The leading Platoon encountered an unknown German anti-personal minefield. The Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant were killed and the entire Pioneer Section (Engineers) attached to the Platoon were either killed, wounded of knocked out by the exploding mines. Private Lemmon suffering from shock was being evacuated by stretcher bearers when he learned that the Commander of another Platoon was about to try and clear a path through the minefield.Realizing that he was the omly person remaining who was experienced in mine-lifting, Private Lemmon although badly shaken and suffering from shock volunteered to return and assist in clearing a lane through the minefield.Returning to the minefield, which was now under heavy machine gun and mortar fire, Lemmon worked upon the task of lifting mines. This task proved to be a most hazardous one as the field contained a high proportion of the so-called Riegel&nbsp;mine&nbsp;43 which would explode at the slightest shock. Private Lemmon’s Pioneer training and skill were invaluable and undoubtedly saved the lives of inexperienced men who were assisting in the task. According to his recommendation report for a Military Medal, his great courage and devotion to duty, contributed to the success of his Company's attack. On 2 May 1945 the German Korvettenkapitän Wolter in Farmsum would surrender to the Irish Regiment of Canada, after which the battle for the Delfzijl-Pocket was over. During this surrender 1,386 Germans were taken prisoner. Private Lemmon received his Military Medal in July 1945.

Wilson Lewis Lemmon 

The German artillery batteries along the coast open fire.

Batterie Delfzijl

Clearing mines under artillery fire

Der führende Zug stieß auf ein unbekanntes deutsches Minenfeld. Der Zugführer und der Zugsergeant wurden getötet und die gesamte Pionierabteilung (Ingenieure), die dem Zug angegliedert war, wurde durch die explodierenden Minen getötet, verwundet oder außer Gefecht gesetzt. Private Lemmon, die einen Schock erlitten hatte, wurde von Krankentragenträgern in ein Notfallkrankenhaus evakuiert. Aber unterwegs hörte er, dass der Kommandant eines anderen Zuges versuchen wollte, sich einen Weg durch das Minenfeld zu bahnen.Als Private Lemmon erkannte, dass er die einzige Person mit Erfahrung in der Minenräumung war, meldete er sich, obwohl er unter Schock stand, freiwillig, um zurückzukehren und zu helfen, einen Weg durch das Minenfeld freizumachen.Im Minenfeld, jetzt unter schwerem Maschinengewehr- und Mörserfeuer, arbeitete Lemmon an der Aufgabe, die Minen zu räumen. Diese Aufgabe war sehr gefährlich, da sich in diesem Bereich eine große Anzahl der sogenannten Riegel-Mine 43 befand, die beim geringsten Schock explodieren konnte. Die Ausbildung und Fähigkeiten von Private Lemmon waren von unschätzbarem Wert und retteten zweifellos das Leben unerfahrener Männer, die bei dieser Aufgabe halfen.Laut seinem Empfehlungsbericht für die Militärmedaille trug sein großer Mut und seine Pflichterfüllung zum Erfolg des Angriffs seiner Kompanie bei. Am 2. Mai 1945 ergab sich der deutsche Korvettenkapitän Wolter in Farmsum dem Irish Regiment of Canada, wonach der Kampf um die Delfzijl-Pocket offiziell beendet war. Bei dieser Kapitulation gerieten 1.386 Deutsche in Kriegsgefangenschaft. Private Lemmon erhielt seine Militärmedaille im Juli 1945. Het leidende peloton stuitte op een onbekend Duits mijnenveld. De pelotonscommandant en de pelotonssergeant werden hierdoor gedood en de gehele Pioneer-sectie (engineers) die aan het peloton was verbonden, werden gedood, gewond of uitgeschakeld door de exploderende mijnen. Soldaat Lemmon die aan shock leed, werd geëvacueerd naar een noodhospitaal door brancarddragers. Maar onderweg hoorde hij dat de commandant van een ander peloton op het punt stond te proberen een weg vrij te maken door het mijnenveld.Zich realiserend dat hij de enige overgebleven persoon was die ervaring had met het opruimen van mijnen, bood soldaat Lemmon, hoewel onder shock, vrijwillig aan terug te keren en te helpen bij het vrijmaken van een weg door het mijnenveld. In het mijnenveld, dat nu onder zwaar mitrailleur- en mortiervuur ​​lag, werkte Lemmon aan de taak om de mijnen op te ruimen. Deze taak was zeer gevaarlijk, aangezien in dit veld een groot aantal van de zogenaamde Riegel-mijn 43 lagen, deze konden bij de kleinste schok exploderen. De opleiding en vaardigheden van soldaat Lemmon waren van onschatbare waarde en hebben ongetwijfeld de levens gered van onervaren mannen die bij deze taak hielpen.Volgens zijn aanbevelingsrapport voor een Military Medal droegen zijn grote moed en plichtsbetrachting bij tot het succes van de aanval van zijn compagnie. Op 2 mei 1945 zou de Duitse Korvettenkapitän Wolter in Farmsum zich overgeven aan het Irish Regiment of Canada, waarna de slag om de Delfzijl-Pocket officieel over was. Tijdens deze overgave werden 1.386 Duitsers krijgsgevangen genomen. Soldaat Lemmon ontving zijn Military Medal in juli 1945.

 Minenräumung unter Artilleriebeschuss Onder artillerievuur mijnen ruimen

The Palazzo Littorio in Camaiore was built in 1940.During the CSR, the 'Palazzo' became the site of arrests and torture, in which Franco Casamassima and Ernesto Cirillo, commander of the Black Brigade, stood out.Between 18 and 24 August 1944, eight people were killed in Camaiore as part of the roundups on the Gothic Line, including the town doctor, Dr. Carlo Romboni.Six victims are commemorated on a plaque placed in 1954 on the exterior façade of the Palace. Romboni and mechanic Giovannino Zucca also have a dedicated plaque in the Badia tombs.

Palazzo Littorio in Camaiore

Palazzo Littorio

Il Palazzo Littorio di Camaiore fu costruito nel 1940. Durante la RSI il “Palazzo” divenne sede di arresti e torture, nelle quali si distinsero Franco Casamassima e Ernesto Cirillo, comandante della Brigata Nera.Tra il 18 e il 24 agosto 1944, nell’ambito dei rastrellamenti sulla Linea Gotica, vennero uccise a Camaiore otto persone, tra le quali il medico condotto dott. Carlo Romboni.Sei vittime sono ricordate in una lapide apposta nel 1954 sulla facciata esterna del Palazzo.Romboni e il meccanico Giovannino Zucca hanno una lapide dedicata anche nei sepolcri della&nbsp;Badia.&nbsp;

 Palazzo Littorio 

During the Second World War there were an equal amount of German Soldiers as native residents on Schiermonnikoog, 60. As part of the Atlantic Wall these soldiers build a village of bunkers to defend themselves against the Allied forces. The codename for this village was Schlei, the German name for the fish species tench. Besides bunkers the village consisted of radar installations, anti-aircraft guns and camouflaged barracks. 200 construction workers from the mainland helped building this complex. One of the bunkers which was build was of the type Seeburg. This bunker was a central post and was used as a communication centre. Here radio signals were collected to, amongst other things, be able to intercept Allied bombers. It is in this bunker that the Bunkermuseum Schlei is housed. Bunkermuseum Schlei is managed by Foundation Bunkermuseum Schlei. This foundation has as goal to collect, preserve and exhibit goods and knowledge of the Second World War. The foundation also provides guided tours and lectures. Every few years the museum has a new exhibition on a specific subject concerning the Second World War on and around Schiermonnikoog. Examples of this are the narrow-gauge railway which was on Schiermonnikoog during the Second World War and an exhibition within the context of 75 years of liberation.

The Bunkermuseum Schlei on the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog is housed in a bunker used during the Second World War by the German army. The museum provides information relating to the Second World War on Schiermonnikoog.

During the Second World War there were an equal amount of German Soldiers as native residents on Schiermonnikoog, 60. As part of the Atlantic Wall these soldiers build a village of bunkers to defend themselves against the Allied forces. The codename for this village was Schlei, the German name for the fish species tench. Besides bunkers the village consisted of radar installations, anti-aircraft guns and camouflaged barracks. 200 construction workers from the mainland helped building this complex. One of the bunkers which was build was of the type Seeburg. This bunker was a central post and was used as a communication centre. Here radio signals were collected to, amongst other things, be able to intercept Allied bombers. It is in this bunker that the Bunkermuseum Schlei is housed.

Bunkermuseum Schlei is managed by Foundation Bunkermuseum Schlei. This foundation has as goal to collect, preserve and exhibit goods and knowledge of the Second World War. The foundation also provides guided tours and lectures. Every few years the museum has a new exhibition on a specific subject concerning the Second World War on and around Schiermonnikoog. Examples of this are the narrow-gauge railway which was on Schiermonnikoog during the Second World War and an exhibition within the context of 75 years of liberation.

p6115496-e1552574538350.jpg

Bunkermuseum Schlei

Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog waren er net zoveel Duitse soldaten op Schiermonnikoog als oorspronkelijke bewoners, namelijk 600. Als onderdeel van de Atlantikwall bouwden deze soldaten een dorp van bunkers om zich te beschermen tegen de geallieerden. De codenaam voor dit dorp was Schlei, de Duitse naam voor de vissoort zeelt. Naast bunkers bestond het dorp uit radarinstallaties, luchtafweergeschut en gecamoufleerde barakken. 200 bouwvakkers van het vasteland hielpen bij de bouw van dit complex. Een van de bunkers die gebouwd werd was van het type Seeburg. Deze bunker was een centrale post en werd gebruikt als communicatiecentrum. Hier werden radiosignalen opgevangen om onder andere geallieerde bommenwerpers te kunnen onderscheppen. Het is in deze bunker dat het Bunkermuseum Schlei is gevestigd. Bunkermuseum Schlei wordt beheerd door Stichting Bunkermuseum Schlei. Deze stichting heeft tot doel het verzamelen, bewaren en tentoonstellen van goederen en kennis over de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Ook verzorgt de stichting rondleidingen en lezingen. Om de paar jaar heeft het museum een nieuwe tentoonstelling over een specifiek onderwerp met betrekking tot de Tweede Wereldoorlog op en rond Schiermonnikoog. Voorbeelden hiervan zijn het smalspoor dat op Schiermonnikoog lag tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en een tentoonstelling in het kader van 75 jaar bevrijding. Muzeum Bunkrów zlokalizowane na holenderskiej wyspie Schiermonnikoog mieści się w bunkrze wykorzystywanym przez Niemców podczas II wojny światowej jako centrum komunikacyjne do wychwytywania sygnałów radiowych i przechwytywania alianckich bombowców. Muzeum dostarcza informacji dotyczących przebiegu II wojny światowej w obszarze Schiermonnikoog. Das Bunkermuseum auf der niederländischen Insel Schiermonnikoog befindet sich in einem Bunker, der von den Deutschen im Zweiten Weltkrieg als Kommunikationszentrale genutzt wurde, um Funksignale abzuhören und alliierte Bomber abzufangen. Das Museum ist den Geschehnissen des Zweiten Weltkriegs auf Schiermonnikoog gewidmet. Le musée du Bunker Schlei, situé sur l’île néerlandaise de Schiermonnikoog, occupe un bunker de la Seconde Guerre mondiale qui servit de centre de communication aux Allemands pour capter les communications radio et intercepter les bombardiers alliés. Le musée relate les évènements qui se sont produits à Schiermonnikoog pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Il Bunker Museum nell’isola olandese di Schiermonnikoog è ospitato in un bunker usato dai tedeschi durante la Seconda guerra mondiale come centro di comunicazione per raccogliere segnali radio e intercettare i bombardamenti alleati. Il museo offre informazioni riguardo alla Seconda guerra mondiale a Schiermonnikoog. During the Second World War there were an equal amount of German Soldiers as native residents on Schiermonnikoog, 60. As part of the Atlantic Wall these soldiers build a village of bunkers to defend themselves against the Allied forces. The codename for this village was Schlei, the German name for the fish species tench. Besides bunkers the village consisted of radar installations, anti-aircraft guns and camouflaged barracks. 200 construction workers from the mainland helped building this complex. One of the bunkers which was build was of the type Seeburg. This bunker was a central post and was used as a communication centre. Here radio signals were collected to, amongst other things, be able to intercept Allied bombers. It is in this bunker that the Bunkermuseum Schlei is housed. Bunkermuseum Schlei is managed by Foundation Bunkermuseum Schlei. This foundation has as goal to collect, preserve and exhibit goods and knowledge of the Second World War. The foundation also provides guided tours and lectures. Every few years the museum has a new exhibition on a specific subject concerning the Second World War on and around Schiermonnikoog. Examples of this are the narrow-gauge railway which was on Schiermonnikoog during the Second World War and an exhibition within the context of 75 years of liberation.

 Bunkermuseum Schlei Muzeum Bunkrów Schlei Bunkermuseum Schlei Musée du Bunker Schlei Bunker Museum Schlei Bunkermuseum Schlei

The important east-west connecting road Dudenstraße is the border between the Kreuzberg and Tempelhof neighbourhoods. Standing a block from Tempelhof Airport, one can look down the small side street Burgherrenstraße to where that street ends in front of an originally four-story house, to which a fifth story was added in 1982. This is Schulenburgring 2.Built in 1912 under the direction of the Berlin architect Franz Werner, the building made world history in early May 1945. From 27 April until 4 May, the Soviet 8th Guards Army under the command of General Vasily Chuikov established its headquarters on the ground floor. On the first floor the general staff of the 1st Guards Tank Army was accommodated.In the late morning of 2 May, General Helmuth Weidling, commander of the German 56th Panzer Corps and the last commander of the Berlin Defence District, reached the Schulenburgring. In the ground floor apartment of Mrs. Anni Goebels, Weidling signed the surrender order to the Berlin garrison, after which the hostilities were terminated.Six days later, the unconditional surrender of the German forces was signed in Berlin-Karlshorst. With this surrender, the Second World War ended in Europe. A memorial plaque at the house and a committed group of residents keep the memory of this historic place alive.

Early May 1945 Schulenburgring 2 was a focal point of world history. In this building Soviet General Vasily Chuikov housed his headquarters. German General Helmuth Weidling, the commander of the Berlin garrison, signed the surrender order on the ground floor of the building.

The important east-west connecting road Dudenstraße is the border between the Kreuzberg and Tempelhof neighborhoods. Standing a block from Tempelhof Airport, one can look down the small side street Burgherrenstraße to where that street ends in front of an originally four-story house, to which a fifth story was added in 1982. It is Schulenburgring 2.

Built in 1912 under the direction of the Berlin architect Franz Werner, the building made world history in early May 1945. From 27 April until 4 May the Soviet 8th Guards Army under the command of General Vasily Chuikov established its headquarters on the ground floor. On the first floor the general staff of the 1st Guards Tank Army was accommodated.

In the late morning of 2 May, General Helmuth Weidling, commander of the German 56th Panzer Corps and the last commander of the Berlin Defence District, reached the Schulenburgring. In the ground floor apartment of Mrs. Anni Goebels, Weidling signed the surrender order to the Berlin garrison, after which the hostilities were terminated. Six days later, the unconditional surrender of the German forces was signed in Berlin-Karlshorst. With this surrender, the Second World War ended in Europe.

A memorial plaque at the house and a committed group of residents keep the memory of this historic place alive.

