Hélène Mallebrancke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hélène Mallebrancke
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| Born | 3 March 1902 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium
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| Died | 30 August 1940 (aged 38) Ghent, Belgium
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| Occupation | Engineer |
Hélène Mallebrancke (born March 3, 1902 – died August 30, 1940) was an amazing Belgian engineer. She was the very first woman to become a civil engineer from Ghent University. This made her one of the first female engineers in all of Belgium! During World War II, Hélène secretly worked with the Belgian Resistance. She made sure that important phone and communication lines kept working for the Allied forces in the Ghent area. Her bravery and hard work were recognized after her death. Both the French and Belgian governments gave her special awards.
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Early Life and Education
Hélène Mallebrancke was born on March 3, 1902. Her hometown was Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium. Her father, Georges Mallebrancke, was also an engineer.
Hélène went to a special school for young girls in Ghent. In 1919, she passed important state exams. After that, she joined the State University of Ghent. She worked very hard and graduated in 1924 as a civil engineer. The next year, she earned another degree. She became an electrical engineer with high honors.
A Career in Telecommunications
In 1926, Hélène started working for the Belgian public telephone service. This service later became known as the Régie des Télégraphes et Téléphones in 1930. She was very good at her job.
By May 1940, Hélène had become a chief engineer. She was in charge of all the telecommunications in the important Ghent region. This meant she managed all the phone and telegraph lines.
Bravery During World War Two
When Belgium was invaded during World War Two, Hélène was already very sick. But she did not stop working. She worked day and night to keep the communication lines open in the Ghent area. This was vital for the Allied soldiers fighting against the invasion.
Hélène was completely exhausted from her efforts. She became very ill and was taken to a hospital in Ghent. She sadly passed away on August 30, 1940, when she was only 38 years old.
When the French Minister of War, Charles Huntziger, heard about her death, he sent an award to her mother. It was the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) with palms. This award is given for bravery. The award praised Hélène for her important work. It said she helped set up communication links for the Allied armies. She also kept her staff working and protected the vital Ghent telecommunications hub. She was a great example of dedication and calmness.
In November 1946, the Belgian government also honored Hélène. She received the Belgian Croix de guerre with palms. This was another award for her bravery and service.
Awards and Recognition
Hélène Mallebrancke received several important awards for her service:
- French Croix de guerre (with palms)
- Belgian Croix de guerre (with palms)
- Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold (Knight of the Order of Leopold)
In 2020, a street in Oostakker was named in her honor. It is called Mallebranckestraat. This helps remember her important contributions.
