So I tested the transistor by itself on the breadboard, comparing to a good one, and it is definitely dead.
While doing that, I found that with a good transistor, simply approaching my hand from the insulated base wire was enough to dimly light up the led.
holding the pin between two fingers lights it brightly... so I have the feeling I am doing something wrong, but what?
Here is a picture, my finger touches the resistor leg and the led is brightly lit:
The flat face of the pc2222a is facing away.
Franck