Second World War: Tags from 1942 discovered and authenticated in Montpellier.

Resistance – In Montpellier, graffiti from 1942 discovered on the Aqueduct des Arceaux have been authenticated as a message from the Combat network, revealing a previously unknown historical testimony of World War II

In Montpellier, inscriptions visible for decades on the Aqueduct des Arceaux have been formally attributed to the French internal resistance. According to information reported by Midi Libre, these graffiti, discovered a few months ago, long perceived as simple tags, actually correspond to a message from the Combat network dating back to 1942.

The investigation was conducted by two lawyers from the Montpellier bar, Isabelle Durand and Cédric Amourette. Alerted by a colleague mentioning a family memory linked to these inscriptions, they conducted thorough research with the support of local institutions, including the Resistance Museum and the departmental archives of Hérault.

“Combat punishes traitors”

Photographic analyses confirmed the presence of the slogan “Combat punishes traitors,” painted high on a pillar of the aqueduct. This identification was corroborated by period pamphlets found in archives, as well as writings of the resistant Henri Frenay, who explicitly mentions a graffiti campaign carried out in several cities of the free zone, including Montpellier.

Our file on World War II

Remaining visible due to technical constraints at the time, these markings now represent a rare testimony of the Combat network’s actions. The discoverers now call for their protection and integration into the local memorial journey, in order to highlight this unknown historical heritage. Two other inscriptions, including (…)

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