Consider the story etched in stone before you on this Plaque commémorative Alphonse CORNIL. This plaque honors a man who fought for the liberation of Nice. It’s a silent testament to courage and sacrifice during World War II.
This Plaque commémorative Alphonse CORNIL marks the spot where Alphonse Cornil fell. He died on August 28, 1944. Cornil fought bravely for France. The plaque is located on the facade of 130, Avenue Gambetta.
Alphonse Cornil was a member of the French Forces of the Interior FFI and FTPF. He belonged to the Groupe René. The inscription reads: “Here fell on August 28, 1944, in the service of France, courageously fighting for the liberation of Nice, the patriot Cornil Alphonse.”
Alphonse Cornil was born in Mouscron, Belgium. He entered the Resistance in January 1942. He joined the Groupe René. Later, it was affiliated with the FTPF. He participated in intelligence and propaganda actions. Cornil was promoted to adjutant-chief.
He stayed in Perpignan. He helped people secretly cross into Spain. Later he became an instructor. He instructed the corps-franc of the Groupe René. His home on Avenue Saint-Joseph served as a post box.
During the Nice uprising, Cornil reinforced the Passage à Niveau. The enemy was attacking it strongly. He routed his opponents through relentless guerrilla warfare. He destroyed their support points. He paralyzed their movements.
Around 10 a.m. he launched a grenade attack. His target was a machine gun. He destroyed it. But he was struck by a burst of submachine gunfire. This happened near 128 Boulevard Gambetta.
Since 1947, this Plaque commémorative Alphonse CORNIL has stood here. It commemorates his sacrifice. His name is also on the Pyramid at the Carrefour du 28 août.
The Plaque commémorative Alphonse CORNIL serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the high price of freedom. It honors a man who gave everything for the liberation of Nice. Let us take a moment to remember Alphonse Cornil. Let us remember all those who fought for freedom. Their courage should never be forgotten.