Uma história de resistência à violência da ocupação e tirania- Elsie Maréchal (Bélgica, IIGM) - Helen Fry

 Como este espaço é por mim considerado como um “quilombo de resistência intelectual” contra o arbítrio, a prepotência e a violência dos poderosos, eu não posso deixar de homenagear outros resistentes;

From: HelenFry (IIWW Historian)

“Elsie Maréchal was among the few surviving female helpers of the Comet Escape Line, a resistance organisation stretching from Brussels to Paris and down to Bilbao in Spain during the Second World War.

At the age of 16, she enlisted in the Comet Line in 1940, amidst the severe German occupation of Belgium. Bravely, Elsie served as a resistance operative, bearing witness to the atrocities inflicted by the Nazis in her homeland. She observed trains departing daily and witnessed the suffering of her fellow citizens, particularly the Jews.

This only strengthened her resolve to resist. However, tragedy struck in November 1942 when Elsie and her family were betrayed. Despite enduring brutal interrogations and torture, her commitment remained strong and she did not crack.

Although her capture and absence posed temporary setbacks for the Comet Line, Elsie's courage endured as she spent three gruelling years in concentration camps, facing unimaginable suffering.

In recalling her experiences to me in person, Elsie remained modest about her wartime contributions. She collaborated with other inspiring WW2 figures, including Andrée and Elvire de Greef.

Elsie passed away in 2022.”