​​The Westwall was a fortification, but it was also a propaganda programme started in 1936. In October 1938, without the bunker construction originally planned here having been completed, Adolf Hitler announced increased protection for the cities of Aachen and Saarbrücken, which lay to the west of the previously planned fortifications. During this 'Aachen-Saar Programme', Aachen was surrounded by bunker lines to the east and west.​Difficulties with the supply lines, but also Nazi propaganda about the supposedly insurmountable Westwall caused the US troops to stop at the outskirts of Aachen in early September 1944. On the orders of General Courtney H. Hodges, commander-in-chief of the 1st United States Army, the city was to be encircled. To this end, the US 1st Infantry Division under the command of Major General Clarence R. Huebner, advanced eastwards via Verlautenheide and Ravensberg. Meanwhile the 30th Infantry Division under Major General Leland S. Hobbs advanced westwards to cross the River Wurm at Rimburg and advance via Herzogenrath to Aachen. Even though the bunkers along the Westwall lines were poorly manned and equipped, the advance of the US troops proved difficult and bloody for both sides. Thus, control of the bunkers along the marching routes sometimes changed between US and German control in quick succession. It was not until 17 October 1945 that the ring around Aachen was closed, and the battle for the city ended on 21 October with Aachen's surrender.The vast majority of the Westwall bunkers were destroyed and demolished either during the fighting or shortly afterwards. Near the city of Aachen, however, a few ruins can still be seen today in forest and meadow regions. An example of this is Bunker 84, which was part of the first Westwall line. Built according to the Regelbau 10 scheme, of which 3,471 installations were erected along the entire Westwall, it consisted of a ready room with gas locks and an attached fighting room. The regular crew of 15 men was protected by 1.5m thick concrete walls.

Overview of the location of bunkers 100 (bottom) and 84 (top) starting from Villa Kaiserruh​

​Location if Bunker 100 and Bunker 84 starting at Villa Kaiserruh​

Bunker Regelbau 10 of the Siegfried line near Geilenkirchen, the same type of bunker as ‘Bunker 84’, which is totally destroyed nowadays​

​Rear entrance of a Siegfried line bunker ‘Regelbau 10’​

​At the historically secured site of Bunker 84, all that can be found today is a depression in the forest and isolated stone structures​

