“Who was Fernand Fenzy?” I wonder. This street is named in his honor. Rue Fernand Fenzy stands as a silent memorial. It commemorates a life of courage and sacrifice during World War II.
Fernand Fenzy was born on April 13 1901 in Valenciennes. He was executed on March 21 1942 at Mont-Valérien. Fenzy was an architect and a professor. He also directed the École d’architecture de Paris. He was a member of the Phill intelligence network a part of the French Resistance.
Fenzy married Lucienne Ducœur-Joly on July 27 1922. They married in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The couple had a son Daniel. Daniel was born in 1923 in the 14th arrondissement.
During the declaration of war Fenzy was assigned to gas mask production. After being demobilized in July 1940 he lived alone. His address was 12 rue Émile-Duclaux in the 14th arrondissement.
Fenzy was associated with M. Carreau. Carreau was the communal architect of Antony. Both had offices at 44 avenue d’Orléans in Antony. Fenzy was the vice-president of an architectural society. It was founded in 1868. It had one hundred and forty-seven members.
In June 1941 Fenzy joined the Phill intelligence network. This network worked for the Intelligence Service. It later became the Alibi network. A dentist’s office served as a hub for the network. The dentist was another member Georges Paulin. The office owner Durren-Berger was watched by French police. They thought he was pro-Nazi. But Durren-Berger was also an occasional agent for the 2nd bureau. He was unaware of Paulin’s activities.
Durren-Berger spoke German fluently. His dental practice was frequented by Germans. Among them were Ambassador Otto Abetz and Hermann Brandt. Brandt was the head of the Abwehr in France. Others included Von Stülpnagel, Daniel Dubois and several consuls.
Fernand Fenzy and Georges Paulin had a mutual friend. This friend was a Swiss engineer. French police suspected him of being pro-Nazi. He was also an agent for the 2nd bureau. He eventually spoke.
On November 1 1941 Fenzy was arrested. He was in the Nord department. Members of the French Gestapo led by Bonny and Lafont arrested him. Fenzy was handed over to the Germans. He was beaten and tortured. Interrogations followed.
Fenzy was imprisoned in Fresnes. On March 20 1942 he appeared before a military tribunal. The tribunal was on rue Boissy-d’Anglas. Five other members of the network were with him. They included Georges Paulin, Jacques Kellner, Étienne Stéphane and Roger Raven. Five were sentenced to death for espionage. Marius Roubille received a life sentence. He died in Mauthausen on April 11 1945.
Fernand Fenzy and his companions were shot on March 21 1942. The location was Mont-Valérien. His name is on war memorials in Antony and Plessis-Robinson. It’s also on a plaque at the École d’architecture de Paris. He was posthumously named a FFI sub-lieutenant.
Abbé Franz Stock mentioned him in his war diary. On Saturday March 21 1942 Stock learned that six prisoners were to be shot. He prepared them for the news. Five had been sentenced the day before. The sentences were immediately confirmed.
Rue Fernand Fenzy is more than just a street. It’s a reminder of a man who fought for freedom. It’s a tribute to his unwavering spirit. Let’s take a moment to reflect on his sacrifice.