Rue Corentin Ollier

“A hero’s sacrifice echoes on this very street.” Rue Corentin Ollier in Neuilly-Plaisance isn’t just a street. It’s a testament to the courage of a man who fought for his country’s liberation. Corentin Ollier, born in 1896, was a veteran of several wars. He had served in Morocco, Cameroon, and the Great War. His experience and dedication led him to join the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) during World War II. During the tumultuous Battle of La Maltournée in August 1944, this street, then part of the battleground, witnessed Corentin Ollier’s final act of bravery. As German forces occupied the Thomson factory, fierce fighting erupted around it. The FFI, including Corentin Ollier, positioned themselves strategically, engaging in skirmishes with the Germans. On August 26, 1944, Corentin Ollier was killed while setting up his machine gun to target the national road. He was aiming to disrupt German movements and provide cover for his comrades. This street, Rue Corentin Ollier, now bears his name, a constant reminder of his sacrifice for freedom. A plaque on the wall of the RATP depot commemorates him and other fallen heroes of the battle. It stands as a tribute to their bravery and a symbol of France’s enduring fight for liberty. The inscription reads, “Neuilly-Plaisance. August 26, 1944. In this place and in the surrounding area, during the battles of La Maltournée, for the liberation of our homeland, Lucien Bellivier (…), Roland Mur (…), Corentin Olier (…), Gilbert Ribatto (…), died gloriously, died for France. We will never forget them.” Their memory lives on, etched not just in stone, but in the very name of this street, Rue Corentin Ollier.