​Remains of Bunker 84​

Bunker 84 of the Westwall

​​The Westwall was a fortification, but it was also a propaganda programme started in 1936. In October 1938, without the bunker construction originally planned here having been completed, Adolf Hitler announced increased protection for the cities of Aachen and Saarbrücken, which lay to the west of the previously planned fortifications. During this 'Aachen-Saar Programme', Aachen was surrounded by bunker lines to the east and west.​Difficulties with the supply lines, but also Nazi propaganda about the supposedly insurmountable Westwall caused the US troops to stop at the outskirts of Aachen in early September 1944. On the orders of General Courtney H. Hodges, commander-in-chief of the 1st United States Army, the city was to be encircled. To this end, the US 1st Infantry Division under the command of Major General Clarence R. Huebner, advanced eastwards via Verlautenheide and Ravensberg. Meanwhile the 30th Infantry Division under Major General Leland S. Hobbs advanced westwards to cross the River Wurm at Rimburg and advance via Herzogenrath to Aachen. Even though the bunkers along the Westwall lines were poorly manned and equipped, the advance of the US troops proved difficult and bloody for both sides. Thus, control of the bunkers along the marching routes sometimes changed between US and German control in quick succession. It was not until 17 October 1945 that the ring around Aachen was closed, and the battle for the city ended on 21 October with Aachen's surrender.The vast majority of the Westwall bunkers were destroyed and demolished either during the fighting or shortly afterwards. Near the city of Aachen, however, a few ruins can still be seen today in forest and meadow regions. An example of this is Bunker 84, which was part of the first Westwall line. Built according to the Regelbau 10 scheme, of which 3,471 installations were erected along the entire Westwall, it consisted of a ready room with gas locks and an attached fighting room. The regular crew of 15 men was protected by 1.5m thick concrete walls. Le Westwall était une fortification, mais aussi un programme de propagande lancé en 1936. En octobre 1938, alors que la construction des bunkers initialement prévue ici n'était pas achevée, Adolf Hitler annonça le renforcement de la protection des villes d'Aix-la-Chapelle et de Sarrebruck, qui se trouvaient à l'ouest des fortifications précédemment prévues. Au cours de ce " programme Aix-la-Chapelle-Sarre ", Aix-la-Chapelle fut entourée de lignes de bunkers à l'est et à l'ouest.Des difficultés avec les lignes de ravitaillement, mais aussi la propagande nazie sur le Westwall (supposé) insurmontable, ont poussé les troupes américaines à s'arrêter à la périphérie d'Aix-la-Chapelle au début du mois de septembre 1944. Sur ordre du général Courtney H. Hodges, commandant en chef de la 1re armée américaine, la ville doit être encerclée. À cette fin, la 1re division d'infanterie américaine, sous le commandement du major général Clarence R. Huebner, avance vers l'est via Verlautenheide et Ravensberg, tandis que la 30e division d'infanterie, sous le commandement du major général Leland S. Hobbs, avance vers l'ouest pour traverser la Wurm à Rimburg et avancer vers Aix-la-Chapelle via Herzogenrath. Bien que les bunkers situés le long des lignes du Westwall soient mal équipés et peu fréquentés, l'avancée des troupes américaines s'avère difficile et sanglante pour les deux camps. Ainsi, les bunkers situés le long des itinéraires de marche sont parfois contrôlés successivement par les Américains et les Allemands. Ce n'est que le 17 octobre 1945 que l'anneau autour d'Aix-la-Chapelle fut fermé, et la bataille pour la ville se termina le 21 octobre avec la capitulation d'Aix-la-Chapelle.La grande majorité des bunkers du Westwall furent détruits et démolis pendant les combats ou peu de temps après. Près de la ville d'Aix-la-Chapelle, quelques ruines sont toutefois encore visibles aujourd'hui dans des régions de forêts et de prairies, comme le Bunker 84, qui faisait partie de la première ligne du Westwall. Construit selon le schéma du Regelbau 10, dont 3 471 installations ont été érigées sur l'ensemble du Westwall, il se composait d'une salle de préparation avec sas à gaz et d'une salle de combat attenante. L'équipage régulier de 15 hommes était protégé par des murs en béton de 1,5 m d'épaisseur. De Westwall was een verdedigingslinie en propagandaprogramma dat in 1936 van start ging. In oktober 1938, zonder dat de geplande bunkerbouw hier was voltooid, kondigde Adolf Hitler verhoogde bescherming aan voor de steden Aken en Saarbrücken, die ten westen van de geplande vestingwerken lagen. Het 'Aachen-Saar Programme' omringde het oosten en westen van Aken met bunkerlinies.Moeilijkheden met aanvoerlijnen, maar ook nazi-propaganda over de (vermeende) onoverkomelijke Westwall , zorgden ervoor dat de Amerikaanse troepen begin september 1944 stopten aan de rand van Aken. Op bevel van generaal Courtney H. Hodges, opperbevelhebber van het 1e Amerikaanse leger, moest de stad omsingeld worden. Hiertoe rukte de Amerikaanse 1e Infanteriedivisie onder bevel van generaal-majoor