Roland Poppensieker

Memorial Plaque Schulenburgring 2

La Dudenstrasse, liaison importante entre l'est et l'ouest de Berlin, constitue la frontière entre les quartiers de Kreuzberg et de Tempelhof. En se plaçant au niveau de la Burgherrenstrasse, non loin de l'aéroport de Tempelhof, on peut apercevoir au bout de cette rue un immeuble de quatre étages, auquel un cinquième étage a été ajouté en 1982. Cet immeuble, c'est le Schulenburgring 2.Construit en 1912, sous la direction de l'architecte berlinois Franz Werner, ce bâtiment est entré dans l'histoire mondiale au début du mois de mai 1945. En effet, la 8e armée de la Garde soviétique, menée par le général Vassili Tchouïkov, avait établi son quartier général au rez-de-chaussée de cet immeuble entre le 27 avril et le 4 mai. L'état-major de la 1ère armée blindée de la Garde se trouvait quant à lui au premier étage. C'est d'ici que le général Mikhaïl Katoukov dirigea l'opération militaire qui allait permettre la prise de la chancellerie et du palais du Reichstag.Le 2 mai en fin de matinée, le général Helmuth Weidling, commandant du 56e corps de blindés allemand et dernier commandant de la Zone de Défense de Berlin, fut transféré au Schulenburgring 2. Dans l'appartement du rez-de-chaussée, appartenant à Anni Goebels, le général Weidling signa l'ordre de reddition de la garnison berlinoise, marquant la fin des hostilités.Six jours plus tard, les documents ratifiant la capitulation sans condition de l'Allemagne furent signés dans le quartier de Karlshorst, mettant ainsi un terme à la Seconde guerre mondiale en Europe. Une plaque commémorative et une association de résidents du Schulenburgring 2 continuent aujourd'hui à faire vivre ce lieu historique. Die wichtige Ost-West-Verbindung Dudenstraße ist die Grenze zwischen Kreuzberg und Tempelhof. Steht man nur wenige Häuser vom ehemaligen Flughafen Tempelhof entfernt sieht man am Ende der kleinen Seitenstraße Burgherrenstraße ein ursprünglich vierstöckiges Gebäude, dem 1982 ein fünfter Stock hinzugefügt wurde. Das ist das Haus Schulenburgring 2. Im Jahr 1912 unter Leitung des Berliner Architekten Franz Werner gebaut, wurde in diesem Gebäude Anfang Mai 1945 Weltgeschichte geschrieben. Vom 27. April bis 4. Mai hatte die 8. sowjetische Gardearmee unter dem Kommando von General Wassili Tschuikow im Erdgeschoss ihr Hauptquartier. In der ersten Etage war der Generalstab der 1. Gardepanzerarmee untergebracht. Am späten Vormittag des 2. Mai erreichte General Helmuth Weidling, Kommandeur des 56. Panzerkorps und letzter Befehlshaber des Verteidigungsbereichs Berlin, den Schulenburgring. In der Erdgeschosswohnung von Frau Anni Goebels unterschrieb Weidling den Kapitulationsbefehl an die Berliner Garnison, in dessen Folge die Kampfhandlungen eingestellt wurden. Sechs Tage später wurde die bedingungslose Kapitulation der deutschen Streitkräfte in Berlin-Karlshorst unterzeichnet. Damit endete der Zweite Weltkrieg in Europa. Eine Gedenktafel am Gebäude und engagierte Hausbewohner halten die Erinnerung an diesen historischen Ort lebendig. Dudenstraße to ważna ulica łącząca wschodnią część Berlina z zachodnią i wyznaczająca granicę między dzielnicami Kreuzberg i Tempelhof. O kwartał od lotniska Tempelhof otwiera się widok na małą boczną uliczkę Burgherrenstraße zamkniętą budynkiem. Pierwotnie czterokondygnacyjny, w 1982 r. został podwyższony o jedno piętro. To właśnie Schulenburgring 2. Zbudowany w 1912 r. pod kierunkiem berlińskiego architekta Franza Wernera, budynek zapisał się w historii świata na początku maja 1945 r. To tu, na parterze w dniach od 27 kwietnia do 4 maja mieścił się sztab główny radzieckiej 8. Armii Gwardii pod dowództwem generała Wasilija Czujkowa. Na pierwszym piętrze zorganizowano sztab generalny 1. Armii Pancernej, z którego generał Michaił Katukow dowodził operacją zajęcia Kancelarii Rzeszy i budynku Reichstagu w Berlinie. Późnym rankiem 2 maja generał Helmuth Weidling, dowódca niemieckiego 56. Korpusu Pancernego i ostatni dowódca berlińskiego okręgu obrony dotarł do Schulenburgring. Na parterze, w mieszkaniu Anni Goebels, Weidling podpisał rozkaz kapitulacji garnizonu berlińskiego, kładąc kres walkom. Sześć dni później w Berlinie-Karlshorst podpisano bezwarunkową kapitulację sił niemieckich. Wraz z kapitulacją II wojna światowa w Europie dobiegła końca. Dzięki umieszczonej na budynku tablicy pamiątkowej i grupie oddanych mieszkańców pamięć o tym historycznym miejscu jest stale żywa. L’importante&nbsp;Dudenstraße&nbsp;è la strada che da Ovest a Est fa da confine tra i quartieri di&nbsp;Kreuzberg&nbsp;e&nbsp;Tempelhof. A un isolato dall’aeroporto di&nbsp;Tempelhof, si può prendere la piccola&nbsp;Burgherrenstraße&nbsp;fino alla fine della strada, davanti a una casa di quattro piani, a cui ne fu aggiunto un quinto nel 1982. Si tratta di&nbsp;Schulenburgring&nbsp;2.Costruito nel 1912 sotto la supervisione dell’architetto berlinese Franz&nbsp;Werner, l’edificio entrò nella storia mondiale all’inizio di maggio del 1945. Dal 27 aprile al 4 maggio l’ottava Armata delle guardie sovietica sotto il comando del Generale&nbsp;Vasily&nbsp;Chuikov&nbsp;stabilì il suo quartier generale al piano terra dell’edificio, mentre il personale della Prima Armata blindata di guardia si stabilì al primo piano.Nella tarda mattinata del 2 maggio, il Generale&nbsp;Helmuth&nbsp;Weidling, comandante della 56esima Divisione panzer tedesca e l’ultimo comandante del Distretto della difesa di Berlino, giunse a&nbsp;Schulenburgring.&nbsp;Nell’appartamento della signora Anni&nbsp;Goebels&nbsp;al piano terra egli firmò l’ordine di resa per la guarnigione di Berlino, dopo il quale le ostilità cessarono.Sei giorni più tardi, la resa incondizionata delle forze tedesche fu firmata a Berlino-Karlshorst. Con questa resa, la Seconda guerra mondiale terminò in Europa. Una lapide memoriale presso la casa e un gruppo di residenti impegnati mantengono viva la memoria di questo luogo storico. The important east-west connecting road Dudenstraße is the border between the Kreuzberg and Tempelhof neighbourhoods. Standing a block from Tempelhof Airport, one can look down the small side street Burgherrenstraße to where that street ends in front of an originally four-story house, to which a fifth story was added in 1982. This is Schulenburgring 2.Built in 1912 under the direction of the Berlin architect Franz Werner, the building made world history in early May 1945. From 27 April until 4 May, the Soviet 8th Guards Army under the command of General Vasily Chuikov established its headquarters on the ground floor. On the first floor the general staff of the 1st Guards Tank Army was accommodated.In the late morning of 2 May, General Helmuth Weidling, commander of the German 56th Panzer Corps and the last commander of the Berlin Defence District, reached the Schulenburgring. In the ground floor apartment of Mrs. Anni Goebels, Weidling signed the surrender order to the Berlin garrison, after which the hostilities were terminated.Six days later, the unconditional surrender of the German forces was signed in Berlin-Karlshorst. With this surrender, the Second World War ended in Europe. A memorial plaque at the house and a committed group of residents keep the memory of this historic place alive.

 Plaque commémorative du Schulenburgring 2 Gedenktafel Schulenburgring 2 Tablica pamiątkowa przy Schulenburgring 2 Lapide memoriale a Schulenburgring 2 a Berlino Memorial Plaque Schulenburgring 2

There were three large cisterns. We stayed in it with 45 people, but our grandfather and grandmother stayed in their broken house. My mother kept urging them to come along. But Grandma said she didn't want to live underground. Unfortunately, another bomb fell and Grandma got a shard in her neck, which killed her. Later on, Grandpa gave me the silver necklace Grandma wore around her neck. I still wear it. We went back to the bomb shelter and in one of the last days of the war a bomb fell less than five meters away. Everything was shaking, our hair flew up, the combs flew out of the hair. Our dad grabbed us and said, "Look at each other, this is the end."Fortunately, only one bomb fell. The entrance to the air raid shelter had collapsed, but was cleared by the men and once we got out we saw great destruction. There were broken houses everywhere. We had no shelter at all. We walked to Farmsum, no idea where to go. The Germans fired from the Farmsumer church tower at anything that moved. We escaped the shooting and we were lovingly received by the Groot family, the grandparents of former mayor Emme Groot. There were even more homeless people. We lay with eleven people in a small cellar on straw. We stayed there for several days. At one point, Mr Groot said: 'Come on, we're liberated, the Canadians are here.''The family walked through the rubble to their home in Cornelis Houtmanstraat. “We found a terrible situation here. The German uniforms were on the floor and they had apparently never heard of a toilet, because there was poo and pee everywhere. They must have fled in fear. In the Marcus Buschstraat near our house, a certain Siert Bruins had lived during the war, who had fought for the Germans during the war. Dad went there with us to see if they were still there. The door of one bedroom was locked and my father had a hammer with him and I can still hear him shout: Come out, I'll kill you. There was silence and Dad kicked this door open. No people, but all stolen items that came from our house. Also foodstuffs such as wheat, kidney beans, which we had bought with great difficulty from farmers.”

Bren Carriers of the Cape Breton Highlanders on the Buiskoolplein after the liberation in Delfzijl

Delfzijl 1945

Hide from the war

Es gab drei große Zisternen. Wir waren mit 45 Leuten darin, aber unser Großvater und unsere Großmutter blieben in ihrem kaputten Haus. Meine Mutter bestand darauf, dass sie bitte mitkommen sollten. Aber Oma sagte, sie wolle nicht unter der Erde leben. Leider fiel eine weitere Bombe und Oma bekam einen Splitter in den Hals, der sie tötete. Später schenkte Opa mir die silberne Halskette, die Oma um den Hals trug. Ich trage es immer noch. Wir gingen zurück zum Luftschutzbunker und an einem der letzten Kriegstage fiel eine Bombe keine fünf Meter entfernt. Alles wackelte, unsere Haare flogen hoch, die Kämme flogen aus den Haaren. Unser Vater hat uns gepackt und gesagt: "Seht euch an, das ist das Ende."Glücklicherweise fiel nur einer. Der Eingang zum Luftschutzkeller war eingestürzt, wurde aber von den Männern geräumt, und als wir herauskamen, sahen wir große Zerstörung. Überall lagen kaputte Häuser. Wir hatten überhaupt keine Unterkunft. Wir gingen nach Farmsum, keine Ahnung, wohin wir gehen sollten. Die Deutschen schossen vom Farmsumer Kirchturm auf alles, was sich bewegte. Wir entkamen dem Tanz und wurden von der Familie Groot, den Großeltern der ehemaligen Bürgermeisterin Emme Groot, liebevoll empfangen. Es gab noch mehr Obdachlose. Wir lagen mit elf Leuten in einem kleinen Keller auf Stroh. Wir blieben einige Tage dort. An einem Punkt sagte Herr Groot: „Komm schon, wir sind befreit, die Kanadier sind hier.“Die Familie ging durch die Trümmer zu ihrem Haus in der Cornelis Houtmanstraat. „Wir haben einen schrecklichen Zustand vorgefunden. Die deutschen Uniformierten lagen auf dem Boden und sie hatten anscheinend noch nie von einer Toilette gehört, denn überall war Kot und Pisse. Sie werden aus Angst geflohen sein. In der Marcus Buschstraat in der Nähe unseres Hauses hatte während des Krieges ein gewisser Siert Bruins gewohnt, der während des Krieges für die Deutschen gekämpft hatte. Dad ging mit uns dorthin, um zu sehen, ob sie noch da waren. Die Tür eines Schlafzimmers war verschlossen, und mein Vater hatte einen Hammer dabei, und ich höre ihn immer noch schreien: Komm raus, ich bring dich um. Es herrschte Schweigen, und Dad trat die Tür auf. Keine Menschen, aber alle gestohlenen Gegenstände, die aus unserem Haus kamen. Auch Lebensmittel wie Weizen, Kidneybohnen, die wir mühsam von Bauern gekauft hatten.“&nbsp; Er waren drie grote regenbakken. We zaten er met 45 personen in, maar onze opa en opoe bleven in hun kapotte huis. Mijn moeder bleef aandringen of ze toch alstublieft mee wilden. Maar opoe zei dat ze niet levend onder de grond wilde. Helaas, er viel weer een bom en opoe kreeg een scherf in haar hals, waardoor ze overleed. Van opa kreeg ik later de zilveren ketting die opoe om haar hals droeg. Ik draag hem nog altijd. We gingen terug naar de schuilkelder en in een van de laatste oorlogsdagen viel er een bom op nog geen vijf meter afstand. Alles stond te schudden, onze haren vlogen omhoog, de kammetjes vlogen uit het haar. Onze pa pakte ons vast en zei: ‘Kijk elkaar nog even aan, dit is het einde.’Gelukkig viel er maar eentje. De ingang naar de schuilkelder was ingestort, maar werd door de mannen vrijgemaakt en toen we er eenmaal uit konden zagen we een grote verwoesting. Overal waren kapotte huizen. Zelf hadden we helemaal geen onderdak meer. We liepen naar Farmsum, geen idee waar we naartoe moesten. De Duitsers schoten vanuit de Farmsumer kerktoren op alles wat bewoog. Wij ontsprongen de dans en we werden liefdevol opgevangen door de familie Groot, de grootouders van oud-burgemeester Emme Groot. Er waren nog meer dakloze mensen. We lagen met elf personen in een klein keldertje op stro. We zijn daar enkele dagen gebleven. Op een gegeven moment zei mijnheer Groot: ‘Kom er maar uit we zijn bevrijd, de Canadezen zijn er.’’Het gezin liep door de puinhopen naar hun huis in de Cornelis Houtmanstraat. ‘We troffen een vreselijke toestand aan. De Duitse uniformen lagen op de grond en van een wc hadden ze schijnbaar nog nooit gehoord, want overal lag poep en plas op de grond. Ze zullen in angst gevlucht zijn. In de Marcus Buschstraat vlakbij ons huis, had in de oorlog een zekere Siert Bruins gewoond, die in de oorlog voor de Duitsers had gevochten. Pa ging er met ons naartoe om te kijken of die er nog waren. Van de ene slaapkamer was de deur op slot en mijn vader had een hamer bij zich en ik hoor hem nog roepen: Kom eruit, ik maak jullie dood. Het bleef stil en pa schopte de deur open. Geen mensen maar wel allemaal gestolen spullen die afkomstig waren uit ons huis. Ook levensmiddelen zoals tarwe, bruine bonen, die we met veel moeite bij boeren hadden gekocht.’

 Verstecke dich vor dem Krieg Schuilen voor de oorlog

On 23 March 1944, members of the Italian resistance attacked a group of German soldiers on Via Rasella in Rome. In reprisal, the German forces executed 335 Italian civilians. This number included many ex-soldiers of the Underground Military Front of the Resistance (Italian: Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza, FMCR), who were incarcerated in the prison of Via Tasso, 75 Jews and civilians who were rounded up in the streets immediately after the attack. Colonel Herbert Kappler, the commander of the German police and security service in Rome, with the help of the SS Captain Erich Priebke, wrote the list of the condemned. The list included prisoners for minor crimes and people who were only suspected to have relations with the resistance. The abandoned caves near the Ardeatine way, just outside of Rome, near the San Callisto catacombs, were chosen as the execution site. The massacre took place in a sequence of 335 single murders, with the proportion of ten Italians for every German killed in the Via Rasella attack, plus five more Italians included by mistake. Despite being a simple memorial, the Fosse Ardeatine Memorial is incredibly poignant. It embraces the caves where the executions took place, the Mausoleum with the bodies of the victims, and a sculpture that remembers the 335 martyrs. It is one of the most meaningful buildings of contemporary Rome. On November 22, 1947, work began, and two years later, the fifth anniversary of the massacre was commemorated by the inauguration of the memorial. The Mausoleum hosts official celebrations of the massacre every year, and welcomes thousands of visitors, especially schools.

On 24 March 1944, the German forces executed 335 Italian prisoners in the Ardeatine Caves (Fosse Ardeatine) just outside of Rome. The executions were an act of reprisal for an attack on German forces which took place in Via Rasella, in Rome. None of the people executed were involved in the attack.

On 23 March 1944, members of the Italian resistance attacked a group of German soldiers on Via Rasella in Rome. In reprisal, the German forces executed 335 Italian civilians. This number included many ex-soldiers of the Underground Military Front of the Resistance (Italian: Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza, FMCR), who were incarcerated in the prison of Via Tasso, 75 Jews and civilians who were rounded up in the streets immediately after the attack.

Colonel Herbert Kappler, the commander of the German police and security service in Rome, with the help of the SS Captain Erich Priebke, wrote the list of the condemned. The list included prisoners for minor crimes and people who were only suspected to have relations with the resistance. The abandoned caves near the Ardeatine way, just outside of Rome, near the San Callisto catacombs, were chosen as the execution site. The massacre took place in a sequence of 335 single murders, with the proportion of ten Italians for every German killed in the Via Rasella attack, plus five more Italians included by mistake.

Despite being a simple memorial, the Fosse Ardeatine Memorial is incredibly poignant. It embraces the caves where the executions took place, the Mausoleum with the bodies of the victims, and a sculpture that remembers the 335 martyrs. It is one of the most meaningful buildings of contemporary Rome.

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Tourist Information

The Mausoleum and its Museum are open as follows:
Monday to Friday
Mausoleum: 08.15-15.30
Museum: 08.15-15.15

Saturday and Sunday
Mausoleum: 08.15-16.30
Museum: 08.15-16.15

Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 15 August, 25 December.

Free entry.

