Consider this: a Lyon street carries the weight of courage and sacrifice. Rue René et Marguerite Pellet stands as a testament to a couple’s extraordinary bravery during World War II. Who were René and Marguerite Pellet? What did they do?
This street commemorates René Pellet born in Lyon in 1911. He was an educator and leader within the Scouts of France. René was also a key figure in the Marco Polo resistance network. He operated under the alias “Octave”. His wife Marguerite Baud Pellet born in Lyon in 1904 was integral to the network too.
René Pellet held a degree in pedagogy. His thesis explored the thinking and expression of deaf-mute children. He worked with the Institute for young blind and deaf boys in Villeurbanne with Marguerite. René was also a Freemason.
The Marco Polo network was a crucial part of the French Resistance. René became its leader. Marguerite coded and deciphered messages for the network. Their work was dangerous. They aided the OSE a children’s aid organization. They also helped the “Sixth,” a clandestine group within the Israelite Scouts. Together they sheltered Jewish children threatened by the Nazis.
Tragedy struck in 1943 and 1944. Marguerite was arrested in November 1943. She was deported to Ravensbrück in April 1944. Marguerite died in Amstaten in March 1945 during an American bombing raid. She was clearing railway tracks. René was arrested in July 1944. He was imprisoned and tortured. René was executed in August 1944. His body was thrown into the Rhône.
Even after his wife’s arrest, René continued his resistance work. He moved the network’s headquarters. He refused to give in to fear.
Rue René et Marguerite Pellet is more than just a street name. It is a symbol of resistance. It honors a couple who risked everything for freedom and humanity. Their dedication to helping others even in the face of immense danger is inspiring. A school in Villeurbanne also bears René Pellet’s name. A square is dedicated to René and Marguerite Pellet since 1984. Their legacy lives on.