, Marius Vivier Merle Plaque remembers those who fought against fascism and Nazi barbarity. The inscription implores us to never forget the thousands of resistance fighters who fell in this struggle. Among them were many trade unionists and activists from the CGT du Rhône, victims of the Gestapo and fascist militias. Louis Aulagne, a mechanic from Firminy, features prominently on this plaque. He was a committed trade unionist and a member of the Communist Party. He became the secretary of the CGT union for chemical products in the Lyon region. Aulagne’s story is one of defiance and resilience. During World War II, he worked at the Berliet factories in Vénissieux. There, he helped establish resistance groups. These groups disrupted production and played a key role in the factory’s rebellion against forced labor. He was later sent to Haute-Savoie to organize resistance companies. He was instrumental in setting up eight sedentary companies, forming a strong base for the armed resistance in the department. His arrest in Annemasse in May 1943 showcases his strength. He fought off two French inspectors, only to be captured shortly after by an Italian patrol. Imprisoned and later transferred to Eysses prison, Aulagne continued his fight. He participated in organizing resistance within the prison walls. Tragically, during a collective escape attempt on February 19, 1944, he was killed by a grenade. His last words were a plea: “Don’t shoot, we are French!” The Louis Aulagne, Georges Chazeau, Antonin Dumas, Marius Vivier Merle Plaque serves not just as a memorial to Aulagne, but also to Chazeau, Dumas, and Vivier Merle. Their stories, interwoven with the fight for freedom, echo in the heart of Lyon. Their bravery reminds us of the sacrifices made to protect liberty and justice. The plaque invites us to reflect on the importance of remembrance and the enduring fight against oppression.