Dr. Jules Cornil was born in Lier on January 17, 1907, and became a doctor in Putte in 1934. Known as a jovial and well-liked man, he openly criticized the German occupiers during WWII, treated resistance members, and sheltered three men refusing forced labor. After a collaborator was killed on April 18, 1944, the Germans ordered reprisals: three local notables, including Cornil, were targeted. On May 2, 1944, he was taken from his home by collaborators. While another target escaped, Cornil was driven toward Mechelen, stopped in Peulis, and executed by gunfire. His body, found the next day, sent shockwaves through the community.
