Madeleine Tambour facts for kids
Madeleine Tambour was a brave French actress born in Paris on December 18, 1908. She played an important role in the French Resistance during World War II. She worked with groups like the "Carte" network and the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Sadly, she died in the Ravensbrück camp on March 4, 1945.
Contents
Her Story
Her Early Life
Madeleine Anne Marie Tambour was the daughter of Alcide Tambour and Anne-Marie Aubin. She also had an older sister named Germaine.
Joining the Resistance
During World War II, Madeleine and her family helped the French Resistance. Their apartment at 38 avenue de Suffren in Paris became a secret meeting place. Many agents from the Special Operations Executive (SOE) used it as a safe house. This happened in late 1942 and early 1943.
Her sister, Germaine, worked as a secretary for André Girard. He started a group called the "Carte" network. This group wanted to be independent from Free France. Because of this, they received help from the SOE.
In 1942, another brave resistance fighter, Andrée Borrel, asked Madeleine and Germaine for help. She asked them to hide many resistance members. They bravely agreed to do so.
Arrest and Imprisonment
On April 22, 1943, Madeleine and Germaine Tambour were arrested. They were taken by the Abwehr, which was a German intelligence service.
Even though other resistance fighters tried to help them, they remained imprisoned. Madeleine and her sister were held in prisons in Fresnes, Romainville, and Compiègne.
In April 1944, they were sent to the Ravensbrück camp. This was a very harsh camp.
Her Death
Madeleine was given the registration number 27551 KZ at Ravensbrück. She died there on March 4, 1945. Her sister also died in the camp on the same day.
Remembering Her Bravery
A special plaque honors Madeleine and her sister Germaine. It is placed on the building at 38, avenue de Suffren in Paris. It also remembers Marie-Louise Monnet.
Awards
- Medal of the French Resistance (awarded after her death on March 11, 1947)
