“Forgotten heroes” is how some describe them. This plaque honors Aux Républicains Espagnols composante principale de la colonne Dronne. It commemorates the Spanish Republicans. They formed the main component of the Dronne column. Their story is one of courage, sacrifice, and delayed recognition.
These were not just any soldiers. Most were Spanish Republicans. They were the first to enter Paris in August 1944. Paris was still under Nazi occupation. These 160 men belonged to the 9th company. It was part of the Tchad regiment. General Leclerc commanded the 2nd Armored Division.
Many had fought against Franco during the Spanish Civil War. After Franco’s victory in 1939, they fled to France. The 9th company became known as “La Nueve”. Nueve means nine in Spanish. The soldiers proudly wore the Spanish Republican flag on their uniforms. Leclerc recognized their bravery. He knew that if they were convinced, they would be unbeatable.
The vehicles of La Nueve bore names like Guadalajara, Madrid, and Teruel. These names evoked battles from the Spanish Civil War. On the night of August 24th, 1944, they entered Paris through the Porte d’Italie. They quickly reached the Hôtel de Ville.
Lieutenant Amado Granell, a former officer in the Republican army, was the first Allied officer to be received at the Hôtel de Ville. The next day, La Nueve secured key locations. These included the Chambre des Députés and Place de la Concorde. They escorted General de Gaulle down the Champs-Élysées. They carried the colors of the Second Spanish Republic.
After the war, their role was largely forgotten. The official narrative focused on French contributions. It wasn’t until decades later that their sacrifices were fully acknowledged. In 2004, the city of Paris dedicated this plaque. It honors the Spanish Republicans of the Dronne column. The Jardin des Combattants de la Nueve at the Hôtel de Ville was named in their honor in 2015.
This plaque, Aux Républicains Espagnols composante principale de la colonne Dronne, stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of belated recognition. It reminds us of the brave Spanish Republicans. They helped liberate Paris. Their story is now forever etched in the city’s history.