Clarence R. Huebner op naar het oosten via Verlautenheide en Ravensberg. De 30e Infanteriedivisie onder generaal-majoor Leland S. Hobbs rukte op naar het westen om bij Rimburg rivier de Worm over te steken en via Herzogenrath op te rukken naar Aken. Hoewel de bunkers langs de Westwall linies slecht bemand en uitgerust waren, bleek de opmars van de Amerikaanse troepen moeilijk en bloedig voor beide partijen. Zo waren de bunkers langs de opmarsroutes soms snel na elkaar in Amerikaanse en Duitse handen. Pas op 17 oktober 1945 werd de ring rond Aken gesloten. Op 21 oktober eindigde de strijd met de overgave van Aken.Het overgrote deel van de Westwall-bunkers werd tijdens de gevechten of kort daarna vernietigd en gesloopt. In de buurt van Aken zijn nog enkele ruïnes te zien in bos- en weidegebieden. Bijvoorbeeld Bunker 84, die deel uitmaakte van de eerste Westwalllinie. Gebouwd volgens het schema van Regelbau 10, waarvan er langs de hele Westwall 3.471 werden gebouwd. Het bestond uit twee ruimtes. De vaste bemanning van 15 man werd beschermd door 1,5 m dikke betonnen muren.&nbsp; Wał Zachodni był fortyfikacją, ale także projektem propagandowym rozpoczętym w 1936 roku. W październiku 1938 roku, bez ukończenia pierwotnie planowanej budowy bunkrów, Adolf Hitler ogłosił zwiększoną ochronę miast Akwizgran i Saarbrücken, które leżały na zachód od wcześniej planowanych fortyfikacji. W ramach "Programu Akwizgran-Saar" Akwizgran został otoczony liniami bunkrów od wschodu i zachodu.Trudności z liniami zaopatrzeniowymi, ale także nazistowska propaganda o rzekomo niemożliwej do pokonania Linii Zygfryda spowodowały, że wojska amerykańskie zatrzymały się na obrzeżach Akwizgranu na początku września 1944 roku. Na rozkaz generała Courtneya H. Hodgesa, głównodowodzącego 1. Armii Stanów Zjednoczonych, miasto miało zostać okrążone. W tym celu amerykańska 1. Dywizja Piechoty pod dowództwem generała majora Clarence'a R. Huebnera posuwała się na wschód przez Verlautenheide i Ravensberg. Tymczasem 30. Dywizja Piechoty generała majora Lelanda S. Hobbsa skierowała się na zachód, by przekroczyć rzekę Wurm w Rimburgu i ruszyć przez Herzogenrath do Akwizgranu. Pomimo tego, że bunkry wzdłuż linii Wału Zachodniego były słabo obsadzone i wyposażone, natarcie wojsk amerykańskich okazało się być trudne i krwawe dla obu stron. W związku z tym, kontrola nad bunkrami wzdłuż tras przemarszu czasami zmieniała się między Stanami Zjednoczonymi a Niemcami w krótkich odstępach czasu. Dopiero 17 października 1945 r. pierścień wokół Akwizgranu został zamknięty, a bitwa o miasto zakończyła się 21 października kapitulacją Akwizgranu.Zdecydowana większość bunkrów Linii Zygfryda została zniszczona i zburzona podczas walk lub wkrótce po nich. W pobliżu Akwizgranu można jednak do dziś zobaczyć kilka ruin w lasach i na łąkach. Takim przykładem jest Bunkier 84, który był częścią pierwszej linii Wału Zachodniego. Zbudowany zgodnie ze schematem Regelbau 10, w ramach którego wzdłuż całej linii wzniesiono 3 471 obiektów, składał się z pomieszczenia ze śluzami gazowymi oraz sali do prowadzenia walk. 15-osobowa załoga była chroniona przez betonowe ściany o grubości 1,5 m. La Linea Sigfrido era una struttura fortificata ma aveva anche un ruolo essenziale per la propaganda tedesca, con un programma iniziato nel 1936. Nell'ottobre del 1938, senza che la costruzione dei bunker fosse stata completata, Adolf Hitler annunciò una maggiore difesa per le città di Aquisgrana e Saarbrücken, che si trovavano a ovest delle fortificazioni precedentemente previste. Durante il "Programma Aquisgrana-Saar", Aquisgrana fu circondata da linee di bunker a est e a ovest.Le numerose difficoltà con le linee di rifornimento, ma anche la propaganda nazista sulla (presunta) insormontabilità della Linea Sigfrido, fecero sì che le truppe americane si fermassero alla periferia di Aquisgrana all'inizio di settembre 1944. Su ordine del generale Courtney H. Hodges, comandante in capo della 1a Armata degli Stati Uniti, la città doveva essere accerchiata. A tal fine, la 1ª Divisione di fanteria statunitense, al comando del maggior generale Clarence R. Huebner, avanzò verso est passando per Verlautenheide e Ravensberg, mentre la 30ª Divisione di fanteria, al comando del maggior generale Leland S. Hobbs, avanzò verso ovest per attraversare il Wurm a Rimburg e avanzare attraverso Herzogenrath fino ad Aquisgrana. Anche se i bunker lungo la Linea Sigfrido erano scarsamente presidiati ed equipaggiati, l'avanzata delle truppe americane si rivelò difficile e sanguinosa per entrambe le parti. Così, i bunker lungo le vie di avanzamento alleato finirono talvolta sotto il controllo degli Stati Uniti e dei tedeschi , a seguito di continui cambi repentini. Solo il 17 ottobre 1945 l'accerchiamento intorno ad Aquisgrana fu chiuso e la battaglia per la città finì il 21 ottobre con la resa di Aquisgrana.La maggior parte dei bunker del Westwall fu distrutta e demolita durante i combattimenti o nell'immediato dopoguerra. Nei pressi della città di Aquisgrana, tuttavia, alcune rovine sono ancora oggi visibili in zone boschive e in campagna, come il Bunker 84, che faceva parte della prima linea del "Westwall". