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Origin and history

The monument to the dead of Gentioux-Pigerolles, located in the department of Creuse in New Aquitaine, is an emblematic peace building of the early twentieth century. Built in 1922 at the initiative of Mayor Jules Coutaud, a veteran and member of the SFIO, he is distinguished by his anti-military message: a child in school uniform, carved in cast iron by Jules Pollachi, raises his fist towards the inscription "Cursed be war". This monument, funded by public subscription and grants, commemorates the 58 soldiers who died during the First World War, plus five names from other conflicts.

Designed by municipal councillor Jean-Marie Duburgt, the monument is made by local artisans: the sculpture is melted by E. Guichard, and the ensemble is built by entrepreneur Émile Eglizeaud for a total cost of 11,640 francs. Unlike traditional monuments, Gentioux expresses a revolt against war, reflecting the socialist and pacifist values of its designers. Its inauguration in 1922 was made without prefectural representation, due to a circular prohibiting anti-military demonstrations under the Third Republic.

The monument, 3.80 meters high and 2.78 meters wide, consists of a granite column topped with palms, symbolizing peace or victory. The names of the victims are engraved in gold letters on a white marble plate. Smuggled by the authorities, he received official recognition only in 1985, during an improvised ceremony in the presence of the prefect. Since February 9, 1990, it has become a place of pilgrimage for pacifist activists, who gather there every November 11 to sing The Song of Craonne and pay tribute to the victims of the war.

The monument is also linked to the memory of Felix Baudy, a soldier shot for example in 1915 and rehabilitated in 1934, whose grave is located in the neighbouring commune of Royère-de-Vassivière. A plaque bearing the inscription "Cursed be the war - Cursed be his executioners" is affixed there, reinforcing the symbol of resistance and collective memory. Each year, associations such as the League of Human Rights and the Free Thought organize rallies to perpetuate its pacifist message.

In July and November 2023, the monument was vandalized twice: first tagged with the names of young people killed during police interventions, then covered with Palestinian symbols and pro-Palestinian slogans. These acts, quickly erased, underline the political and memorial news of this place. Despite these incidents, the monument remains a strong symbol of the rejection of war and militarism, attracting visitors and activists from around the world.

His history is also popularized by cultural works, such as the Cursed Bande-dessine: Didier Daeninckx's and Pef's War (2014), or the Gentioux and Termignon song of Entre 2 Caisses. These creations help to anchor the monument in collective memory as a pacifist and republican heritage, unique in France.

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