The Ardeatine Caves Mausoleum

Il 23 marzo 1944, membri della resistenza italiana attaccarono un gruppo di soldati tedeschi in Via Rasella a Roma. Come rappresaglia, le forze tedesche fucilarono 335 civili italiani estranei all’azione, tra cui tanti ex soldati del Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza (FMCR), imprigionati nel Carcere di Via Tasso, 75 ebrei e altri civili rastrellati per strada immediatamente dopo il fatto. Presso il comando di Via Tasso, il colonnello Herbert Kappler, comandante della polizia e dei servizi di sicurezza tedeschi a Roma, compilò la lista dei condannati con l’aiuto del capitano delle SS Erich Priebke. Nella lista erano inseriti vari condannati per crimini minori e persone anche solo sospettate di avere rapporti con la Resistenza. Il luogo in cui compiere l’operazione venne individuato nelle cave abbandonate sulla via Ardeatina, appena fuori Roma, nei pressi delle catacombe di San Callisto. L'esecuzione avvenne in una sequenza di 335 singoli omicidi, con la drammatica proporzione di dieci italiani per ogni soldato tedesco ucciso nell'attentato di via Rasella, più cinque civili uccisi per errore. Seppur nella sua semplicità, il Monumento delle Fosse Ardeatine è straordinariamente eloquente. Esso abbraccia in un solo complesso le grotte nelle quali venne consumato l'eccidio, il Mausoleo ove sono raccolte le salme e il gruppo scultoreo, che sintetizza la tragedia dei 335 martiri. Oggi il monumento ai Martiri delle Fosse Ardeatine rimane uno degli edifici più significativi della Roma moderna. &nbsp; Il 22 novembre 1947 iniziarono i lavori, e due anni dopo, il quinto anniversario dell’eccidio fu commemorato dall’inaugurazione del sacrario. Il Mausoleo ospita ogni anno le celebrazioni ufficiali dell’eccidio, e accoglie migliaia di visitatori, soprattutto scuole.&nbsp; On 23 March 1944, members of the Italian resistance attacked a group of German soldiers on Via Rasella in Rome. In reprisal, the German forces executed 335 Italian civilians. This number included many ex-soldiers of the Underground Military Front of the Resistance (Italian: Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza, FMCR), who were incarcerated in the prison of Via Tasso, 75 Jews and civilians who were rounded up in the streets immediately after the attack. Colonel Herbert Kappler, the commander of the German police and security service in Rome, with the help of the SS Captain Erich Priebke, wrote the list of the condemned. The list included prisoners for minor crimes and people who were only suspected to have relations with the resistance. The abandoned caves near the Ardeatine way, just outside of Rome, near the San Callisto catacombs, were chosen as the execution site. The massacre took place in a sequence of 335 single murders, with the proportion of ten Italians for every German killed in the Via Rasella attack, plus five more Italians included by mistake. Despite being a simple memorial, the Fosse Ardeatine Memorial is incredibly poignant. It embraces the caves where the executions took place, the Mausoleum with the bodies of the victims, and a sculpture that remembers the 335 martyrs. It is one of the most meaningful buildings of contemporary Rome. On November 22, 1947, work began, and two years later, the fifth anniversary of the massacre was commemorated by the inauguration of the memorial. The Mausoleum hosts official celebrations of the massacre every year, and welcomes thousands of visitors, especially schools. Le 23 mars 1944, des membres de la résistance italienne ont attaqué un groupe de soldats allemands sur la Via Rasella à Rome. En représailles, les forces allemandes exécutent 335 civils italiens. Parmi eux, de nombreux anciens soldats du Front militaire clandestin de la Résistance (Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza, FMCR), incarcérés dans la prison de la Via Tasso, 75 juifs et civils rassemblés dans les rues immédiatement après l'attaque. Le colonel Herbert Kappler, commandant du service de police et de sécurité allemand à Rome, avec l'aide du capitaine SS Erich Priebke, rédige la liste des condamnés. Cette liste comprend des prisonniers pour des délits mineurs et des personnes seulement soupçonnées d'avoir des relations avec la résistance. Les grottes abandonnées près de la voie Ardéatine, à la périphérie de Rome, près des catacombes de San Callisto, furent choisies comme lieu d'exécution. Le massacre s'est déroulé en une séquence de 335 meurtres, avec une proportion de dix Italiens pour chaque Allemand tué lors de l'attaque de la Via Rasella, plus cinq autres Italiens inclus par erreur. Bien qu'il s'agisse d'un simple mémorial, le mémorial de Fosse Ardeatine est incroyablement poignant. Il englobe les grottes où les exécutions ont eu lieu, le mausolée avec les corps des victimes et une sculpture qui rappelle les 335 martyrs. C'est l'un des édifices les plus significatifs de la Rome contemporaine. Am 23. März 1944 griffen Mitglieder des italienischen Widerstands eine Gruppe deutscher Soldaten in der Via Rasella in Rom an. Als Vergeltung richteten die deutschen Truppen 335 italienische Zivilisten hin. Darunter befanden sich viele ehemalige Soldaten der militärischen Untergrundfront des Widerstands (italienisch: Fronte Militare Clandestino della Resistenza, FMCR), die im Gefängnis in der Via Tasso inhaftiert waren, wie auch 75 Juden und Zivilisten, die unmittelbar nach dem Angriff auf der Straße zusammengetrieben wurden. Oberst Herbert Kappler, der Befehlshaber des deutschen Polizei- und Sicherheitsdienstes in Rom, erstellte mit Hilfe des SS-Hauptmanns Erich Priebke die Liste der Verurteilten. Die Liste enthielt Gefangene wegen kleinerer Verbrechen und Personen, die nur im Verdacht standen, Beziehungen zum Widerstand zu unterhalten. Als Hinrichtungsort wurden die verlassenen Höhlen in der Nähe des Ardeatinischen Weges, etwas außerhalb von Rom, in der Nähe der Katakomben von San Callisto, ausgewählt. Das Massaker fand in einer Folge von 335 Einzelmorden statt, wobei auf jeden Deutschen, der bei dem Angriff in der Via Rasella getötet wurde, zehn Italiener kamen, plus fünf weitere Italiener, die irrtümlich mit einbezogen wurden. Obwohl es sich um eine einfache Gedenkstätte handelt, ist das Fosse Ardeatine Memorial unglaublich ergreifend. Es umfasst die Höhlen, in denen die Hinrichtungen stattfanden, das Mausoleum mit den Leichen der Opfer und eine Skulptur, die an die 335 Märtyrer erinnert. Es ist eines der bedeutendsten Bauwerke des heutigen Roms. Am 22. November 1947 begannen die Arbeiten, und zwei Jahre später wurde die Gedenkstätte anlässlich des fünften Jahrestages des Massakers eingeweiht. Das Mausoleum ist jedes Jahr Schauplatz offizieller Feierlichkeiten zum Gedenken an das Massaker und wird von Tausenden von Besuchern, insbesondere von Schulen, besucht.

 Mausoleo delle Fosse Ardeatine Le mausolée des grottes d'Ardéatine Das Mausoleum in den Ardeatinischen Höhlen The Ardeatine Caves Mausoleum

The Bell of Peace is located close to a bridge on the Gari river, or ‘Rapido River’ as named by the Allies, in the village of Sant’Angelo in Theodice, close to Cassino. The bridge itself is known as ‘Bridge of the four battles’ recalling the importance it had in the Battle for Monte Cassino. The Bell rings every day at noon to commemorate the various nationalities of the soldiers who died in the battles for Monte Cassino. The crossing of the river Gari was essential for the advance on to Monte Cassino and the ultimate break of the Gustav Line. The deep and turbulent river made the crossing all but easy, along with the mines that the Germans had disseminated and the armed fighting to defend the German positions. Hundreds of Allied soldiers died. After many attempts, during the fourth and last battle of Cassino, the crossing and the establishment of a bridgehead was made possible by building a sort of bridge on the top of a Sherman tank. The tank was lying in the river, while a scaffolding was built on the top of it, allowing troops and vehicles to cross. The Bell of Peace was inaugurated in 2008. On the bell you can see a scene of the Rapido River battle, the coat of arms of the Cassino municipality and of the Abbey, an image of the Pity and the writing “The sun shines again” as a message of hope for all wars to end.

Inaugurated in 2008 along the Gari river, called ‘Rapido River’ by the Allies, in a locality of Cassino named Sant’Angelo in Theodice, the Bell of Peace honours those who lost their lives during the four battles of Monte Cassino.

The Bell of Peace is located close to a bridge on the Gari river, or ‘Rapido River’ as named by the Allies, in the village of Sant’Angelo in Theodice, close to Cassino. The bridge itself is known as ‘Bridge of the four battles’ recalling the importance it had in the Battle for Monte Cassino. The Bell rings every day at noon to commemorate the various nationalities of the soldiers who died in the battles for Monte Cassino.

The crossing of the river Gari was essential for the advance on to Monte Cassino and the ultimate break of the Gustav Line. The deep and turbulent river made the crossing all but easy, along with the mines that the Germans had disseminated and the armed fighting to defend the German positions. Hundreds of Allied soldiers died. After many attempts, during the fourth and last battle of Cassino, the crossing and the establishment of a bridgehead was made possible by building a sort of bridge on the top of a Sherman tank. The tank was lying in the river, while a scaffolding was built on the top of it, allowing troops and vehicles to cross.

The Bell of Peace was inaugurated in 2008. On the bell you can see a scene of the Rapido River battle, the coat of arms of the Cassino municipality and of the Abbey, an image of the Pity and the writing “The sun shines again” as a message of hope for all wars to end.

Floor Vector of Memory in front of the bell, installed 24 July 2022

Cassino-Bell of Peace and Cassino Bell of Peace

Bell of Peace

La Campana della Pace è situata nei pressi di un ponte sul fiume Gari, conosciuto anche come ‘Fiume Rapido’ dagli Alleati, nel paese di Sant’Angelo in Theodice, nei pressi di Cassino. Il ponte stesso è conosciuto come ‘Ponte delle quattro battaglie’, un nome esplicativo della sua importanza nella battaglia per Montecassino. La Campana suona ogni giorno a mezzogiorno per commemorare le varie nazionalità dei soldati che morirono nelle battaglie per Montecassino. L’attraversamento del fiume Gari era essenziale per l’avanzata verso Montecassino e la rottura della Linea Gustav. Il fiume, profondo e turbolento, le mine disseminate dai tedeschi e il conflitto armato per difendere le posizioni resero l’attraversamento tutt’altro che facile. Centinaia di soldati morirono. Dopo molti tentativi, durante la quarta ed ultima battaglia di Cassino, fu possibile attraversare il fiume e stabilire una testa di ponte creando un ponteggio in cima a un carrarmato Sherman che venne collocato nel letto del fiume. In questo modo, uomini e mezzi poterono attraversare. La Campana della Pace fu inaugurata nel 2008. Sulla campana sono riportati una scena della battaglia del Fiume Rapido, gli stemmi del Comune di Cassino e dell’Abbazia di Montecassino, l’immagine della Pietà e l’iscrizione in inglese "The sun shines again" ("Il sole sorge ancora"), come messaggio di speranza affinché cessino tutte le guerre. The Bell of Peace is located close to a bridge on the Gari river, or ‘Rapido River’ as named by the Allies, in the village of Sant’Angelo in Theodice, close to Cassino. The bridge itself is known as ‘Bridge of the four battles’ recalling the importance it had in the Battle for Monte Cassino. The Bell rings every day at noon to commemorate the various nationalities of the soldiers who died in the battles for Monte Cassino. The crossing of the river Gari was essential for the advance on to Monte Cassino and the ultimate break of the Gustav Line. The deep and turbulent river made the crossing all but easy, along with the mines that the Germans had disseminated and the armed fighting to defend the German positions. Hundreds of Allied soldiers died. After many attempts, during the fourth and last battle of Cassino, the crossing and the establishment of a bridgehead was made possible by building a sort of bridge on the top of a Sherman tank. The tank was lying in the river, while a scaffolding was built on the top of it, allowing troops and vehicles to cross. The Bell of Peace was inaugurated in 2008. On the bell you can see a scene of the Rapido River battle, the coat of arms of the Cassino municipality and of the Abbey, an image of the Pity and the writing “The sun shines again” as a message of hope for all wars to end.

 Campana della Pace Bell of Peace

These escapes wouldn't have been impossible without the backup received from those living nearby. John Floyd recounts: ‘I left in November 1944, with two friends, Peter Crill and Roy Mourant. The people in the area helped us greatly, and in particular, Wilfred Bill Bertram and his cousin Thomas. Escapers were allowed to shelter in his barn – and some of them even got hot drinks. Others in the area helped with their knowledge of the rocks, tides and also knowledge of where the mines were…The idea of course was to get to France and then England to join the Forces.’

More than 150 Islanders attempted to escape to England and France during the occupation. Nine Islanders are known to have drowned and one, Douglas Le Marchand, was shot by a German sentry. The Fauvic area was closest to the French coast and therefore an ideal location to set out from.

The area around Fauvic proved to be an excellent escape route for Islanders. The area was the nearest to the French coast and a cart track led from the main road to the coast. Around 50 of whom it is estimated used this route between the late summer of 1944 and February 1945. These escapes would have been impossible without the back-up received from those living nearby.

John Floyd recounts: ‘I left in November 1944, with two friends, Peter Crill and Roy Mourant. The people in the area helped us greatly, and in particular, Wilfred Bill Bertram and his cousin Thomas. Escapers were allowed to shelter in his barn – and some of them even got hot drinks. Others in the area helped with their knowledge of the rocks, tides and also knowledge of where the mines were…The idea of course was to get to France and then England to join the Forces.’

Tom Kennedy

Fauvic Embarcation Point

These escapes wouldn't have been impossible without the backup received from those living nearby. John Floyd recounts: ‘I left in November 1944, with two friends, Peter Crill and Roy Mourant. The people in the area helped us greatly, and in particular, Wilfred Bill Bertram and his cousin Thomas. Escapers were allowed to shelter in his barn – and some of them even got hot drinks. Others in the area helped with their knowledge of the rocks, tides and also knowledge of where the mines were…The idea of course was to get to France and then England to join the Forces.’

In June 1940, German forces landed in the Islands of Guernsey, occupying them for a period of almost five years until the end of WWII. 800-year-old Castle Cornet guards the mouth of St Peter Port Harbour and looks out across to the smaller inhabited Islands of Herm and Sark.Now a museum, the Castle was a hugely strategic location for control of St. Peter Port Harbour and so the occupiers set about reinforcing and defending it with machine guns, anti-flak guns and roll bombs. Remains of a German mortar position, bunker and concrete reinforcements are a permanent reminder of this period of the Castle’s history, then referred to as ‘Stutzpunkt Hafenschloss’ or harbour lock. At 08.30 hrs on the 9 May, 1945, the first Allied Landing Craft Assault (LCA), operating under liberating Task Force 135, docked at the Castle Breakwater with the task of securing the Castle and, in doing so, took command of the Harbour and its approaches. Liberation Day on 9 May is a public holiday in Guernsey. Guernsey’s capital town of St Peter Port comes alive with thousands of people watching parades, military vehicle cavalcades, military aircraft displays, live music and activities. Fireworks are set off from Castle Cornet, as the culmination of this day of remembrance and the celebration of freedom from oppression.

800-year-old Castle Cornet guards the mouth of St. Peter Port Harbour and looks out across to the smaller inhabited Islands of Herm and Sark. Now a museum, the castle was a hugely strategic location for control of St. Peter Port Harbour and so the occupiers set about reinforcing and defending it with machine guns, flak guns and roll bombs. Remains of a German mortar position, bunker and concrete reinforcements are a permanent reminder of this period of the Castle’s history, then referred to as ‘Stutzpunkt Hafenschloss’ or harbour lock.

At 08.30 hrs on the 9 May, 1945, the first Allied Landing Craft Assault (LCA), operating under liberating Task Force 135, docked at the Castle Breakwater with the task of securing it and, in doing so, took command of the Harbour and its approaches.

The Castle is now a visitor attraction, housing four museums and four period gardens. The castle offers panoramic views across St Peter Port harbour and out to the other smaller Islands of Guernsey. The Noon-day gun is one of the most popular sites and is fired daily throughout the season by keepers clad in traditional scarlet costumes.

Liberation Day on 9 May is a public holiday in Guernsey. Guernsey’s capital town of St Peter Port comes alive with thousands of people watching parades, military vehicle cavalcades, military aircraft displays, live music and activities. Fireworks are set off from Castle Cornet, as the culmination of this day of remembrance and the celebration of freedom from oppression.

Guided tours of the Castle run daily at 10:30am

Tours of Guernsey, run by one of Guernsey's Accredited Guides is now running a tour which includes a guided walk around the streets of St Peter Port and entrance to the Castle. This includes an hour tour around the Castle grounds and time to explore the castle and museums at leisure.

<a href="http://www.toursofguernsey.com/tours">www.toursofguernsey.com/tours</a>

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800-year old Castle Cornet was reinforced by the German occupying forces due its strategic location, guarding the harbour of Guernsey capital, St. Peter Port

Castle Cornet, St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Castle Cornet

In June 1940, German forces landed in the Islands of Guernsey, occupying them for a period of almost five years until the end of WWII. 800-year-old Castle Cornet guards the mouth of St Peter Port Harbour and looks out across to the smaller inhabited Islands of Herm and Sark.Now a museum, the Castle was a hugely strategic location for control of St. Peter Port Harbour and so the occupiers set about reinforcing and defending it with machine guns, anti-flak guns and roll bombs. Remains of a German mortar position, bunker and concrete reinforcements are a permanent reminder of this period of the Castle’s history, then referred to as ‘Stutzpunkt Hafenschloss’ or harbour lock. At 08.30 hrs on the 9 May, 1945, the first Allied Landing Craft Assault (LCA), operating under liberating Task Force 135, docked at the Castle Breakwater with the task of securing the Castle and, in doing so, took command of the Harbour and its approaches. Liberation Day on 9 May is a public holiday in Guernsey. Guernsey’s capital town of St Peter Port comes alive with thousands of people watching parades, military vehicle cavalcades, military aircraft displays, live music and activities. Fireworks are set off from Castle Cornet, as the culmination of this day of remembrance and the celebration of freedom from oppression. En juin 1940, les forces allemandes ont débarqué dans les îles de Guernesey pour les occuper pendant près de cinq ans, jusqu'à la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale et donne sur les petites îles habitées de Herm et Sark. Aujourd'hui transformé en musée, le château était un endroit extrêmement stratégique pour le contrôle du port Saint-Pierre et les occupants ont donc entrepris de le renforcer et de le défendre avec des mitrailleuses, des canons anti-flak et des bombes à fragmentation. Les vestiges d'une position de mortier allemande, d'un bunker et de renforts en béton sont un rappel permanent de cette période de l'histoire du château, alors appelé "Stutzpunkt Hafenschloss" ou écluse portuaire. Le 9 mai 1945 à 8h30, le premier Landing Craft Assault (LCA) allié, opérant dans le cadre de la Task Force 135, a accosté au brise-lames du château avec pour mission de sécuriser le château et, ce faisant, a pris le commandement du port et de ses abords. Le 9 mai, jour de la libération, est un jour férié à Guernesey. La capitale de Guernesey, St Peter Port, s'anime avec des milliers de personnes qui assistent à des défilés, des cavalcades de véhicules militaires, des expositions d'avions militaires, de la musique en direct et des activités. Des feux d'artifice sont tirés depuis Castle Cornet, point culminant de cette journée de commémoration et de célébration de la liberté face à l'oppression. Im Juni 1940 landeten deutsche Truppen auf der Insel Guernsey und besetzten sie fast fünf Jahre lang bis zum Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs. Das 800 Jahre alte Schloss Cornet bewacht die Mündung des Hafens von St. Peter Port und blickt auf die kleineren bewohnten Inseln Herm und Sark.Das Castle, das heute ein Museum ist, war ein äußerst strategischer Ort für die Kontrolle des Hafens von St. Peter Port, und so begannen die Besatzer, es mit Maschinengewehren, Flakgeschützen und Rollbomben zu verstärken und zu verteidigen. Die Überreste einer deutschen Mörserstellung, eines Bunkers und einer Betonbewehrung erinnern dauerhaft an diesen Abschnitt der Geschichte des Schlosses, das damals als "Stutzpunkt Hafenschloss" bezeichnet wurde. Am 9. Mai 1945 um 8.30 Uhr legte das erste alliierte Landing Craft Assault (LCA), das unter der befreienden Task Force 135 operierte, am Wellenbrecher des Schlosses an, um das Schloss zu sichern, und übernahm damit das Kommando über den Hafen und seine Zufahrten. Der Tag der Befreiung am 9. Mai ist auf Guernsey ein gesetzlicher Feiertag. An diesem Tag erwacht Guernseys Hauptstadt St. Peter Port zum Leben, wenn Tausende von Menschen Paraden, Kavalkaden von Militärfahrzeugen, Vorführungen von Militärflugzeugen, Live-Musik und Aktivitäten anschauen. Vom Schloss Cornet aus wird ein Feuerwerk gezündet, das den Höhepunkt dieses Tages des Gedenkens und der Feier der Freiheit von Unterdrückung darstellt.

