Did you know that Rue Robert Legeay commemorates a young hero of the French Resistance? This street honors Robert Legeay who gave his life for France. He was executed during World War II.
Rue Robert Legeay is more than just a street. It is a testament to courage and sacrifice. Let’s explore the story of the man behind the name.
Robert Legeay was born on March 25 1924 in Créteil. He was a worker who joined the French Resistance. In February 1943, Robert answered the call to join the Front National. This group fought for the liberation and independence of France.
Robert and Jean Jaguin joined a maquis or rural guerrilla group in June 1943. This maquis was located in the Creuse region. They derailed trains on the Toulouse-Paris line. This was a strategic railway line for the Germans.
The GMR attacked the maquis in August 1943. Robert and Jean possibly joined another maquis in Corrèze. On October 15 1943, Robert and Jean were arrested in Vierzon. They had weapons and dynamite in their luggage. They were imprisoned in Bourges. There they were tortured by Pierre Paoli. Paoli was a French agent of the Gestapo.
On November 9 1943, a German military tribunal condemned Robert Legeay and Jean Jaguin to death. The charges were possession of weapons and ammunition. The tribunal described them as resistance fighters on a mission. Despite mobilization in Créteil, their death sentence was carried out. Robert Legeay and Jean Jaguin were shot on November 18 1943. The execution took place at Montifaut in Bourges.
In his last letter, Robert asked to be buried in Créteil. He wanted to be with his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin. He also expressed his love for Geneviève Pagano. Geneviève was his girlfriend who had tuberculosis. She died in April 1944 without knowing Robert’s fate.
Initially, Robert’s body was buried in Bourges. Later, his remains were moved to Créteil. His sister Janine died in the Allied bombings of Créteil in August 1944.
On October 11 1944, Créteil decided to rename five streets. This was to honor patriots executed in Châteaubriant. Rue Robert Legeay was formerly named Rue des Ottats on December 8 1944.
Robert Legeay’s name is also on memorials in Bourges, Créteil, and Guéret. He was recognized as a soldier of the French Forces of the Interior. He was posthumously awarded the Resistance Medal in 1970.
Rue Robert Legeay serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom. Take a moment to reflect on his bravery. Remember the young man who stood against tyranny.