These two history and heritage enthusiasts co-wrote a book soberly entitled “The Risquons-Tout scuffle”, published in 100 copies. Why devote a book to this battle? “In 2021, we both participated in a historic show on RQC, the local radio station. We took great pleasure in diving back into this important episode of Mouscron history.“, remembers Jacques Hossey.
+ READ ALSO > RQC podcast, the Risquons-Tout scuffle
One thing led to another, this two-hour long program (with Emmanuelle Petraman and Luc Van Acker) gave birth to a book. We know the boundless attachment of these two scholars to Mouscron history. The first is a guide, the second is a memory runner for the city of Hurlus. “We wanted to highlight our heritage and keep a trace of this March 29, 1848. Because the stories that evoke this episode are few in number.“
The two friends carried out substantial research work for this work.abundantly illustrated“, confides Francis Nenin. The common thread takes up the program broadcast on RQC, but it is above all embellished by a historical context (including the French revolution of 1848 and the life of the Mouscronnois at that time) and by numerous engravings, photos and historical documents.We came up against the reluctance of the Historical Society, which was hoping instead for a scientific work on the scuffle. A vision that we did not share. To transmit, you must be able to popularize and inspire readers. We must make history accessible to as many people as possible.“, estimate the two authors.
-Make history accessible? Nothing better than a visit to the Risquons-Tout district to immerse yourself in this bloody day. Place du Sergent Ghiers bears the name of the only Belgian soldier killed on March 29, 1848. Other clues are still an integral part of the district, including rue de l’Échauffourée, rue du Général Fleury (who commanded the Belgian infantry this that day) and the impasse of the 5th line, named after the regiment that came from Menin to stop the revolutionaries. “Not only is it no longer a dead end, but nothing indicates the name of this street. We are not asking for a commemorative plaque, only a panel like 99% of the streets of Mouscron. We hope that the municipal authorities will become aware of this.”
From this skirmish which ultimately did not change the destiny of the country, Francis and Jacques made it an immersive experience. Since by purchasing the book, the reader will receive a USB key to listen to the show recorded on RQC almost four years ago. The opportunity to understand that, behind these attempts to overthrow the regime, was also the Second French Republic, which encouraged this movement to rise up against royalty. “Belgian intellectuals also hoped for the birth of a republic. This was not the case. The army could only win against adversaries without real military training.“, concluded Francis Baby.
To find out everything else, immerse yourself in reading The Scuffle at Risquons Tout. €38 (book and USB key). Obtain it from Francis Nenin, 0477178776 –[email protected] and Jacques Hossey, 0493 346 438 – [email protected]