 Schloss Cornet Castle Cornet Château Cornet

The German forces converted the Castle into a powerful strongpoint consisting of two resistance nests, one facing west and another to the east, equipped with long-range coastal guns. The Upper Ward of the Castle became an anti-aircraft battery; searchlights and roll bombs, anti-tank guns, flamethrowers and a host of machine guns were also employed to protect the fortress. An underwater minefield at the entrance to the Harbour was controlled from a blockhouse on the Elizabeth Castle Breakwater.Elizabeth Castle formed the backdrop to the scene as the Bailiff of Jersey departed for HMS Beagle on the morning of Liberation Day. He was accompanied by General Wulf who was to sign the Unconditional Surrender at 07:15am. On 10 May Royal Navy minesweepers searched the inter-Island channels and approaches to St. Helier Harbour to prepare for the arrival of the main Liberation force. The underwater minefield was disconnected.On the morning of 12 May the first Landing Craft Artillery of the main Liberation Force landed at Elizabeth Castle. Two days later the Castle formed the backdrop for immense lines of German prisoners of war, as they waited to be evacuated to England aboard vast American landing ships.

The mighty Tudor stronghold of Elizabeth Castle dominates the entrance to St. Helier Harbour from its rocky islet in St. Aubin’s Bay. Added to and re-fortified over the centuries, it has always been a vital key in the defence of the Island’s capital town, which the occupying Germans recognised.

The German forces converted the Castle into a powerful strongpoint consisting of two resistance nests, one facing west and another to the east, equipped with long-range coastal guns. The Upper Ward of the Castle became an anti-aircraft battery; searchlights and roll bombs, anti-tank guns, flamethrowers and a host of machine guns were also employed to protect the fortress. An underwater minefield at the entrance to the Harbour was controlled from a blockhouse on the Elizabeth Castle Breakwater.

Elizabeth Castle formed the backdrop to the scene as the Bailiff of Jersey departed for HMS Beagle on morning of Liberation Day. He was accompanied by General Wulf who was to sign the Unconditional Surrender at 07:15am.

On 10 May Royal Navy minesweepers searched the inter-Island channels and approaches to St. Helier Harbour to prepare for the arrival of the main Liberation force. The underwater minefield was disconnected.

On the morning of 12 May the first Landing Craft Artillery of the main Liberation Force landed at Elizabeth Castle. Two days later the Castle formed the backdrop for immense lines of German prisoners of war, as they waited to be evacuated to England aboard vast American landing ships.

Elizabeth Castle, Jersey

Damien Horn, Channel Islands Military Museum

Elizabeth Castle

The German forces converted the Castle into a powerful strongpoint consisting of two resistance nests, one facing west and another to the east, equipped with long-range coastal guns. The Upper Ward of the Castle became an anti-aircraft battery; searchlights and roll bombs, anti-tank guns, flamethrowers and a host of machine guns were also employed to protect the fortress. An underwater minefield at the entrance to the Harbour was controlled from a blockhouse on the Elizabeth Castle Breakwater.Elizabeth Castle formed the backdrop to the scene as the Bailiff of Jersey departed for HMS Beagle on the morning of Liberation Day. He was accompanied by General Wulf who was to sign the Unconditional Surrender at 07:15am. On 10 May Royal Navy minesweepers searched the inter-Island channels and approaches to St. Helier Harbour to prepare for the arrival of the main Liberation force. The underwater minefield was disconnected.On the morning of 12 May the first Landing Craft Artillery of the main Liberation Force landed at Elizabeth Castle. Two days later the Castle formed the backdrop for immense lines of German prisoners of war, as they waited to be evacuated to England aboard vast American landing ships. Les forces allemandes transformèrent le château en un puissant point d'appui composé de deux nids de résistance, l'un orienté vers l'ouest et l'autre vers l'est, équipés de canons côtiers à longue portée. Le quartier supérieur du château devint une batterie antiaérienne ; des projecteurs et des bombes roulantes, des canons antichars, des lance-flammes et une multitude de mitrailleuses furent également utilisés pour protéger la forteresse. Un champ de mines sous-marines à l'entrée du port était contrôlé depuis un blockhaus situé sur le brise-lames du château d'Elizabeth.Le château d'Elizabeth constituait la toile de fond de la scène lorsque le bailli de Jersey partit pour le HMS Beagle le matin du jour de la libération. Il était accompagné du général Wulf qui devait signer la reddition inconditionnelle à 7 h 15. Le 10 mai, les dragueurs de mines de la Royal Navy fouillent les chenaux inter-îles et les approches du port. Le champ de mines sous-marin est déconnecté.Le matin du 12 mai, les premiers bateaux de débarquement de l'artillerie de la force principale de libération ont débarqué à Elizabeth Castle. Deux jours plus tard, le château servit de décor à d'immenses files de prisonniers de guerre allemands qui attendaient d'être évacués vers l'Angleterre à bord de vastes navires de débarquement américains. De Duitse strijdkrachten veranderden het kasteel in een krachtig bolwerk bestaande uit twee weerstandsnesten, één naar het westen en één naar het oosten, uitgerust met langeafstandskanonnen voor de kust. De bovenste afdeling van het kasteel werd een luchtafweerbatterij; zoeklichten en rolbommen, antitankkanonnen, vlammenwerpers en een groot aantal machinegeweren werden ook ingezet om het fort te beschermen. Een onderwater mijnenveld bij de ingang van de haven werd gecontroleerd vanuit een bunker op de Elizabeth Castle golfbreker.Elizabeth Castle vormde het decor toen de Baljuw van Jersey op de ochtend van Bevrijdingsdag naar HMS Beagle vertrok. Hij werd vergezeld door generaal Wulf die om 07:15 uur de onvoorwaardelijke overgave zou ondertekenen. Op 10 mei doorzochten mijnenvegers van de Royal Navy de kanalen tussen de eilanden en de toegangswegen naar de haven van St. Helier om zich voor te bereiden op de komst van de belangrijkste bevrijdingsmacht. Het onderwater mijnenveld werd uitgeschakeld.Op de ochtend van 12 mei landde de eerste Landing Craft Artillery van de hoofdbevrijdingsmacht bij Elizabeth Castle. Twee dagen later vormde het kasteel het decor voor immense rijen Duitse krijgsgevangenen die wachtten op hun evacuatie naar Engeland aan boord van grote Amerikaanse landingsschepen.

 Kasteel Elizabeth Elizabeth Castle Château d'Elizabeth

The Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin was reopened into its new location at place Denfert-Rochereau on August 25, 2019, for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.
The renewed museum was constructed in a historic location, above the former command headquarters of Colonel Rol-Tanguy, the head of the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) in the Paris region. It is dedicated to the icon of French Resistance Jean Moulin, and to General Leclerc and his role in the liberation of Paris. The museum retraces the entire chronology of the events of the liberation of Paris through a unique scenography and different features such as augmented reality.
Opening hours are 10 AM – 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EONfBnxcly0?showinfo=0"></iframe>

The Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin was reopened into its new location at place Denfert-Rochereau on August 25, 2019, for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.
The renewed museum was constructed in a historic location, above the former command headquarters of Colonel Rol-Tanguy, the head of the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) in the Paris region. It is dedicated to the icon of French Resistance Jean Moulin, and to General Leclerc and his role in the liberation of Paris. The museum retraces the entire chronology of the events of the liberation of Paris through a unique scenography and different features such as augmented reality.
Opening hours are 10 AM – 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
&nbsp;

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONfBnxcly0[/embed]

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Museum of the Liberation of Paris – General Leclerc Museum – Jean Moulin Museum

Le Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin a rouvert ses portes dans son nouvel emplacement à la place Denfert-Rochereau le 25 août 2019 à l'occasion du 75ème anniversaire de la Libération de Paris.
Le musée est construit sur un lieu historique, au-dessus de l'ancien poste de commandement du Colonel Rol-Tanguy, le chef des Forces françaises de l'intérieur (FFI) de la région Île-de-France. Il est dédié à Jean Moulin et à la résistance française, ainsi qu'au Général Leclerc et à son rôle notamment dans la libération de Paris. Le musée retrace également toute la chronologie des événements de la libération de Paris, à travers un décor unique et de nombreuses fonctionnalités telles que la réalité augmentée.
Le musée est ouvert de 10h00 à 18h00 du mardi au dimanche.
<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGzp3OU76bA?showinfo=0"></iframe> Am 25. August, 2019 wurde das Musée de la Liberation – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin zum 75. Jahrestag der Befreiung von Paris an seinem neuen Standort, am Platz Denfert-Rochereau wiedereröffnet. Das neue Museum wurde an einem historische Ort erbaut, über der ehemaligen Kommandozentrale von Colonel Rol-Tanguy, Chef der französischen Streifkräfte des Innern (FFI) in der Region Paris. Es ist der Ikone des französischen Widerstandes, Jean Moulin gewidmet sowie General Leclerc und seiner Rolle bei der Befreiung von Paris. Mittels einzigartiger Kulisse und vielen Features wie Augmented Reality, vollzieht das Museum die gesamte Chronologie der Ereignisse der Befreiung von Paris nach. Öffnungszeiten: 10:00-18:00 Uhr, Dienstag bis Sonntag. Muzeum Wyzwolenia Paryża – Muzeum Generała Leclerc – Muzeum Jean Moulin zostało ponownie otwarte w nowej lokalizacji na placu Denfert-Rochereau 25 sierpnia 2019 roku w 75. rocznicę wyzwolenia Paryża. Odnowione muzeum zostało zbudowane w historycznym miejscu, nad dawną siedzibą dowodzenia pułkownika Rol-Tanguy, szefa francuskich sił wewnętrznych (FFI) w regionie paryskim. Poświęcone jest ikonie francuskiego ruchu oporu Jean Moulin oraz generałowi Leclercowi i jego roli w wyzwoleniu Paryża. Muzeum odwzorowuje całą chronologię wydarzeń wyzwolenia Paryża poprzez unikalną scenerię i wiele elementów, takich jak rozszerzona rzeczywistość. Godziny otwarcia: 10.00-18.00 od wtorku do niedzieli. Het Museum van de Bevrijding van Parijs – Museum van Generaal Leclerc – Museum Jean Moulin is heropend op haar nieuwe locatie in Denfert- Rochereau op 25 augustus 2019, voor de 75e verjaardag van de Bevrijding van Parijs. Het vernieuwde museum is gebouwd in een historische locatie, boven het voormalig hoofdkantoor van Kolonel Rol-Tanguy, hoofd van de Franse Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten in de regio van Parijs. Het is een eerbetoon aan de iconische Franse Verzetsstrijder Jean Moulin en aan Generaal Leclerc en zijn rol in de bevrijding van Parijs. Het museum vertelt de gehele chronologie van gebeurtenissen tijdens de bevrijding van Parijs door een unieke beelden en moderne toepassingen zoals augmented reality. Openingstijden zijn 10:00 tot 18:00 van dinsdag tot zondag. Il Museo della liberazione di Parigi – Museo del Generale Leclerc – Museo Jean Moulin è stato riaperto nel suo nuovo spazio espositivo di Place Denfert-Rocherau a Parigi il 25 agosto 2019, in occasione del 75esimo anniversario della liberazione di Parigi. Il rinnovato museo è alloggiato in un luogo storico, sopra all’ex quartiere generale di comando del Colonnello Rol-Tanguy, il capo delle forze francesi dell’interno (FFI) nella regione di Parigi. Il museo ripercorre l’intera cronologia degli eventi della liberazione di Parigi attraverso una scenografia unica e vari strumenti come la realtà aumentata. Gli orari di apertura sono 10 – 18 dal martedì alla domenica. The Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin was reopened into its new location at place Denfert-Rochereau on August 25, 2019, for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.
The renewed museum was constructed in a historic location, above the former command headquarters of Colonel Rol-Tanguy, the head of the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) in the Paris region. It is dedicated to the icon of French Resistance Jean Moulin, and to General Leclerc and his role in the liberation of Paris. The museum retraces the entire chronology of the events of the liberation of Paris through a unique scenography and different features such as augmented reality.
Opening hours are 10 AM – 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EONfBnxcly0?showinfo=0"></iframe>

 Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin Musée de la Liberation – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin Muzeum Wyzwolenia Paryża – Muzeum Generała Leclerc – Muzeum Jean Moulin Museum van de Bevrijding van Parijs – Museum van Generaal Leclerc – Museum Jean Moulin Museo della liberazione di Parigi – Museo del Generale Leclerc – Museo Jean Moulin Museum of the Liberation of Paris – General Leclerc Museum – Jean Moulin Museum

The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen actively contributes to the fundament of the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area. The infrastructure of the offer is strengthened through collaboration with more than 50 partners within and outside of the region. The Infocentre WW2 fulfils a key role in the city of Nijmegen and its surroundings. In this manner, (international) visitors are assured to get the best possible introduction to the stories, historical heritage and museums in the region regarding the Second World War.On a large interactive wall you can get an impression of what you can see, do, and experience in Nijmegen in connection to WW2. Examples are audio stones, monuments, museums, and more.&nbsp;Learn something about great historical events and discover the region. In the experience you are taken through the WW2 history of Nijmegen with historical images. Here you can experience how the war touches us all. The experience takes approximately 10 minutes. There are 24 seats and two additional wheelchair spots.Curious to see what famous spots in Nijmegen looked like in the 40’s? You can see how these places were touched by the war in a collage. Did the experience wall and the experience pique your interest? At the information point you can find out more and get a complete overview of events, museums, monuments, heritage spots, and audio stones. Use the information column to map out your own route to discover the rich history of WW2 in the region.In the shop you can find a diverse range of things. Everything from literature about WW2 to special souvenirs and presents. The Infocentre WW2 has an education room that can be used to prepare or discuss exercises with a group. The space holds room for a maximum of 20 to 25 students.

The Infocentre WW2 is a historic, touristic, and educational information point. It aims to provide visitors of Nijmegen and its surrounding the best introduction to the stories, heritage, events, and museums linked to the Second World War in the area. You start your visit with a vivid experience that will give you a better understanding of what consequences WW2 had for Nijmegen and its surroundings. Moreover, visitors to the Infocentre WW2 will learn how the history is kept alive at different historical locations in the city. The centre also functions as a starting point of historical city walks, package deals, and educational programmes. The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen is managed by the Liberation Museum in Groesbeek in close collaboration with the organisations engaged with the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area.

The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen actively contributes to the fundament of the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area. The infrastructure of the offer is strengthened through collaboration with more than 50 partners within and outside of the region. The Infocentre WW2 fulfils a key role in the city of Nijmegen and its surroundings. In this manner, (international) visitors are assured to get the best possible introduction to the stories, historical heritage and museums in the region regarding the Second World War.

At the Infocentre

The experience wall
On a large interactive wall you can get an impression of what you can see, do, and experience in Nijmegen in connection to WW2. Examples are audio stones, monuments, museums, and more.  Learn something about great historical events and discover the region.

The Experience
In the experience you are taken through the WW2 history of Nijmegen with historical images. Here you can experience how the war touches us all. The experience takes approximately 10 minutes. There are 24 seats and two additional wheelchair spots.

City under Siege
Curious to see what famous spots in Nijmegen looked like in the 40’s? You can see how these places were touched by the war in a collage.

Information column
Did the experience wall and the experience pique your interest? At the information point you can find out more and get a complete overview of events, museums, monuments, heritage spots, and audio stones. Use the information column to map out your own route to discover the rich history of WW2 in the region.

Shop
In the shop you can find a diverse range of things. Everything from literature about WW2 to special souvenirs and presents.

Education room
The Infocentre WW2 has an education room that can be used to prepare or discuss exercises with a group. The space holds room for a maximum of 20 to 25 students. Are you visiting the Infocentre WW2 with an educational programme? Then the price for the use of the room is included. For more information or reservations you can contact the division for group reservations through <a href="mailto:groepsreserveringen@infocentrumwo2.nl">groepsreserveringen@infocentrumwo2.nl</a>.

Theatre and film room
Are you visiting the Infocentre WW2 with a group of 50 to 150 people, and do you wish to create a special programme with, for instance, an introduction, reading, and/or (introductory) movie? Please contact the Infocentre WW2 via <a href="mailto:groepsreserveringen@infocentrumwo2.nl">groepsreserveringen@infocentrumwo2.nl</a>.

