Considering a street could embody courage, this is Rue Andrée Brevet. This street in Villeurbanne bears the name of a remarkable woman. Andrée Brevet’s life was marked by faith, resistance, and ultimate sacrifice.
Andrée Brevet was born on March 1 1920 in Malafretaz. Her family was Catholic. Later, they moved to Lyon and Caluire. In 1936, she began working as a secretary-treasurer. She became involved with the Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne. This is the Young Christian Workers. She quickly rose to become the local section president. Soon she became the federal president.
In 1939, the Brevet family moved to 2 rue Aynès in Villeurbanne. Her father, Marie-Célestin Brevet, took over a pasta factory. The whole family participated in the Resistance. Her father and mother sheltered resistance members. They also welcomed radio operators. Andrée distributed the first Cahiers de Témoignage Chrétien. These were Christian Testimony notebooks.
In March 1943, Andrée Brevet and Francis Chirat founded a committee. It aided families affected by the March 1 1943 round-up. This repression had affected nearly 150 men in Villeurbanne. These men were later deported. Denounced, Andrée fled to Paris. Her two brothers were involved in the “Phratrie” network. Her parents sought refuge in Switzerland.
In Paris, Andrée joined the “Corvette” network in April 1944. On a mission on July 17 1944, the Gestapo arrested her. She was imprisoned in Fresnes. She was tortured but revealed nothing. On August 15 1944, she was deported to Ravensbrück.
She was assigned to a munitions factory in Torgau. This was 200 km from Ravensbrück. Andrée refused to make weapons to kill French and Allied soldiers. She was sent back to Ravensbrück. She died there on March 23 1945. She was only 25 years old.
Andrée Brevet’s bravery was recognized. She received the Croix de Guerre with vermeil star. She also received the Médaille de la Résistance. She was made a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
In Villeurbanne, the municipality honored Andrée Brevet. On June 15 1993, they renamed rue Aynès in her honor. The street runs parallel to rue Francis-Chirat. The inauguration of Rue Andrée-Brevet took place on June 19 1993. As you walk along Rue Andrée Brevet remember her courage. Remember her commitment to justice. Her story reminds us that even in the darkest times, one person can make a difference.