“Three months.” Those are the words that echoed in the corridors of justice for Gervais Bussière. We are now on Rue Gervais Bussière in Lyon. It’s a street named to honor a man of conviction.
Rue Gervais Bussière bears the name of a man who lived a life dedicated to his beliefs. Let’s delve into the story of Gervais Bussière. He was born in Lyon in 1895. He died in deportation in 1944.
Gervais Bussière’s father was a painter. His mother worked in the fur industry. Bussière obtained his primary school certificate at twelve and a half. He then began working. He was a metal worker. Later, he became a manufacturer of metal bed frames.
His commitment to social justice led him to communism. Bussière became an active militant in the Lyon region. He served as deputy to the mayor of Villeurbanne.
The street’s namesake also had a military background. He served as a tank commander in the army. His wife Blanche was a weaver. Later, she became a homemaker. She came from a family with republican leanings. The couple’s children were also involved in communist organizations.
After his demobilization Bussière joined the Regional Committee for the Third International. He became a factory delegate during the major strikes of 1920. He joined the Communist Party at its inception.
Later, Bussière found himself at odds with the party. He was removed from his functions and excluded. From 1925 to 1935 Bussière focused on organizing local artisans. He also worked with small business owners in the Lyon region.
In 1932, he organized a merchants’ protest in Villeurbanne. About a thousand people took part. Another protest in Lyon brought together twelve thousand.
In 1935, Gervais Bussière rejoined the Communist Party. He was a candidate in the municipal elections. He became deputy mayor of Villeurbanne. He remained in office until 1939.
When the Spanish Civil War broke out Bussière secretly made grenades. He supported the Republican forces. In 1936, the police discovered this illegal activity. Bussière was arrested. After a brief imprisonment, he was released. He became secretary of the regional committee. This committee aided the Spanish people.
In November 1937, the “grenades affair” was judged. The prosecutor praised the defendants’ selfless attitude. However, Bussière was sentenced to three months in prison.
During World War II, Gervais Bussière became a member of the resistance. He was arrested and deported. Rue Gervais Bussière was named in his honor in 1946. It was a tribute to his dedication to the community. It also recognized his fight for his beliefs.
So, as we stand here on Rue Gervais Bussière remember the man. Remember his courage. Remember his commitment to justice. Remember Gervais Bussière. His legacy lives on in the very ground beneath our feet.