“Odette Kerbaul.” The name might not ring a bell for everyone but it should. Odette Kerbaul was no ordinary woman. This Allée Odette Kerbaul is dedicated to her. Here, we remember her courage her fight for freedom and her dedication to her ideals.
Odette Anne Marie Moke was born in Lille. That was before she became Odette Kerbaul. As a teenager she joined the Union of Young Women of France. This was a time of rising tensions in Europe. War was on the horizon.
During the Second World War Odette actively resisted the Nazi occupation. She became a departmental leader within the Young Communists. This was a dangerous role. She was operating underground. She risked her life daily. Odette helped to rebuild the Communist Party in secret. She re-established contacts. She ensured the distribution of information.
Odette’s father was arrested in 1941. He was detained for six months. After his release he supported his daughter. She was arrested herself with about 40 other young communists. She spent 11 months in jail but avoided deportation.
In 1943 Odette was appointed departmental head of the Young Communists. She was responsible for 190 young people. For security reasons she only knew 25 of them personally. The organization worked in small groups. They had very little equipment. They carried out daring actions to get weapons.
Odette was arrested a second time. She was imprisoned in Loos near Lille. She was held in solitary confinement for three months. She was then moved to Cuincy. There she shared a cell with Josette Dumeix. Josette provided her with political education. On May 1 1944 they sang The Internationale and The Marseillaise loudly. Some guards helped the Germans and informed on leaders. One guard felt sorry for Odette. He warned her family. This allowed them to send her food and blankets.
After the war Odette married Eugène Kerbaul. He was also a former member of the resistance.
After the war Odette Kerbaul became a militant in the French Communist Party. In 1945 she was a member of the national committee. That committee belonged to the Union of Republican Youth of France. She refused the Legion of Honor.
Odette spoke in schools about her experiences. She wanted to keep the memory of her husband alive. He died in August 2005. She also wanted to share her stories. She wanted to do this because fewer and fewer witnesses remained. Odette Kerbaul died. Her funeral took place on January 14.
Allée Odette Kerbaul is more than just a street name. It represents the spirit of resistance. It is a symbol of hope. This is especially important in times of adversity. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in. It also honours those who fought for a better future. Take a moment to reflect on her life. Think about her legacy. Let us carry on her fight for justice and peace.