“Who were they?” I ask you to consider as we stand before the Les 3 frères Montel Plaque. This plaque commemorates three brothers. They were heroes of the French Resistance.
The Les 3 frères Montel Plaque stands as a reminder of their sacrifice. It marks the birthplace of Yves, André, and Georges Montel. These young men were victims of German barbarity. They perished in the Buchenwald and Dora concentration camps in early 1944.
In July 1943, the Montel brothers sought to escape the Service du Travail Obligatoire. This forced labor program was imposed by the Nazis. They aimed to reach Spain. From there, they hoped to join the Free French Forces in North Africa.
Their father, a decorated war veteran, learned of their arrest. He joined the Free French army to fight in their place. He continued the struggle they could not.
Yves, born in 1920, died on March 16, 1944. André, born in 1921, died on December 19, 1943. Both were scouts in the 19th Lyon group. They were also members of the Clan Albert de Mun. Georges, born in 1922, died on February 15, 1944. He was also a scout. He continued his scouting activities in captivity.
Georges participated in a prayer vigil in the Compiègne transit camp. This was just before his deportation to Buchenwald. Jean Paul Garin witnessed Georges’ scout promise.
A new plaque was inaugurated in 1983. Maréchale de Lattre de Tassigny unveiled the plaque. It sits on a large stone block.
Another plaque is at 3 rue Tronchet. This marks their building in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement. The Montel family tomb is in Lyon’s new cemetery. It is in square 1 of alley 20.
The Les 3 frères Montel Plaque serves as a poignant reminder. It honors their courage. It stands as a testament to their commitment to freedom. Their story echoes. It urges us to remember their sacrifice.