Opening hours

Monday - Saturday: 10.00-17.00
Sundays and holidays: 12.00-17.00

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Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen

Op een grote interactieve wand krijgt u een impressie van wat er in het Rijk van Nijmegen te zien, te doen en te beleven is op het gebied van WO2. Denk hierbij aan luisterstenen, monumenten, musea, etc. Leer kort iets over grote historische gebeurtenissen en verken de regio! In de experience wordt u ondergedompeld in de WO2-geschiedenis van het Rijk van Nijmegen door middel van historische beelden. Hier beleeft u hoe oorlog ons allemaal raakt. De experience duurt ongeveer 10 minuten; er zijn 24 zitplaatsen en daarnaast nog 2 rolstoelplaatsen. Nieuwsgierig naar hoe bekende Nijmeegse plekken er in de jaren ’40 uitzagen? In een collage ziet u hoe al deze plekken in het verleden te maken kregen met de oorlog. Nieuwsgierig geworden door de belevingswand of de experience? Vind dan meer informatie en complete overzichten van evenementen, musea, monumenten, erfgoedplekken en luisterstenen in ons infopunt. Gebruik de informatiezuil ook om uw eigen route uit te stippelen om de rijke WO2 geschiedenis van de regio te ontdekken! In de winkel kunt u terecht voor een zeer uiteenlopend assortiment: van literatuur over de Tweede Wereldoorlog tot bijzondere souvenirs en cadeau-artikelen. Educatieve ontmoetingsruimte Het Infocentrum WO2 heeft een educatieve ruimte waarin een opdracht met de groep kan worden voor en/of nabesproken. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jFiBsRbT6is?showinfo=0" frameborder="0" class="ql-video"></iframe> The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen actively contributes to the fundament of the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area. The infrastructure of the offer is strengthened through collaboration with more than 50 partners within and outside of the region. The Infocentre WW2 fulfils a key role in the city of Nijmegen and its surroundings. In this manner, (international) visitors are assured to get the best possible introduction to the stories, historical heritage and museums in the region regarding the Second World War.On a large interactive wall you can get an impression of what you can see, do, and experience in Nijmegen in connection to WW2. Examples are audio stones, monuments, museums, and more.&nbsp;Learn something about great historical events and discover the region. In the experience you are taken through the WW2 history of Nijmegen with historical images. Here you can experience how the war touches us all. The experience takes approximately 10 minutes. There are 24 seats and two additional wheelchair spots.Curious to see what famous spots in Nijmegen looked like in the 40’s? You can see how these places were touched by the war in a collage. Did the experience wall and the experience pique your interest? At the information point you can find out more and get a complete overview of events, museums, monuments, heritage spots, and audio stones. Use the information column to map out your own route to discover the rich history of WW2 in the region.In the shop you can find a diverse range of things. Everything from literature about WW2 to special souvenirs and presents. The Infocentre WW2 has an education room that can be used to prepare or discuss exercises with a group. The space holds room for a maximum of 20 to 25 students. The Infocentre WW2 is a historic, touristic, and educational information point. It aims to provide visitors of Nijmegen and its surrounding the best introduction to the stories, heritage, events, and museums linked to the Second World War in the area. You start your visit with a vivid experience that will give you a better understanding of what consequences WW2 had for Nijmegen and its surroundings. Moreover, visitors to the Infocentre WW2 will learn how the history is kept alive at different historical locations in the city. The centre also functions as a starting point of historical city walks, package deals, and educational programmes. The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen is managed by the Liberation Museum in Groesbeek in close collaboration with the organisations engaged with the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area.The Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen actively contributes to the fundament of the WW2 remembrance-tourism in the Nijmegen area. The infrastructure of the offer is strengthened through collaboration with more than 50 partners within and outside of the region. The Infocentre WW2 fulfils a key role in the city of Nijmegen and its surroundings. In this manner, (international) visitors are assured to get the best possible introduction to the stories, historical heritage and museums in the region regarding the Second World War.On a large interactive wall you can get an impression of what you can see, do, and experience in Nijmegen in connection to WW2. Examples are audio stones, monuments, museums, and more.&nbsp;Learn something about great historical events and discover the region. In the experience you are taken through the WW2 history of Nijmegen with historical images. Here you can experience how the war touches us all. The experience takes approximately 10 minutes. There are 24 seats and two additional wheelchair spots.Curious to see what famous spots in Nijmegen looked like in the 40’s? You can see how these places were touched by the war in a collage. Did the experience wall and the experience pique your interest? At the information point you can find out more and get a complete overview of events, museums, monuments, heritage spots, and audio stones. Use the information column to map out your own route to discover the rich history of WW2 in the region.In the shop you can find a diverse range of things. Everything from literature about WW2 to special souvenirs and presents. The Infocentre WW2 has an education room that can be used to prepare or discuss exercises with a group. The space holds room for a maximum of 20 to 25 students.

 Infocentrum WO2 Nijmegen Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen

The Bulge Relics Museum in Vielsalm, in the Province of Luxembourg, in Belgium is dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge. The museum presents thousands of relics of the battle, most of which were found in the area. The collection includes photos, documents, movies, vehicles, mannequins and other artefacts showing the daily life of soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge.

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Bulge Relics Museum

 The Bulge Relics Museum in Vielsalm, in de provincie Luxemburg, in België, is gewijd aan de Slag om de Ardennen. Het museum presenteert duizenden relikwieën van de strijd, waarvan de meeste werden gevonden in het gebied. De collectie bevat foto's, documenten, films, voertuigen, mannequins en andere voorwerpen die het dagelijkse leven van soldaten tijdens de Slag om de Ardennen weergeven. Bulge Relics Museum znajduje się w Vielsalm, w belgijskiej prowincji Luksemburgia. Jest ono poświęcone Ofensywie w Ardenach. W Muzeum prezentowane są tysiące zabytków związanych z bitwą; większość z nich została znaleziona w okolicy. Zbiory obejmują fotografie, dokumenty, filmy, pojazdy, manekiny oraz inne obiekty przybliżające codzienne życie żołnierzy podczas Ofensywy w Ardenach. Das Museum in Vielsalm in der belgischen Provinz Luxemburg ist der Ardennenoffensive (englisch: Battle of the Bulge) gewidmet. Die Ausstellung umfasst Tausende von Relikten aus der Schlacht, von denen ein Großteil in der Umgebung gefunden wurde. Gezeigt werden Fotos, Dokumente, Filme, Fahrzeuge, Modellfiguren und andere Artefakte, die den Alltag der Soldaten während der Ardennenoffensive veranschaulichen. Le musée des Reliques des Ardennes se situe à Vielsalm, dans la province du Luxembourg, en Belgique. Comme son nom l’indique, ce musée conserve des reliques de la bataille des Ardennes qui ont été, pour la plupart, trouvés sur le champ de bataille. Les visiteurs peuvent y découvrir des photos, des documents, des films, des véhicules, des mannequins et d’autres objets qui témoignent du quotidien des soldats durant cette bataille. Il Museo delle reliquie della battaglie delle Ardenne, a Vielsalm, nella provincia del Lussemburgo Belga, è dedicato alla Battaglia delle Ardenne. Il museo presenta migliaia di reperti della battaglia, la maggior parte dei quali è stata rinvenuta nella zona. La collezione include anche foto, documenti, filmati, veicoli, manichini e altri artefatti a mostrare la vita quotidiana dei soldati durante la battaglia delle Ardenne. The Bulge Relics Museum in Vielsalm, in the Province of Luxembourg, in Belgium is dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge. The museum presents thousands of relics of the battle, most of which were found in the area. The collection includes photos, documents, movies, vehicles, mannequins and other artefacts showing the daily life of soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge.

 Het Bulge Relics Museum Bulge Relics Museum Bulge Relics Museum Musée des Reliques des Ardennes Bulge Relics Museum Bulge Relics Museum

Fontane Bianche is a seaside town whose beaches were in the Eighth Army’s landing zone in 1943. When British troops landed, they found easy exits from the coast to the highway. Today few traces of the war remain.

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Landing Beach Fontane Bianche

 En 1943, la ville côtière de Fontane Bianche assiste au débarquement de la 8e armée britannique. À leur arrivée, les soldats britanniques trouvent facilement un passage pour rejoindre le reste des troupes. Aujourd’hui, il ne reste presque plus de traces de la guerre. In 1943 landde het Britse 8e Leger op de stranden van het kustplaatsje Fontane Bianche. De Britse troepen konden na hun landing gemakkelijk van de kust bij de doorgaande weg komen. Tegenwoordig zijn hier nauwelijks nog sporen van de oorlog te vinden. Fontane Bianche to nadmorskie miasteczko, którego plaże stały się w 1943 roku strefą lądowania 8 Armii. Kiedy brytyjskie wojska wylądowały, bez problemu znalazły łatwe wyjście z brzegu na drogę. Do dziś pozostało tu kilka śladów wojny. Fontane Bianche ist eine Küstenstadt, deren Strände sich 1943 in der Landezone der 8. Armee befanden. Als britische Truppen an der Küste landeten, hatten sie es nicht weit bis zur Autobahn. Heute gibt es nur noch wenige Spuren des Krieges. Fontane Bianche è una città di mare le cui spiagge si trovano nella zona dello sbarco dell'8^ armata del 1943. Quando le truppe britanniche approdarono, trovarono facili collegamenti da questa costa. Oggi rimangono poche tracce della guerra.

 Plage de débarquement de Fontane Bianche Landingszone Fontane Bianche Plaża Fontane Bianche Landungsstrand von Fontane Bianche Fontane Bianche, spiaggia dello sbarco

Besides several scientific subjects, the Museon also pays attention to culture. This also concerns the Second World War. One of the permanent exhibitions in the Museon is called ‘Children in wartime’. This exhibition displays stories, objects, photos, film clips and documents examining the influence of the Second World War on children’s everyday life. Besides this permanent exhibition there are also regularly temporary exhibitions in the museum devoted to the Second World War. Examples of this are an exhibition devoted to The Hague artist and resistance heroine Ru Paré and an exhibition devoted to the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies.

The Museon in The Hague is an interactive museum dedicated to science and culture. Visitors are inspired to explore the world and treat it with respect. There is also attention paid to the Second World War.

Besides several scientific subjects, the Museon also pays attention to culture. This also concerns the Second World War. One of the permanent exhibitions in the Museon is called ‘Children in wartime’. This exhibition displays stories, objects, photos, film clips and documents examining the influence of the Second World War on children’s everyday life.

Besides this permanent exhibition there are also regularly temporary exhibitions in the museum devoted to the Second World War. Examples of this are an exhibition devoted to The Hague artist and resistance heroine Ru Paré and an exhibition devoted to the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies.

© The Museon

Museon

 Museon to haskie muzeum poświęcone nauce i kulturze. Regularnie przedstawiane są tu wystawy związane z II wojną światową. Stała wystawa „Dzieci w czasie wojny” przybliża historie, przedmioty, fotografie, materiały filmowe oraz dokumenty badające wpływ wojny na codzienne życie dzieci. W kwietniu otwarto czasową wystawę poświęconą haskiej artystce oraz bohaterce ruchu oporu z czasów II wojny światowej – Ru Paré (1896-1972). Das Museon ist das Museum für Wissenschaft und Kultur in Den Haag, in dem auch regelmäßig Ausstellungen zum Zweiten Weltkrieg gezeigt werden. Die Dauerausstellung „Children in Wartime“ (Kinder in Kriegszeiten) veranschaulicht anhand von Geschichten, Gegenständen, Fotos, Filmausschnitten und Dokumenten, welchen Einfluss der Krieg auf den Alltag von Kindern hatte. Im April wurde die eine neue Sonderausstellung eröffnet, die der Künstlerin und Widerstandsheldin Ru Paré (1896 bis 1972) aus Den Haag gewidmet ist. Le Museon de La Haye est un musée dédié à la science et la culture qui propose régulièrement des expositions consacrées à la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Son exposition permanente interroge les visiteurs sur l’impact de la guerre sur le quotidien des enfants à travers des témoignages, des objets, des photos, des films et des documents. Depuis avril, une nouvelle exposition temporaire est proposée au public sur l’héroïne de la Résistance et artiste originaire de La Haye, Ru Paré (1896-1972). Naast veel wetenschappelijke onderwerpen, wordt er in het Museon ook aandacht besteed aan cultuur. Dit betreft ook de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Een van de permanente tentoonstellingen in het Museon is dan ook ‘Kind in oorlog’. Deze tentoonstelling toont verhalen, voorwerpen, foto’s, video’s en documenten die de invloed van de Tweede Wereldoorlog op het dagelijks leven van kinderen in beeld brengen. Naast deze vaste tentoonstelling zijn er ook regelmatig tijdelijke tentoonstelling in het museum die over de Tweede Wereldoorlog gaan. Voorbeelden hiervan zijn bijvoorbeeld een tentoonstelling over de Haagse kunstenares en verzetsheldin Ru Paré en een tentoonstelling over de Japanse bezetting van Nederlands-Indië. Il Museon è lo spazio espositivo della città dell’Aja dedicato alla scienza e alla cultura, che include regolarmente esposizioni sulla Seconda guerra mondiale. L’esibizione permanente ‘Children in Wartime’ (Bambini in tempo di guerra) propone storie, oggetti, fotografie, videoclip e documenti sull’influenza della guerra sulla vita quotidiana dei bambini. In aprile è stata aperta un’esposizione temporanea dedicata all’artista e eroina della resistenza Ru Paré (1896-1972), originaria dell’Aja.

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More than seventy-five years ago, Rotterdam was bombed. The aftershock of this still reverberates through the city. In the Experience in Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU you will be transported back in time, to the Rotterdam of May 1940. Personal stories, intense images and dramatic sound immerse you in the moment. How does it feel when your life turns upside down in seconds, to see your home and city turned to rubble?

The Museum Rotterdam includes the permanent exhibition ’40-’45 NOW which is entirely devoted to the Second World War in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The exhibition examines how the citizens experienced the bombing, the occupation and the persecution of Nazi Germany. Personal stories are told and a large number of WWII items can be seen.

More than seventy-five years ago, Rotterdam was bombed. The aftershock of this still reverberates through the city. In the Experience in Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU you will be transported back in time, to the Rotterdam of May 1940. Personal stories, intense images and dramatic sound immerse you in the moment. How does it feel when your life turns upside down in seconds, to see your home and city turned to rubble?

Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NOW

 W rotterdamskim muzeum znajduje się stała wystawa '40–'45 NOW, w całości poświęcona okresowi II wojny światowej w holenderskim Rotterdamie. Wystawa zgłębia kwestie takie jak doświadczanie przez obywateli bombardowań, okupacji oraz prześladowań ze strony nazistów. Można tu zapoznać się z osobistymi historiami oraz zobaczyć wiele przedmiotów pochodzących z okresu II wojny światowej. Die Dauerausstellung „'40 -'45 NOW“ im Museum Rotterdam befasst sich ausschließlich mit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Rotterdam. Die Ausstellung dokumentiert, wie die Bürger die Bombenangriffe, die Besetzung und die Verfolgung durch die Nazis erlebten. Dazu werden persönliche Geschichten und eine Vielzahl von Gegenständen aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg herangezogen. Le musée de la Guerre et de la Résistance de Rotterdam est entièrement consacré aux évènements qui se sont déroulés à Rotterdam, dans les Pays-Bas, durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. L’exposition permanente donne la parole aux civils qui ont vécu les bombardements, l’Occupation et la persécution des nazis. Les visiteurs pourront y découvrir des témoignages et une importante collection d’objets de l’époque. Ruim driekwart eeuw geleden vond het bombardement op Rotterdam plaats en dit dreunt nog steeds na in de stad. In de Experience in Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU word je aan de hand van persoonlijke verhalen, indringede beelden en overdonderd geluid midden in het Rotterdam van mei 1940 gezet. Hoe voelt het als je leven in één klap overhoop wordt gegooid en je vertrouwde omgeving in stukken ligt? Il Museo di Rotterdam include l’esposizione permanente ’40-’45 NOW che è interamente dedicata alla Seconda guerra mondiale a Rotterdam, in Olanda. Essa investiga come i cittadini hanno vissuto i bombardamenti, l’occupazione e la persecuzione della Germania nazista. Vengono raccontate storie personali ed è possibile vedere un grande numero di cimeli di guerra. More than seventy-five years ago, Rotterdam was bombed. The aftershock of this still reverberates through the city. In the Experience in Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU you will be transported back in time, to the Rotterdam of May 1940. Personal stories, intense images and dramatic sound immerse you in the moment. How does it feel when your life turns upside down in seconds, to see your home and city turned to rubble?

 Muzeum '40–'45 NOW w Rotterdamie Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NOW Musée de la Guerre et de la Résistance de Rotterdam Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NOW Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NOW

The Canadian troops started with the liberation of Groningen on 13 April 1945. The days after heavy fights between the German and the Canadian Army took place. A huge part of the city, including the Grote Markt, was destroyed. However, Groningen was liberated on 16 April which meant that the Dutch flag could hang out from the Martini Tower. The Liberation Forest in Groningen was planted to honour these Canadian troops. The Bevrijdingsbos Groningen liberation was founded in 1992. In three years they designed the Liberation Forest and planted 30,000 trees which led to the opening of the forest in presence of Canadian liberators and resistance fighters on 5 May 1995. Besides the trees multiple elements were placed in the forest to remember the Second World War. One of them is the Regiment plateau. On this remembrance stone the names of the 23 army units of the Canadian 2nd Infantry Division are engraved. In the pond of the Liberation Forest a large freedom symbol designed by Robin de Krijger was placed in May 2005. The shape of the symbol is a maple leaf, the symbol of Canada. In the leaf 43 holes can be found. They stand for the 43 Canadian soldiers who died during the liberation of Groningen.

The Liberation Forest in Groningen was opened in 1995 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Approximately 30,000 maple trees were planted to pay tribute to the Canadian troops who liberated Groningen in April 1945.

The Canadian troops started with the liberation of Groningen on 13 April 1945. The days after heavy fights between the German and the Canadian Army took place. A huge part of the city, including the Grote Markt, was destroyed. However, Groningen was liberated on 16 April which meant that the Dutch flag could hang out from the Martini Tower. The Liberation Forest in Groningen was planted to honour these Canadian troops.

The Bevrijdingsbos Groningen liberation was founded in 1992. In three years they designed the Liberation Forest and planted 30,000 trees which led to the opening of the forest in presence of Canadian liberators and resistance fighters on 5 May 1995. Besides the trees multiple elements were placed in the forest to remember the Second World War. One of them is the Regiment plateau. On this remembrance stone the names of the 23 army units of the Canadian 2nd Infantry Division are engraved. In the pond of the Liberation Forest a large freedom symbol designed by Robin de Krijger was placed in May 2005. The shape of the symbol is a maple leaf, the symbol of Canada. In the leaf 43 holes can be found. They stand for the 43 Canadian soldiers who died during the liberation of Groningen.

