Ginette Hamelin facts for kids

Ginette Hamelin (born March 4, 1913 – died October 14, 1944) was a brave French engineer and architect. During World War II, she joined the French Resistance. This was a secret group that fought against the Nazi occupation. Ginette also worked as an intelligence officer, gathering important information. Sadly, she died in a concentration camp in 1944.

Ginette Hamelin's Story

Ginette Sylvere was born on March 4, 1913. Her hometown was Clermont-Ferrand in France. Her father, Major Antoine Sylvère, led a large group of Resistance fighters. Ginette's sister, Jany Sylvaire, was a singer.

Ginette was very smart and studied engineering and architecture. She went to the School of Public Works. She was the first woman to graduate from this school in her field. Later, she married N. Hamelin. His brother-in-law became a future Prime Minister of France. In 1934, Ginette joined a youth group called the Communist youth.

Place Ginette-Hamelin, a square in Paris named after Ginette Hamelin.

In 1940, Ginette's husband was killed. After this, she joined the Resistance in 1941. She worked with her sister in a group called the National Front for the Liberation and Independence of France. They fought alongside André Debon. Ginette then joined another group called the Snipers and Partisans. Here, she became a second lieutenant. She also led a special team that gathered secret information.

On April 13, 1943, Ginette was arrested. She was sent to a prison called Romainville. From there, she was moved to a place called Ravensbrück concentration camp on August 29. This was a very harsh camp. Ginette Hamelin died there on October 14, 1944.

Remembering Ginette Hamelin

Ginette Hamelin is remembered for her bravery. Her name is written on war memorials in Joigny and Auxerre. These memorials honor people who died in wars. In 2003, a public square in Paris was named after her. It is called Place Ginette-Hamelin. This helps people remember her important actions during the war.