Perhaps unnoticed by passersby, this plaque commemorates a brave Lyonnais. This is the Louis Seurre Plaque. It stands as a testament to a man who gave his life for France.
Let me tell you about Louis Seurre. He was born in Lyon in 1886. Louis lived a life intertwined with the city’s fabric. He resided at 18, rue Pailleron, in the 4th arrondissement. He was a tulliste by trade. This means he worked with tulle, a delicate netting.
Beyond his profession, Louis Seurre was a dedicated activist. He was a militant in the Workers’ and Farmers’ Socialist Party or PSOP. Louis was also a member of the Republic Veterans’ Association.
During the Second World War, Louis Seurre joined the Resistance. He became a leader in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. He was also responsible for Caluire. Later, he rose to become one of the heads of Camp Didier. This camp was a maquis, a rural guerrilla group. It operated as part of the Secret Army of the Rhône department.
Camp Didier was located in the forest of Noyer, near Mionnay. By August 1944, it housed 800 maquisards. This was a crucial time. The German army was retreating after the Allied landings in Provence. Louis Seurre and his comrades played a vital role. They fought to liberate their homeland.
Tragically, Louis Seurre’s life was cut short. On August 27, 1944, he was killed in action. The event occurred at a place called “La Morfondière” in Mionnay. He was 58 years old. Benoît Perrier, a 32-year-old roadman, reported his death.
Louis Seurre’s sacrifice did not go unrecognised. He was posthumously awarded the mention “Mort pour la France”. This translates to “Died for France.” His rank of commander in the French Forces was also recognised.
His body rests at the Necropolis of la Doua in Villeurbanne. His name is also inscribed on the commemorative stele of Camp Didier. It stands near the RN 83 highway, at a place called “Le Poussey” in Mionnay.
The Louis Seurre Plaque before you serves as a reminder. It bears the inscription “To the memory of Louis Seurre, shot by the SS in Mionnay on August 27, 1944, at the age of 58.” It stands as a simple yet powerful tribute. It honors a man who fought for freedom. Louis Seurre’s commitment to his city and his country remains an inspiring example. His story echoes through these streets. It reminds us of the courage and sacrifice that shaped Lyon’s history.