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Liberation Forest

 Las Wyzwolenia w Groningen zasadzono w 1995 roku, z okazji 50. rocznicy wyzwolenia Holandii. Posadzono około 30 000 klonów, aby uhonorować kanadyjskie siły zbrojne, które w kwietniu 1945 roku wyzwoliły Groningen. Der Liberation Forest (Bevrijdingsbos) in Groningen wurde 1995 anlässlich des 50. Jahrestages der Befreiung der Niederlande angepflanzt. Die Pflanzung von rund 30.000 Ahornbäumen erfolgte zu Ehren der kanadischen Streitkräften, die Groningen im April 1945 befreiten. Les arbres de la forêt de la Libération à Groningen ont été plantés en 1995 à l’occasion du 50e anniversaire de la libération des Pays-Bas. La forêt comporte près de 30 000 érables plantés à la mémoire des forces armées canadiennes qui ont libéré Groningen en avril 1945. Op 13 april 1945 begonnen Canadese troepen aan de bevrijding van Groningen. De dagen erna werd er heftig gevochten tussen het Duitse en het Canadese leger. Een groot deel van de stad, waaronder de Grote Markt, raakte hierbij verwoest. Op 16 april was Groningen echter bevrijd en kon de Nederlandse vlag uithangen op de Martinitoren. Het Bevrijdingsbos in Groningen is geplant ter ere van deze Canadese troepen. In 1992 werd de stichting Het Bevrijdingsbos Groningen opgericht, die in drie jaar tijd het Bevrijdingsbos ontwierpen en 30.000 bomen plantten waardoor het 5 mei 1995 geopend kon worden in aanwezigheid van Canadese bevrijders en verzetsstrijders. Naast de bomen zijn er in het bos verschillende elementen geplaatst om te herinneren aan de Tweede Wereldoorlog, waaronder het Regimentenplateau. Dit is een grote gedenksteen waarop de namen van de 23 legereenheden van de Canadese 2e Infanteriedivisie staan gegraveerd. In de vijver van het Bevrijdingsbos is in mei 2005 een groot vrijheidssymbool geplaatst, ontworpen door Robin de Krijger. Dit symbool is in de vorm van een esdoornblad, het symbool van Canada. In het blad zijn 43 gaten te vinden, die staan voor de 43 Canadese militairen die bij de bevrijding van Groningen zijn omgekomen. La foresta della liberazione a Groninga fu piantata nel 1995 in occasione del 50esimo anniversario della liberazione dei Paesi Bassi. Circa 30.000 aceri furono piantati per onorare le forze armate canadesi che liberarono Groninga nell’aprile 1945. The Canadian troops started with the liberation of Groningen on 13 April 1945. The days after heavy fights between the German and the Canadian Army took place. A huge part of the city, including the Grote Markt, was destroyed. However, Groningen was liberated on 16 April which meant that the Dutch flag could hang out from the Martini Tower. The Liberation Forest in Groningen was planted to honour these Canadian troops. The Bevrijdingsbos Groningen liberation was founded in 1992. In three years they designed the Liberation Forest and planted 30,000 trees which led to the opening of the forest in presence of Canadian liberators and resistance fighters on 5 May 1995. Besides the trees multiple elements were placed in the forest to remember the Second World War. One of them is the Regiment plateau. On this remembrance stone the names of the 23 army units of the Canadian 2nd Infantry Division are engraved. In the pond of the Liberation Forest a large freedom symbol designed by Robin de Krijger was placed in May 2005. The shape of the symbol is a maple leaf, the symbol of Canada. In the leaf 43 holes can be found. They stand for the 43 Canadian soldiers who died during the liberation of Groningen.

 Las Wyzwolenia Befreiungswald Forêt de la Libération Bevrijdingsbos Foresta della liberazione Liberation Forest

One witness recalls: "I had bought red and white carnations and went to lay them at the memorial. Suddenly, a lorry appeared and several uniformed National Security officers got out. Pointing their guns at us, they shouted at us to disperse us. During the night that followed, trucks came. They took all the bouquets, the flags and even the monument and threw them in the rubbish.In his anecdotes from 1945, another witness expresses his gratitude to the American liberators: "We always wanted to be everywhere at once. We couldn't miss the slightest opportunity. But the Yankees were fantastic. We quickly adopted a few American words as we chatted: "hellow, boys", "choowing gum", "please", "choko", "Jeep", "ou kay", "senk you", etc. We also admired their music and the way they spoke, and we imitated their dances. The Yankees were the first to teach me dance steps. We tried to copy their frenzied boogie-woogie moves and we grew up faster thanks to their presence. They used to come to our place, in particular to taste our famous dish based on pork, quenelles and cabbage, and we were delighted to spend time with them. They left us their photos, addresses and lots of other gifts.One resident also remembers the dance evenings: "The Americans organised dances in the street. They would close off part of the road with four Jeeps and pull out electric cables for the lights, creating a floodlit dance floor. A friend and I climbed into a car to watch the soldiers dancing with young women. We were ten at the time. My poor parents were looking for me. After that, my father argued with me like never before.

The Thank You America Memorial in Pilsen, Czech Republic, was erected in honour of the U.S. forces that liberated Pilsen in May 1945. The monument was renovated in May 2018 and it consists of two columns with inscriptions in both Czech and English.

Thank You America Memorial

Un témoin se souvient : « J’avais acheté des œillets rouges et blancs, et je suis allé les déposer au mémorial. Soudain, un camion est apparu et plusieurs officiers en uniforme de la Sécurité Nationale en sont sortis. En pointant leurs armes sur nous, ils ont crié pour nous disperser. Pendant la nuit qui a suivi, des camions sont venus. Ils ont pris tous les bouquets, les drapeaux et même le monument pour les jeter aux ordures. » À travers ses anecdotes de l’année 1945, un autre témoin exprime toute sa gratitude envers les libérateurs américains : « Nous voulions toujours être partout à la fois. Nous ne pouvions pas manquer la moindre occasion. Mais les “Yankees” étaient fantastiques. Nous avons rapidement adopté quelques mots américains au gré des conversations : “hellow, boys”, “choowing gum”, “please”, “choko”, “Jeep”, “ou kay”, “senk you”, etc. Nous admirions aussi leur musique et nous imitions leurs danses. Les “Yankees” ont d’ailleurs été les premiers à m’apprendre des pas de danse. Nous avons essayé de copier leurs mouvements endiablés de boogie-woogie et nous avons grandi plus vite grâce à leur présence. Ils venaient chez nous, notamment pour goûter notre célèbre plat à base de porc, de quenelles et de chou, et nous étions ravis de passer du temps avec eux. Ils nous ont laissé leurs photos, leurs adresses et de nombreux autres cadeaux. » Une habitante se souvient également des soirées dansantes : « Les Américains organisaient des soirées dansantes dans la rue. Ils fermaient partiellement la route avec quatre Jeep et tiraient des câbles électriques pour les lumières, créant ainsi une piste de danse éclairée. Avec une amie, nous sommes montées sur une voiture pour regarder les soldats danser avec des jeunes femmes. Nous avions dix ans à l’époque. Mes pauvres parents me cherchaient. Après cela, je me suis fait disputer comme jamais par mon père. » Ein Zeitzeuge erinnert sich: »Ich kaufte rote und weiße Nelken und legte sie am Gedenkstein nieder. Plötzlich tauchte ein Lastwagen auf und mehrere Offiziere des Korps der Nationalen Sicherheit in voller Uniform stiegen aus. Sie zogen ihre Waffen und riefen uns zu, wir sollten verschwinden. Im Laufe der Nacht kamen noch weitere Lastwagen und brachten alle Blumensträuße, Flaggen und sogar den Gedenkstein auf irgendeine Müllhalde.« Ein anderer Zeuge erzählt über die Ereignisse des Jahres 1945 und betont dabei seine Dankbarkeit für die amerikanischen Befreier: »Wir Jungen versuchten, immer und überall dabei zu sein, denn wir wollten uns nichts entgehen lassen. Die Yankees waren einfach fantastisch. Schon bald hatten wir ein paar amerikanische Worte aufgeschnappt: "hellow, boys, choowing gum, please, choko, jeep, ou kay, senk you" usw. Wir haben ihre Musik bewundert und ihre Tänze nachgeahmt. Die Yankees haben mir meine ersten Tanzschritte beigebracht. Wir haben versucht, ihre wilden Boogie Woogie-Bewegungen zu lernen ... Wir sind dank ihrer Hilfe einfach schneller erwachsen geworden. Sie haben unsere Familien besucht, unser Schweinefleisch mit Kohl gegessen, und wir haben ihre Besuche genossen. Und als sie gingen, haben sie uns ihre Fotos, Heimatadressen und viele andere Geschenke dagelassen.« Besonders in Erinnerung geblieben sind die Tanzpartys: »Die Amerikaner veranstalteten eine Tanzparty auf offener Straße: Sie sperrten einfach mit vier Jeeps einen Teil der Straße ab, verlegten ein paar Stromkabel für die Beleuchtung, und schon hatten wir eine beleuchtete Tanzfläche. Meine Freundin und ich kletterten auf ein Auto und sahen zu, wie die Soldaten mit den etwas älteren Mädchen tanzten. Wir waren damals gerade zehn Jahre alt, und meine armen Eltern haben überall nach mir gesucht. Danach hat mir mein Vater die erste und einzigen Tracht Prügel meines Lebens verpasst.« Świadek tamtych czasów wspomina: „Kupiłem czerwone i białe goździki i położyłem je na pomniku. Nagle wyłoniła się ciężarówka, z której wyskoczyło kilku umundurowanych funkcjonariuszy Korpusu Bezpieczeństwa Narodowego. Celując w nas bronią, krzyknęli byśmy się rozeszli. Później, nocą, przyjechały tam ciężarówki, którymi wywieziono wszystkie bukiety, flagi, a nawet kamień węgielny na jakieś wysypisko śmieci”. Inny świadek dzieli się historiami z 1945 roku, wyrażając wdzięczność wobec wyzwolicieli z USA: „Nas chłopców zawsze było wszędzie pełno. Nie mogliśmy przegapić żadnego miejsca ani okazji. A Jankesi byli fenomenalni. Szybko podchwyciliśmy mówione amerykańskie zwroty, takie jak ‘hellow, boys’, ‘choowing gum’, ‘please’, ‘choko’, ‘jeep’, ‘ou kay’, ‘senk you’ itp. Podziwialiśmy ich muzykę i naśladowaliśmy ich style tańca. Jankesi pierwsi nauczyli mnie kroków tanecznych. Odwiedzali nasze rodziny, próbując naszej ‘pork-dumpling-cabbage’ (wieprzowiny z knedlami i kapustą), podczas gdy my po prostu cieszyliśmy się ich towarzystwem. Zostawili nam swoje zdjęcia, adresy i wiele innych upominków”. Inny świadek wspomina potańcówki: „Amerykanie potrafili urządzić potańcówkę dosłownie na ulicy. Zamykali część drogi zastawiając ją czterema terenówkami i zawieszali przewody ze światłami, tworząc oświetlony parkiet. Pewnego razu wraz z moją przyjaciółką wspięłyśmy się na samochód i obserwowałyśmy żołnierzy tańczących z młodymi dziewczętami. Miałyśmy po 10 lat, moi biedni rodzice szukali mnie wszędzie. Po tej sytuacji mój tata spuścił mi pierwsze i ostatnie w życiu lanie”. Een getuige herinnert zich het volgende: "Ik had rode en witte anjers gekocht en ging ze bij het gedenkteken leggen. Plotseling verscheen er een vrachtwagen en een aantal agenten van de Nationale Veiligheidsdienst in uniform stapten uit. Ze richtten hun geweren op ons en schreeuwden dat we uit elkaar moesten gaan. Gedurende de nacht die volgde, kwamen er vrachtwagens. Ze namen alle boeketten, vlaggen en zelfs het monument mee en gooiden ze bij het vuilnis.In zijn anekdotes uit 1945 drukt een andere getuige zijn dankbaarheid uit tegenover de Amerikaanse bevrijders: "We wilden altijd overal tegelijk zijn. We konden niet de minste kans missen. Maar de Yankees waren fantastisch. We namen al snel een paar Amerikaanse woorden over terwijl we praatten: "hellow, boys", "choowing gum", "please", "choko", "Jeep", "ou kay", "senk you", enz. We bewonderden ook hun muziek en hun manier van spreken en we imiteerden hun dansen. De Yankees waren de eersten die me danspassen leerden. We probeerden hun uitzinnige boogie-woogie bewegingen na te doen en we groeiden sneller op dankzij hun aanwezigheid. Ze kwamen vaak bij ons thuis, vooral om ons beroemde gerecht op basis van varkensvlees, quenelles en kool te proeven, en we vonden het heerlijk om tijd met hen door te brengen. Ze lieten ons hun foto's, adressen en vele andere geschenken na.Een bewoner herinnert zich ook de dansavonden: "De Amerikanen organiseerden dansavonden in de straat. Ze sloten een deel van de weg af met vier Jeeps en trokken elektrische kabels voor de lichten uit, zodat er een verlichte dansvloer ontstond. Een vriend en ik klommen in een auto om de soldaten te zien dansen met jonge vrouwen. We waren toen tien. Mijn arme ouders zochten me op. Daarna maakte mijn vader ruzie met me als nooit tevoren. Il memoriale "Thank you, America!" a Pilsen, in Repubblica Ceca, è stato eretto in onore delle forze americane che liberarono Pilsen nel maggio 1945. Il monumento è stato restaurato nel maggio 2018 e consiste di due colonne con iscrizioni sia in ceco sia in inglese. One witness recalls: "I had bought red and white carnations and went to lay them at the memorial. Suddenly, a lorry appeared and several uniformed National Security officers got out. Pointing their guns at us, they shouted at us to disperse us. During the night that followed, trucks came. They took all the bouquets, the flags and even the monument and threw them in the rubbish.In his anecdotes from 1945, another witness expresses his gratitude to the American liberators: "We always wanted to be everywhere at once. We couldn't miss the slightest opportunity. But the Yankees were fantastic. We quickly adopted a few American words as we chatted: "hellow, boys", "choowing gum", "please", "choko", "Jeep", "ou kay", "senk you", etc. We also admired their music and the way they spoke, and we imitated their dances. The Yankees were the first to teach me dance steps. We tried to copy their frenzied boogie-woogie moves and we grew up faster thanks to their presence. They used to come to our place, in particular to taste our famous dish based on pork, quenelles and cabbage, and we were delighted to spend time with them. They left us their photos, addresses and lots of other gifts.One resident also remembers the dance evenings: "The Americans organised dances in the street. They would close off part of the road with four Jeeps and pull out electric cables for the lights, creating a floodlit dance floor. A friend and I climbed into a car to watch the soldiers dancing with young women. We were ten at the time. My poor parents were looking for me. After that, my father argued with me like never before.

 Mémorial "Thank you, America!" Thank you, America! Memorial Dziękujemy, Ameryko! Thank you! America Memorial Memoriale Thank You, America! Thank You America Memorial

The Frisian Resistance Museum was opened in 1979 and was the first resistance museum in the Netherlands. Over the years, it has expanded its collection and moved several times. In December 2019, the museum was reorganised, resulting in an exceptional new display that is currently on show. At the Frisian Resistance Museum, you will meet the citizens of Friesland during the war years. Frisians and non-Frisians tell their stories of how they lived through the war in the Frisian countryside.There was resistance and persecution, but there was no hunger winter. However, there were refugees and people who came from far and wide in search of milk and food. Stories are at the heart of the Resistance Museum. Eyewitness accounts and objects with a personal history bring us closer to the war. These stories are touching, confronting and make us think.The focus is on the difficult choices that people had to make in those special times. The aerial war over Friesland, resistance against the occupiers and hiding are the focus of the exhibition. Particular attention is also paid to the spectacular flight of the Friesian resistance over the Huis van Bewaring (prison where prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing are held) in Leeuwarden.

The Fries Verzetsmuseum (Frisian Resistance Museum) in Leeuwarden is devoted to the impact of the Second World War on people in the province of Friesland. The collection presents 45,000 objects, documents, books, magazines, photographs and films, which give a global picture of the war in Friesland. 

The Fries Verzetsmuseum was opened in 1979 and was the first resistance museum in the Netherlands. Over the years it expanded its collection and moved several times. In December 2019 the museum was reorganised which lead to a great new presentation which is currently on display.

In the Fries Verzetsmuseum you’ll meet the citizens of Friesland during the war years. Frisians and non-Frisians tell their stories of how they experienced the war in the countryside in Friesland. Resistance and persecution took place, but no hunger winter. However, there were refugees and people coming from far away to get milk and food.

Stories are at the heart of the Fries Verzetsmuseum. Eyewitnesses and objects with a personal story bring the war up close. These stories affect, confront and make people think. There is a focus on the difficult choices people had to make in these special times. Central are the subjects of the air war above Friesland, the resistance against the occupier and the hiding. Special attention is also paid to the spectacular robbery of the Frisian resistance on the Huis van Bewaring (prison which holds prisoners awaiting trial or sentence) in Leeuwarden.

