Paying homage to a man who died too young, this is Rue Henri Vuillemin. Henri Alphonse Vuillemin was born in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. He died in the 20th arrondissement.
Henri Vuillemin’s life was tragically cut short. He was fatally wounded by police during an antifascist demonstration. The event occurred on February 26, 1934. Vuillemin participated in a counter-demonstration. He protested a meeting of the Jeunesses patriotes. The meeting was located on Rue des Pyrénées.
Accounts vary but suggest a grim scene. Vuillemin was reportedly shot. Some accounts claim police also beat him. It was alleged that Vuillemin carried an iron bar. Regardless, he became an antifascist hero. Some considered him a martyr of the working class. These events were part of the “February 1934 days”.
The officer responsible for the fatal shot was named Maugeant. He claimed self-defense. He was acquitted of any wrongdoing. Vuillemin’s funeral occurred a few days later. A large crowd attended to pay their respects.
In 1949, Vuillemin’s mother made a poignant donation. She gave his wallet to Joseph Stalin. He had it with him when he died.
The legacy of Henri Vuillemin extends beyond this street. A battalion of the International Brigades was named in his honor. André Marty wrote about this battalion. His writing appeared in L’Avant-Garde in 1947. The battalion was called the “Henri Vuillemin battalion.”
Alexandre Aimé Vuillemin was an engraver, publisher, and editor. He was based in Paris in the mid-19th century. Despite a prolific career, his life remains mysterious. He studied under Auguste Henri Dufour. Vuillemin’s most important work was his Atlas Illustre de Géographie Commerciale et Industrielle.
Charles Dyonnet was an engraver based in Paris. From 1850 to 1861, he was Graveur du Dépôt de la Marine. He engraved many French naval and military maps.