Did you know that Rue Andrè Devèze is more than just a street? It is a tribute to a brave soul. Andrè Devèze was a baker, a communist activist, and a resistant fighter.
Rue Andrè Devèze in Asnières-sur-Seine carries a heavy story. Andrè Devèze was born on July 19 1920. He was born in Saint-Denis. He was executed on February 14 1944. The execution took place at Mont-Valérien. This is in the commune of Suresnes.
Andrè lived with his wife at 13 rue Thiers. This was in Asnières-sur-Seine. He volunteered to work in Germany. He got a leave on August 12 1943. It was expiring on August 26 1943. Andrè then lived with his cousin Andrè Ched’Homme. His cousin lived at 48 rue de la Boulangerie in Saint-Denis. His cousin suggested that he join a Franc-Tireur et Partisan group. He accepted.
Andrè Devèze joined the FTP Marceau detachment on September 1 1943. This was in the P3 region. It is the northern suburbs of Paris. His pseudonym was Alain. He had a fake ID under the name Leroy. On September 27 1943 he protected Andrè Ched’homme. This happened at the town hall of Béthemont-la-Forêt. During this action, Ched’Homme was killed.
In early October, he helped derail a train near Orry-la-Ville. On October 15, he tried to set fire to a hydrocarbon company in Saint-Denis.
On October 15 1943, Parisian police arrested him around 9 p.m. He was arrested in a place rented by Ched’Homme. It was on rue de la Boulangerie. He had a work certificate from April 20 1943. It was in the name of Leroy Pierre. He also had a food card in Ched’Homme’s name. Police also found notebooks, notes, and ration cards.
He was taken to the Special Brigades. This was at the Police Prefecture. He admitted his involvement in the actions. These actions were in Béthemont-la-Forêt, Orry-la-Ville and Saint-Denis.
The Germans imprisoned him in Fresnes on October 23 1943. He was sentenced to death on January 23 1943. A German war tribunal handed down the sentence. He was executed on February 14. Paul Faure and Adolphe Wersand were executed with him.
Andrè Devèze was buried in the cemetery of Asnières-sur-Seine. He is in the square for those who were shot. The local council named a street after him. He was recognized as an Interned Resistant. Rue Andrè Devèze stands as a reminder. It reminds us of his sacrifice and commitment.