© Fries Museum

© Marieke Balk

Frisian Resistance Museum

Muzeum Fryzyjskiego Ruchu Oporu zostało otwarte w 1979 roku i było pierwszym muzeum ruchu oporu w Holandii. Przez lata poszerzało ono swoją kolekcję i kilkakrotnie zmieniano jego lokalizację. W grudniu 2019 r. muzeum zostało zreorganizowane, co zaowocowało nową wystawą. W Muzeum Fryzyjskiego Ruchu Oporu można spotkać mieszkańców Fryzji w latach wojny. Fryzyjczycy i nie-Fryzyjczycy opowiadają swoje historie o tym, jak przeżyli wojnę na fryzyjskiej wsi.Pomimo prześladowań, nie doświadczyli oni głodu podczas tak zwanej Głodowej Zimy (klęski głodu, która dotknęła Holandię pomiędzy rokiem 1944 a 1945). Przebywali tam jednak uchodźcy i ludzie, którzy przybyli z daleka w poszukiwaniu mleka i żywności. Historie te są sercem Muzeum Ruchu Oporu. Relacje naocznych świadków i ich osobiste przedmioty pozwalają nam lepiej zrozumieć czasy wojny, a także wzruszają i skłaniają do refleksji. Historie te skupiają się często na trudnych wyborach, których ludzie musieli dokonywać w tych wyjątkowych czasach. Wojna powietrzna nad Fryzją, opór przeciwko okupantom i ukrywanie się są głównym tematem wystawy. Szczególną uwagę poświęcono również spektakularnemu lotowi fryzyjskiego ruchu oporu nad Huis van Bewaring (więzieniem, w którym przetrzymywani są więźniowie oczekujący na proces lub wyrok) w Leeuwarden. Das Friesische Widerstandsmuseum wurde 1979 eröffnet und war das erste Widerstandsmuseum in den Niederlanden. Im Laufe der Jahre hat es seine Sammlung erweitert und ist mehrmals umgezogen. Im Dezember 2019 wurde das Museum umgestaltet. Das Ergebnis ist eine außergewöhnliche neue Ausstellung, die derzeit zu sehen ist. Im Friesischen Widerstandsmuseum lernen Sie die Bürger und Bürgerinnen Frieslands während der Kriegsjahre kennen. Friesen und Nicht-Friesen erzählen, wie sie den Krieg in der Region erlebt haben.Es gab Widerstand und Verfolgung, aber keinen Hungerwinter. Dennoch kamen Flüchtlinge und Menschen auf der Suche nach Milch und Nahrung von weit her. Die Geschichten der Menschen stehen im Mittelpunkt des Widerstandsmuseums. Augenzeugenberichte und Gegenstände mit einer persönlichen Geschichte bringen uns den Krieg näher. Diese Geschichten sind berührend, konfrontierend und regen zum Nachdenken an.Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den schwierigen Entscheidungen, die die Menschen in dieser besonderen Zeit treffen mussten. Der Luftkrieg über Friesland, der Widerstand gegen die Besatzer und das Verstecken stehen im Mittelpunkt der Ausstellung. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auch auf den spektakulären Flug des friesischen Widerstands über das Huis van Bewaring (Gefängnis, in dem Gefangene auf ihren Prozess oder ihre Verurteilung warten) in Leeuwarden gelegt. Le musée de la Résistance frisonne a été ouvert en 1979 et a été le premier musée de la résistance aux Pays-Bas. Au fil des ans, il a élargi sa collection et a déménagé à plusieurs reprises. En décembre 2019, le musée a été réorganisé, ce qui a donné lieu à une nouvelle présentation exceptionnelle qui est actuellement exposée. Au musée de la Résistance, vous rencontrerez les citoyens de la Frise pendant les années de guerre. Des Frisons et des non-Frisons racontent comment ils ont vécu la guerre dans les campagnes de la Frise.La résistance et la persécution ont eu lieu, mais il n'y a pas eu d'hiver de la faim. Cependant, il y avait des réfugiés et des gens qui venaient de loin pour chercher du lait et de la nourriture. Les histoires sont au cœur du Fries Verzetsmuseum. Des témoins oculaires et des objets ayant une histoire personnelle nous rapprochent de la guerre. Ces histoires touchent, confrontent et font réfléchir. L'accent est mis sur les choix difficiles que les gens ont dû faire en ces temps particuliers. La guerre aérienne au-dessus de la Frise, la résistance contre l'occupant et la clandestinité sont au centre de l'exposition. Une attention particulière est également accordée au vol spectaculaire de la résistance frisonne sur la Huis van Bewaring (prison où sont enfermés les prisonniers en attente de jugement ou de condamnation) à Leeuwarden. Het Fries Verzetsmuseum werd geopend in 1979 en was het eerste verzetsmuseum in Nederland. In de loop der jaren heeft het zijn collectie uitgebreid en is het meerdere keren verhuisd. In december 2019 is het museum gereorganiseerd, met als resultaat een bijzondere nieuwe opstelling die momenteel te zien is. In het Fries Verzetsmuseum ontmoet je de burgers van Friesland tijdens de oorlogsjaren. Friezen en niet-Friezen vertellen hun verhaal over hoe zij de oorlog op het Friese platteland hebben beleefd.Er was verzet en vervolging, maar er was geen hongerwinter. Wel waren er vluchtelingen en mensen die van heinde en verre kwamen op zoek naar melk en voedsel. Verhalen staan centraal in het Verzetsmuseum. Ooggetuigenverslagen en voorwerpen met een persoonlijke geschiedenis brengen ons dichter bij de oorlog. Deze verhalen zijn ontroerend, confronterend en zetten aan tot nadenken.Centraal staan de moeilijke keuzes die mensen in die bijzondere tijd moesten maken. De luchtoorlog boven Friesland, het verzet tegen de bezetters en de onderduik staan centraal in de tentoonstelling. Bijzondere aandacht is er ook voor de spectaculaire vlucht van het Friese verzet boven het Huis van Bewaring in Leeuwarden. Il Museo della Resistenza Frisona è stato inaugurato nel 1979 ed è stato il primo museo della resistenza nei Paesi Bassi. Nel corso degli anni ha ampliato la sua collezione e si è trasferito più volte. Nel dicembre 2019, è stato riorganizzato e ha dato vita a un nuovo eccezionale allestimento, attualmente in mostra. Al suo interno, potrete conoscere le storie dei cittadini della Frisia vissuti durante gli anni della guerra nelle campagne circostanti. Conoscerete storie di resistenza e di persecuzione e, anche se la regione non fu vittima del famoso "Inverno della fame", conobbe in quegli anni rifugiati e persone che venivano da lontano in cerca di latte e cibo. Le storie che sono il cuore del Museo della Resistenza sono fatte di testimonianze oculari e di oggetti che consentono al visitatore di avvicinarsi in maniera inedita alla guerra: si tratta di storie commoventi, che ci mettono a confronto e ci fanno riflettere.La mostra si concentra sulle scelte difficili che le persone in quegli anni dovevano affrontare, sulla guerra aerea sulla Frisia, sulla resistenza contro gli occupanti e la clandestinità. Particolare attenzione è rivolta anche allo spettacolare volo della resistenza frisone sull'Huis van Bewaring (prigione in cui erano detenuti i prigionieri in attesa di giudizio o di condanna) a Leeuwarden. The Frisian Resistance Museum was opened in 1979 and was the first resistance museum in the Netherlands. Over the years, it has expanded its collection and moved several times.In December 2019, the museum was reorganised, resulting in an exceptional new display that is currently on show. At the Frisian Resistance Museum, you will meet the citizens of Friesland during the war years. Frisians and non-Frisians tell their stories of how they lived through the war in the Frisian countryside.There was resistance and persecution, but there was no hunger winter. However, there were refugees and people who came from far and wide in search of milk and food. Stories are at the heart of the Resistance Museum. Eyewitness accounts and objects with a personal history bring us closer to the war. These stories are touching, confronting and make us think.The focus is on the difficult choices that people had to make in those special times. The aerial war over Friesland, resistance against the occupiers and hiding are the focus of the exhibition. Particular attention is also paid to the spectacular flight of the Friesian resistance over the Huis van Bewaring (prison where prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing are held) in Leeuwarden.

 Muzeum Ruchu Oporu we Fryzji Friesisches Widerstandsmuseum Musée de la Résistance frisonne Fries Verzetsmuseum Museo della Resistenza Frisona Frisian Resistance Museum

On September 19 1944, Eindhoven was still partying. The city had been liberated the previous day, and people lined the streets to welcome their liberators. But in the course of the afternoon, the mood changed. There were rumours the Germans were advancing from Nuenen and Helmond.In the evening, German Luftwaffe planes appeared over the city. They bombed Eindhoven. They targeted the transit routes of the British army corps: Aalsterweg, Stratumsedijk, Stratumseind, Rechtestraat, Wal, Emmasingel, Hertogstraat and the surrounding area. The British vehicles had nowhere to go. Loaded with ammunition and fuel, they exploded. There were fires everywhere. The number of casualties among civilians was enormous. 41 people died on the Biesterweg, when the shelter they were in took a direct hit. In total, 227 people died on September 19.

The bombing of September 19, 1944

Am Vormittag des 19. September 1944 war Eindhoven noch in Feierstimmung. Am Vortag war die Stadt befreit worden, und die Einwohner hatten die Straßen gesäumt, um ihre Befreier zu begrüßen. Doch im Laufe des Nachmittages schlug die Stimmung um. Es kursierten Gerüchte, dass die Deutschen von Nuenen und Helmond aus wieder vorrückten.
Abends tauchten Flugzeuge der deutschen Luftwaffe über der Stadt auf. Die bombardierten Eindhoven. Es ging um die Durchgangsrouten des Britischen Korps: Aalsterweg, Stratumsedijk, Stratumseind, Rechtestraat, Wal, Emmasingel, Hertogstraat und Umgebung. Die britischen Fahrzeuge saßen in der Falle. Wagen beladen mit Munition und Treibstoff explodierten. Überall entstanden große Brände. Die Zahl der Zivilopfer war immens. Am Biesterweg kamen 41 Menschen ums Leben, als der Luftschutzkeller, in dem sie saßen, mit voller Wucht getroffen wurde. Insgesamt fielen am 19. September 227 Tote.&#13;
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 Biesterweg, vor Nr. 24. GPS Kode: 51° 25' 34.968"N 5° 29' 14.4954"O&#13;
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 &#13; Op 19 september 1944 was het in Eindhoven aanvankelijk nog feest. De vorige dag was de stad bevrijd en de inwoners stonden langs de straten om hun bevrijders in te halen. Maar in de loop van de middag sloeg de stemming om. Er gingen geruchten dat de Duitsers vanuit Nuenen en Helmond weer oprukten.’s Avonds verschenen er vliegtuigen van de Duitse Luftwaffe boven de stad. Zij bombardeerden Eindhoven. Het ging hen om de doorgangsroutes van het Britse legerkorps: Aalsterweg, Stratumsedijk, Stratumseind, Rechtestraat, Wal, Emmasingel, Hertogstraat en omgeving. De Britse voertuigen konden geen kant op. Voertuigen geladen met munitie en brandstof explodeerden. Overal ontstonden grote branden. Het aantal slachtoffers onder de burgers was enorm. Op de Biesterweg vonden 41 mensen de dood, toen de schuiIplaats waar ze zaten een voltreffer kreeg. In totaal vielen er op de 19e september 227 doden.Fietsroutes Liberation Route De Liberation Route Brabant vertelt het verhaal van de bevrijding, maar toont ook wat de Tweede Wereldoorlog heeft betekend voor gewone Brabanders. Acht fietsroutes van circa veertig kilometer, verspreid over Noord-Brabant, leiden je langs Brabant Remembers-verhalen, luisterzuilen van de Liberation Route Europe, monumenten en musea, die samen de impact van de oorlog op Noord-Brabant zichtbaar maken. Onderweg brengt een app op locatie de verhalen tot leven. De routes zijn te bestellen via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://webshop.visitbrabant.com">webshop.visitbrabant.com</a>

 Die Bombardierung vom 19. September 1944 Het bombardement van 19 september 1944

The Resistance Museum in Bologna, Italy, is set in a former convent that also housed Bologna’s History Institute. Those two organisations work together to collect and preserve materials relating to anti-Fascism and Italian Resistance. The exhibitions focus on the history of anti-Fascism before, during and after the Second World War.

The Resistance Museum in Bologna, Italy, is set in a former convent that also housed Bologna’s History Institute. Those two organisations work together to collect and preserve materials relating to anti-Fascism and Italian Resistance. The exhibitions focus on the history of anti-Fascism before, during and after the Second World War.

bologna-museo-resistenza4.jpg

Museum of the Resistance

 Bolońskie Muzeum Ruchu Oporu mieści się w dawnym klasztorze. Uprzednio swoją siedzibę miał tu także Boloński Instytut Historii. Obydwie organizacje współpracują, by zgromadzić i zachować materiały związane z antyfaszyzmem oraz włoskim Ruchem Oporu. Wystawy poświęcone są historii antyfaszyzmu przed II wojną światową, w jej trakcie, a także po niej. Das Museum of the Resistance (Museo della Resistenza di Bologna) befindet sich in einem ehemaligen Kloster, unter einem Dach mit dem historischen Institut von Bologna. Die beiden Institutionen setzen sich gemeinsam für die Sammlung und Bewahrung von Dokumenten und Materialien zum Antifaschismus und zum italienischen Widerstand ein. Schwerpunkt der Ausstellungen ist die Geschichte des Antifaschismus vor, während und nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Le musée de la Résistance de Bologne, en Italie, est installé dans un ancien couvent qui abrita également l’Institut d’histoire de Bologne. Ces deux institutions travaillent main dans la main pour recueillir et conserver les pièces en rapport avec la lutte contre le fascisme et la Résistance italienne. Ses expositions retracent la lutte contre le fascisme avant, pendant et après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Il museo della Resistenza di Bologna, in Italia, è situato in un ex convento che ospita anche l'Istituto Storico. Queste due organizzazioni collaborano per raccogliere e conservare materiali relativi all'antifascismo e alla Resistenza italiana. Le mostre si concentrano sulla storia dell'antifascismo prima, durante e dopo la Seconda guerra mondiale. Het Verzetsmuseum in het Italiaanse Bologna is te vinden in een voormalig klooster. Hier is ook het geschiedkundig instituut van de stad gevestigd. Deze twee organisaties werken samen om materialen en objecten die zijn gerelateerd aan het antifascisme en het Italiaanse verzet te verzamelen en te conserveren. De tentoonstellingen in het museum belichten de geschiedenis van het antifascisme voor, tijdens en na de Tweede Wereldoorlog.

 Muzeum Ruchu Oporu Widerstandsmuseum Musée de la Résistance de Bologne Museo della Resistenza Verzetsmuseum

The Parco Storico di Monte Sole, part of Emilia Orientale Park Authority, covers much of the territory involved in the Monte Sole massacre, a series of massacres of civilians carried out between 29 September and 5 October 1944 by German units belonging mainly to the 16th Reichsführer-SS Grenadier Division, supported by fascist collaborators of the Italian Social Republic. It was the massacre with the highest number of civilian victims in Italy and Western Europe in the period 1943-1945. The Nazis indiscriminately killed almost 800 people, mostly women and children, as part of an anti-partisan operation to reclaim the area close to the front line. The aim was to wipe out the environmental, physical and human conditions that allowed the existence and operation of the gangs, particularly the 'Red Star Wolf' brigade. Throughout the winter of 1944-45, the front was stationed on these heights and the liberation of the area took place in mid-April 1945 by the 6th South African Armoured Division framed in the 5th Allied Army, after fierce fighting.&nbsp;The protected area was established by the Emilia-Romagna Region with Law No. 19 of 27 May 1989. Historical, nature and artistic routes have been created inside. The visitor centre Il Poggiolo is based here and welcomes schoolchildren, tourists and visitors. Illustrative material, maps and information on the history and landscape of the park can be found inside. Scuola di Pace di Monte Sole (Monte Sole Peace School) in San Martino and Piccola Famiglia dell'Annunziata (Little Family of the Annunciation), founded by Don Giuseppe Dossetti, are also present and active in the area.&nbsp;The historical path of the War Memorial is dedicated to the Monte Sole massacre and the partisan brigade Stella Rossa. It reaches the symbolic sites of the massacre all the way to the peak. Along the itinerary, one encounters monuments, memorial stones, crosses, plaques, works of art, destroyed houses and churches. Each stop is marked by explanatory panels in Italian and English consisting of historical reconstructions, photographs, maps and testimonies. You can download the 'Monte Sole' APP for iOS and Android free of charge, which allows you to obtain information on the massacre and consult an interactive map of the sites. Two large sections dedicated to photos and videos complete the application.

The Historical Park of Monte Sole in Bologna covers 6,300 hectares. During the fall of 1944, hundreds of civilians were slain by Nazi soldiers in the area. Since 1989 Monte Sole Historical Park is a protected zone promoting a culture of peace for future generations. The ‘Il memoriale’ itinerary inside the park presents the symbolic places of the massacre.

Monte Sole Historical Park

Historyczny Park Monte Sole w Bolonii rozciąga się na obszarze 6300 hektarów. Jesienią 1944 roku nazistowscy żołnierze zamordowali w okolicy setki cywilów. Od 1989 roku Historyczny Park Monte Sole to ogrodzona strefa promująca kulturę pokoju dla przyszłych pokoleń. Prowadząca przez park ścieżka „Il Memoriale” przybliża wszystkie miejsca o symbolicznym znaczeniu dla tej tragedii. Der Monte Sole Historical Park (Parco Storico di Monte Sole) bei Bologna erstreckt sich über 6.300 Hektar. Im Herbst 1944 wurden in dieser Gegend Hunderte von italienischen Zivilisten von NS-Soldaten ermordet. Der Park ist seit 1989 eine geschützte Zone und dient der Förderung des friedlichen Miteinanders künftiger Generationen. Die „Il memoriale“-Route im Park führt zu den symbolischen Orten des Massakers. Le Site historique de Monte Sole, qui fait partie de l'Autorité du Parc de l'Emilia Orientale, couvre une grande partie du territoire concerné par le massacre de Monte Sole, une série de massacres de civils perpétrés entre le 29 septembre et le 5 octobre 1944 par des unités allemandes appartenant principalement à la 16e division de grenadiers du Reichsführer-SS, soutenues par des collaborateurs fascistes de la République sociale d'Italie. Il s'agit du massacre qui a fait le plus grand nombre de victimes civiles en Italie et en Europe occidentale au cours de la période 1943-1945. Les nazis ont tué sans distinction près de 800 personnes, principalement des femmes et des enfants, dans le cadre d'une opération antipartisane visant à reconquérir la zone proche de la ligne de front. L'objectif était d'anéantir les conditions environnementales, physiques et humaines qui avaient permis l'existence et le fonctionnement des bandes, en particulier de la brigade du "Loup de l'étoile rouge". Tout au long de l'hiver 1944-45, le front a été stationné sur ces hauteurs et la libération de la zone a eu lieu à la mi-avril.La zone protégée a été créée par la région Emilia-Romagna par la loi n° 19 du 27 mai 1989. Des parcours historiques, naturels et artistiques ont été créés à l'intérieur. Le centre d'accueil Il Poggiolo y est installé et accueille les écoliers, les touristes et les visiteurs. On y trouve des illustrations, des cartes et des informations sur l'histoire et le paysage du parc. La Scuola di Pace di Monte Sole (école de la paix de Monte Sole) de San Martino et la Piccola Famiglia dell'Annunziata (petite famille de l'Annonciation), fondée par Don Giuseppe Dossetti, sont également présentes et actives dans la région. Le parcours historique du Mémorial de la guerre est consacré au massacre de Monte Sole et à la brigade de partisans Stella Rossa. Il rejoint les lieux symboliques du massacre jusqu'au sommet. Le long de l'itinéraire, on rencontre des monuments, des pierres commémoratives, des croix, des plaques, des œuvres d'art, des maisons et des églises détruites. Chaque arrêt est marqué par des panneaux explicatifs en italien et en anglais, constitués de reconstitutions historiques, de photographies, de cartes et de témoignages. Vous pouvez télécharger gratuitement l'APP "Monte Sole" pour iOS et Android, qui vous permet d'obtenir des informations sur le massacre et de consulter une carte interactive des sites. Deux grandes sections dédiées aux photos et aux vidéos complètent l'application. Il Parco Storico di Monte Sole, facente parte dell’Ente parchi Emilia Orientale, si estende in gran parte del territorio coinvolto nell’eccidio di Monte Sole, una serie di stragi di civili compiute tra il 29 settembre e il 5 ottobre 1944 dai reparti tedeschi appartenenti principalmente alla 16ª Divisione Granatieri Reichsführer-SS, sostenuti da collaborazionisti fascisti della Repubblica Sociale Italiana. Fu il massacro con il maggior numero di vittime civili compiuto in Italia e nell’Europa Occidentale nel periodo 1943-1945. I nazisti uccisero indiscriminatamente quasi 800 persone, in gran parte donne e bambini, nel quadro di un’operazione antipartigiana di bonifica dell’area a ridosso della prima linea del fronte; l’obiettivo fu quello di cancellare le condizioni ambientali, fisiche e umane, che consentivano l’esistenza e l’operatività delle bande, in particolare della brigata «Stella Rossa Lupo». Per tutto l’inverno 1944-45 il fronte stazionò su queste alture e la liberazione della zona avvenne a metà aprile 1945 da parte della 6th South African Armoured Division inquadrata nella V Armata Alleata, dopo aspri combattimenti.&nbsp;L’area protetta fu istituita dalla Regione Emilia-Romagna con la legge n. 19 del 27 maggio 1989. All’interno sono stati realizzati percorsi storici, naturalistici e artistici. Ha qui sede il centro visite Il Poggiolo che accoglie scolaresche, turisti e visitatori: all’interno è possibile trovare materiale illustrativo, mappe e informazioni sulla storia e sul paesaggio del parco; sono inoltre presenti e operanti nel territorio la Scuola di Pace di Monte Sole a San Martino e la Piccola Famiglia dell’Annunziata, fondata da don Giuseppe Dossetti.&nbsp;Il percorso storico del Memoriale è dedicato all’eccidio di Monte Sole e alla brigata partigiana Stella Rossa: raggiunge i luoghi simbolo della strage fino alla vetta. Lungo l’itinerario si incontrano monumenti, cippi, lapidi, croci, targhe, opere d’arte, abitazioni e chiese distrutte; ogni tappa è segnata da pannelli esplicativi in lingua italiana e inglese costituiti da ricostruzioni storiche, fotografie, mappe e testimonianze. È possibile scaricare gratuitamente per iOS e Android l’APP «Monte Sole» che permette di ottenere informazioni sulla strage e di consultare una mappa interattiva dei luoghi; due ampie sezioni dedicate a foto e video completano l’applicazione. Het Historisch Park Monte Sole in Bologna beslaat 6.300 hectare. In de herfst van 1944 zijn in dit gebied honderden burgers gedood door nazisoldaten. Sinds 1989 is het Historisch park een beschermd gebied dat een ethos van vrede wil doen bloeien voor toekomstige generaties. De 'Il memoriale'-route door het park leidt langs plekken die symbool staan voor de massamoord die hier plaatsvond. The Parco Storico di Monte Sole, part of Emilia Orientale Park Authority, covers much of the territory involved in the Monte Sole massacre, a series of massacres of civilians carried out between 29 September and 5 October 1944 by German units belonging mainly to the 16th Reichsführer-SS Grenadier Division, supported by fascist collaborators of the Italian Social Republic. It was the massacre with the highest number of civilian victims in Italy and Western Europe in the period 1943-1945. The Nazis indiscriminately killed almost 800 people, mostly women and children, as part of an anti-partisan operation to reclaim the area close to the front line. The aim was to wipe out the environmental, physical and human conditions that allowed the existence and operation of the gangs, particularly the 'Red Star Wolf' brigade. Throughout the winter of 1944-45, the front was stationed on these heights and the liberation of the area took place in mid-April 1945 by the 6th South African Armoured Division framed in the 5th Allied Army, after fierce fighting.&nbsp;The protected area was established by the Emilia-Romagna Region with Law No. 19 of 27 May 1989. Historical, nature and artistic routes have been created inside. The visitor centre Il Poggiolo is based here and welcomes schoolchildren, tourists and visitors. Illustrative material, maps and information on the history and landscape of the park can be found inside. Scuola di Pace di Monte Sole (Monte Sole Peace School) in San Martino and Piccola Famiglia dell'Annunziata (Little Family of the Annunciation), founded by Don Giuseppe Dossetti, are also present and active in the area.&nbsp;The historical path of the War Memorial is dedicated to the Monte Sole massacre and the partisan brigade Stella Rossa. It reaches the symbolic sites of the massacre all the way to the peak. Along the itinerary, one encounters monuments, memorial stones, crosses, plaques, works of art, destroyed houses and churches. Each stop is marked by explanatory panels in Italian and English consisting of historical reconstructions, photographs, maps and testimonies. You can download the 'Monte Sole' APP for iOS and Android free of charge, which allows you to obtain information on the massacre and consult an interactive map of the sites. Two large sections dedicated to photos and videos complete the application.

