A Commemoration at the Site of the Former Fives Railway Station

On 11 September 2026, a ceremony was held at the site of the former Fives railway station, now used for TGV train stabling, to mark the 84th anniversary of the Lille-Fives roundup. Organised at the initiative of the Lille-Fives 1942 association, the ceremony echoed a similar event held at the same location in 2016.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Jean Castex, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the SNCF Group, and Bertrand Gaume, Prefect of the Hauts-de-France Region and the Nord Department, alongside representatives of the association, the City of Lille, local authorities and the railway community.

Éric Adamski, one of the children rescued during the roundup, also took part in the commemoration. Four years old in 1942, he now bears witness to these events and to the fate of the children and families who escaped deportation.

Keeping the Memory Alive and Passing It On

The ceremony included the laying of a wreath at the foot of the commemorative plaque installed in 2016. Located on the site of the former railway station itself, the plaque honours those who were rescued during the roundup, as well as those who came to their aid.

Its presence within the railway environment serves as a reminder of the events that took place there and of the decisive role played by the rescuers in the fate of several dozen people.

Understanding these events relies on complementary efforts in historical research, the preservation of archives and testimonies, and the promotion of significant historical sites. These initiatives are essential to documenting the facts and making this history accessible to the public, particularly younger generations.