Once named Place de la Victoire this place now carries a different weight. Place Edmond Dompsin stands as a testament to courage and sacrifice. Who was Edmond Dompsin? Let’s delve into the story behind the name.
Edmond Dompsin was born in Lille in 1897. In 1920 he joined the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer du Nord. By 1927, he was working at Délivrance. Dompsin was a committed trade unionist. He was also a member of the SFIO. Since 1935, he had served as a municipal councillor.
When World War II broke out, Edmond Dompsin went underground in 1941. He joined the “Voix du Nord” and “Libération-Nord” movements. He aided escaped British soldiers. He procured false papers. He gathered intelligence. He secretly distributed “La Voix du Nord”.
The Nazi hunt was ruthless. His network was infiltrated. On May 10, 1943, he was arrested at his home. It was on Avenue Roger Salengro in Lomme. He was imprisoned in Loos. Fifteen days later, his wife Eléonore and daughter Andrée were also arrested. They were also imprisoned in Loos.
The sentences came on November 12, 1943. His daughter received two months in prison. His wife received six months. Edmond faced the harshest sentence. He was sentenced to three years and six months of hard labor. On December 11, 1943, he was deported. His destination was the Siegburg fortress in Germany.
The dreaded confirmation arrived on May 21, 1946. Edmond Dompsin had died on March 17, 1945. He passed away at 11:15 AM in Siegburg, Germany.
In memory of his sacrifice, the municipal council renamed Place de la Victoire. This happened on December 30, 1947. The square became Place Edmond Dompsin. In February 1976, Lomme also named the sports hall after him. It was built on the site of the former Pasteur school.
Edmond Dompsin is recognized as a Deported and Interned member of the Resistance. He died for France. For his dedication, he was posthumously promoted to Sub-Lieutenant FFC.
The unveiling of a plaque at 56 Rue Roger Salengro in Lomme took place on July 1, 2023. It was a solemn moment of remembrance. It honored Edmond Dompsin’s sacrifice.
Now as you stand on Place Edmond Dompsin remember the man. Think of his courage. Think of his sacrifice. Think of his commitment to freedom. This place is more than just a square. It is a memorial to a hero.