 Historyczny Park Monte Sole Historischer Park Monte Sole Site historique de Monte Sole Parco storico di Monte Sole Historisch Park Monte Sole Monte Sole Historical Park

Traditionally, the position of Nijmegen on a lateral moraine and by a large river has been of major strategic importance. This was no different during the Second World War. As early as in the 1930s, when the threat of war from the east increased ever more, the Dutch Army took precautions. For example, measures were taken to be able to defend the bridges. Roadblocks were placed on the newly opened Waal bridge, and three casemates were constructed at Lent. The German occupier did not underestimate the importance of the Waal bridges either. On the south side of the bridge, underneath the Valkhofpark, a bunker was built that can still be visited today. The north side of the bridge was defended as well.A German investigation into the boundaries of the Third Reich in 1943 showed that they did not offer sufficient protection to the Reich. As a measure the Westwall, a line of defence that ran along the southwestern German border, was constructed.&nbsp; In the region around Nijmegen, the Westwall was moved further to the west to make use of the natural advantages of the lateral moraine. Placing a firm roadblock on the bridge was part of this operation. 5 concrete blocks were placed on a foundation that was almost 22 metres long and 1.25 metres wide. The blocks were 2 metres high.During Operation Market Garden, the roadblocks – together with the other defences at the bridge – presented a significant obstacle to the Allies, even though thanks to several messages from the resistance, this did not come as a surprise. In the end, the Allies managed to overcome the obstacles and after the successful capture of the bridges the roadblocks were removed, buried and forgotten, until they were dug up again when work was carried out on site in 2013.That there must have been some sort of roadblock there during the Second World War was expected, but finding back the big concrete blocks nevertheless came as a surprise. Today, they can be found just a few metres from their original location.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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De wegversperringen met op de achtergrond de Waalbrug en de St. Stevenskerk 

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Road Blocks

Die Lage Nijmegens auf einer Moräne und an einem großen Fluss war schon immer von großem strategischen Wert. So auch im Zweiten Weltkrieg. Bereits in den 1930er Jahren, als die Kriegsgefahr aus dem Osten zunahm, ergriff die niederländische Armee Maßnahmen. Eine davon galt der Verteidigung der Brücken. Auf der neu eröffneten Waalbrücke wurden Straßensperren errichtet und in Lent wurden drei Kasematten gebaut.Die deutschen Besatzungstruppen haben die Bedeutung der Waalbrücke allerdings auch nicht unterschätzt. Auf der Südseite der Brücke wurde unter dem Valkhof-Park ein Bunker errichtet, der heute noch besichtigt werden kann. Die Nordseite der Brücke wurde ebenfalls verteidigt.Eine deutsche Studie über die Grenzen des Dritten Reiches aus dem Jahr 1943 ergab, dass sie dem Reich keinen ausreichenden Schutz boten. Als Maßnahme wurde der Westwall errichtet, der entlang der südwestlichen deutschen Grenze verlief.&nbsp; In der Region um Nimwegen wurde der Westwall weiter nach Westen verlegt, um die natürlichen Vorteile der Moräne zu nutzen. Dazu gehörte die Errichtung einer soliden Straßensperre auf der Brücke. Auf ein fast 22 Meter langes und 1,25 Meter breites Fundament wurden fünf zwei Meter hohe Betonblöcke gestellt.Während der Operation Market Garden stellten die Straßensperren zusammen mit den anderen Verteidigungsanlagen in der Nähe der Brücke ein großes Hindernis für die Alliierten dar, auch wenn dies dank mehrerer Berichte des Widerstands keine Überraschung war. Es gelang ihnen schließlich, die Straßensperren zu überwinden, und nach der erfolgreichen Einnahme der Brücken wurden die Straßensperren entfernt, vergraben und vergessen, bis sie bei Arbeiten im Jahr 2013 wieder ausgegraben wurden.&nbsp;Dass es an dieser Stelle während des Zweiten Weltkriegs eine Art Straßensperre gegeben haben muss, war bereits erwartet worden, aber die großen Betonblöcke waren dennoch eine Überraschung. Heute sind sie nur wenige Meter von ihrem ursprünglichen Standort entfernt zu sehen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Van oudsher was de positie van Nijmegen op een stuwwal en aan een grote rivier van grote strategische waarde. Zo ook tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Al in de jaren 30, toen de oorlogsdreiging uit het oosten steeds groter werd, nam het Nederlandse Leger maatregelen. Er werden bijvoorbeeld maatregelen genomen om de bruggen te kunnen verdedigen. Er werden wegversperringen aangebracht op de pas geopende Waalbrug en er werden drie kazematten geplaatst bij Lent.Ook de Duitse bezetter onderschatte het belang van de Waalbruggen niet. Aan de zuidkant van de brug werd onder het Valkhofpark een bunker aangelegd, die vandaag de dag nog te bezichtigen is. Ook de noordkant van de brug werd verdedigd.&nbsp;Een Duits onderzoek naar de grenzen van het Derde Rijk in 1943 liet zien dat deze niet genoeg bescherming boden aan het Rijk. Als maatregel werd de Westwall aangelegd, die langs de zuidwestelijke Duitse grens liep.&nbsp; In deze regio werd de Westwall verder naar het westen verplaatst om van de natuurlijke voordelen van de stuwwal gebruik te maken. Het plaatsen van een stevige wegversperring op de brug vormde een onderdeel hiervan. Er werden 5 betonnen blokken geplaatst op een fundament dat bijna 22 meter lang en 1,25 meter breed was. De blokken waren 2 meter hoog.&nbsp;Tijdens Operatie Market Garden vormden de wegversperringen samen met de andere verdedigingswerken bij de brug een flinke hindernis voor de geallieerden, ook al was dat dankzij verschillende berichten van het verzet geen verrassing. Uiteindelijk lukte het om de versperringen te overwinnen en na de succesvolle inname van de bruggen werden de wegversperringen verwijderd, begraven en vergeten, tot ze in 2013 tijdens werkzaamheden weer werden opgegraven.&nbsp;Dat er tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog op die plek een soort van wegversperring moet hebben gelegen, werd al verwacht, maar het terugvinden van de grote betonnen blokken was toch een verassing. Vandaag de dag zijn ze op enkele meters van hun oorspronkelijke plaats te zien. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 Wegversperringen Waalbrug Straßensperre auf der Waalbrücke

The massacre of Sant'Anna di Stazzema is part of the "strategy of terror" implemented by Kesselring, commander-in-chief of the German troops in Italy, which in the summer of 1944 caused almost 4000 victims throughout Tuscany. Concerned about the growing activity of the resistance Kesselring issued an ordinance authorizing any repressive measure to crush the partisan movement. For the Germans it was of fundamental importance to make the western front sector of the Gothic Line safe and quiet. At the first light of dawn on August 12, about 300 soldiers of the SS, divided into four columns, surround the area of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a little village in the province of Lucca. The XVI armoured division "Reichsführer-SS", was commanded by Anton Galler, a Nazi officer with experience in Dachau and in the Polish lagers, and led by Italian fascists. The violence of the Nazis overwhelmed the entire community of Sant'Anna, including many people displaced here to escape the fighting and bombing of the coast. Within a few hours more than 500 people were massacred, mostly children, women and the elderly. They were brutally raked, beaten, locked in stables or houses and killed by machine guns and hand grenades. The buildings were then set on fire, in order to erase all traces as much as possible. Sant'Anna di Stazzema is one of the places of the Italian civil resistance and one of the sites that best evoke in Italy the horror of the Nazi occupation and the brutality of war.

The village of Sant'Anna di Stazzema in Tuscany, central Italy, was hit by a Nazi massacre in the course of an operation against the Italian resistance movement during the Italian Campaign of WWII. A total of 1,430 Italian civilians were killed there between July and September 1944. The memorial of the National Park of Peace and other monuments devoted to the slaughter were built in the village.
The massacre of Sant'Anna di Stazzema is part of the "strategy of terror" implemented by Kesselring, commander-in-chief of the German troops in Italy, which in the summer of 1944 caused almost 4000 victims throughout Tuscany.

Concerned about the growing activity of the resistance Kesselring issued an ordinance authorizing any repressive measure to crush the partisan movement. For the Germans it was of fundamental importance to make the western front sector of the Gothic Line safe and quiet.

At the first light of dawn on August 12, about 300 soldiers of the SS, divided into four columns, surround the area of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a little village in the province of Lucca. The XVI armoured division "Reichsführer-SS", was commanded by Anton Galler, a Nazi officer with experience in Dachau and in the Polish lagers, and led by Italian fascists. The violence of the Nazis overwhelmed the entire community of Sant'Anna, including many people displaced here to escape the fighting and bombing of the coast.

Within a few hours more than 500 people were massacred, mostly children, women and the elderly. They were brutally raked, beaten, locked in stables or houses and killed by machine guns and hand grenades. The buildings were then set on fire, in order to erase all traces as much as possible.

Sant'Anna di Stazzema is one of the places of the Italian civil resistance and one of the sites that best evoke in Italy the horror of the Nazi occupation and the brutality of war.

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Sant’Anna di Stazzema

Le massacre de Sant'Anna di Stazzema faisait partie de la "stratégie de la terreur" implémentée par Kesserling, Commandant-en-chef des troupes allemandes en Italie, qui a causé la mort de près de 4000 personnes en Toscane durant l'été 1944. Inquiet de la montée en puissance de la résistance Italienne, Kesserling a publié une ordonnance autorisant toutes les mesures répressives pour écraser le mouvement des partisans. Il était essentiel pour les Allemands de s'assurer que le secteur Ouest de la ligne Gothique était sécurisé et "calme". Aux premières lueurs de l'aube du 12 août 1944, environ 300 SS, divisés en quatre colonnes, ont encerclé Sant'Anna di Stazzema, un petit village dans la province de Lucques. La 16ème division armée "Reichsführer-SS", était menée par Anton Galler, un officier Nazi et commandé par les fascistes italiens. En quelques heures plus de 500 personnes sont massacrées, principalement des femmes, enfants et vieillards, qui avaient fui les combats et les bombardements sur la côte. Ils sont brutalement battus à mort, fusillés ou encore enfermés dans des étables et maisons qui sont ensuite incendiées afin d'effacer le plus de traces possibles de ce massacre. Preoccupato della crescente attività della resistenza, Kesselring emanò un’ordinanza che autorizzava qualsiasi misura di repressione per combattere il movimento partigiano. Per i tedeschi era di fondamentale importanza rendere il fronte occidentale della Linea Gotica sicuro e tranquillo. Alle prime luci dell’alba del 12 agosto, circa 300 soldati delle SS, divisi in quattro plotoni, circondarono Sant’Anna di Stazzema, un piccolo paese in provincia di Lucca. La XVI Divisione corazzata “Reichsführer-SS” era comandata da Anton Galler, un ufficiale nazista con espeprienza a Dachau e nei lager polacchi, e guidata da fascisti italiani. La violenza dei nazisti si abbatté sull’intera comunità di Sant’Anna e su molte persone che vi erano nascoste per fuggire dalla battaglia e dai bombardamenti della costa. In poche ore più di 500 persone vennero massacrate, principalmente bambini, donne e anziani. Essi vennero brutalmente rastrellati, picchiati, chiusi nelle stalle o nelle case e uccisi con mitragliatrici o bombe a mano. Gli edifici furono poi incendiati, per cancellare il più possibile ogni traccia. Sant’Anna di Stazzema è uno dei luoghi della resistenza civile italiana e uno dei siti che meglio rievocano gli orrori dell’occupazione nazista e la brutalità della guerra. Het bloedbad van Sant’Anna di Stazzema was onderdeel van de ‘strategie van terreur’ die ontketend werd door Kesserling, opperbevelhebber van de Duitse troepen in Italië, die in de zomer van 1944 voor bijna 4000 slachtoffers zorgden verspreid over Toscane. Kesserling maakte zich zorgen over de groeiende activiteit van de partizanen en bracht daardoor een order uit waarin hij opdracht gaf repressieve maatregelen te nemen tegen de partizanenbeweging. Voor de Duitsers was het van fundamenteel belang om geen gevechten te hoeven leveren aan de westerse front sectie van de Gotenstellung. Vroeg in de ochtend van 12 augustus omsingelden 300 soldaten van de SS, verdeeld over vier groepen, het gebied rondom Sant’Anna di Stazzema, een klein dorp in de provincie Lucca. De XVI gepantserde divisie “Reichsführer-SS”, stond onder bevel van Anton Galler, een Nazi-officier die ervaring had opgedaan in Dachau en Poolse kampen. Het geweld van de Nazi’s overweldigde de gemeenschap van Sant’Anna, die sinds kort ook bestond uit burgers die naar dit dorpje gevlucht waren om aan de gevechten en bombardementen aan de kust te ontsnappen. Binnen een paar uur werden meer dan 500 mensen afgeslacht. Voornamelijk kinderen, vrouwen en bejaarden werden verzameld, opgesloten in schuren en huizen en vervolgens vermoord met machinegeweren en handgranaten. De gebouwen werden vervolgens in de brand gestoken om de sporen en bewijzen zoveel mogelijk te vernietigen. Sant’Anna di Stazzema is een van de plekken die bekend staat om het Italiaanse burgerlijke verzet en bovendien een van de plekken waar de horror van de Nazi bezetting duidelijk wordt. The massacre of Sant'Anna di Stazzema is part of the "strategy of terror" implemented by Kesselring, commander-in-chief of the German troops in Italy, which in the summer of 1944 caused almost 4000 victims throughout Tuscany. Concerned about the growing activity of the resistance Kesselring issued an ordinance authorizing any repressive measure to crush the partisan movement. For the Germans it was of fundamental importance to make the western front sector of the Gothic Line safe and quiet. At the first light of dawn on August 12, about 300 soldiers of the SS, divided into four columns, surround the area of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a little village in the province of Lucca. The XVI armoured division "Reichsführer-SS", was commanded by Anton Galler, a Nazi officer with experience in Dachau and in the Polish lagers, and led by Italian fascists. The violence of the Nazis overwhelmed the entire community of Sant'Anna, including many people displaced here to escape the fighting and bombing of the coast. Within a few hours more than 500 people were massacred, mostly children, women and the elderly. They were brutally raked, beaten, locked in stables or houses and killed by machine guns and hand grenades. The buildings were then set on fire, in order to erase all traces as much as possible. Sant'Anna di Stazzema is one of the places of the Italian civil resistance and one of the sites that best evoke in Italy the horror of the Nazi occupation and the brutality of war.

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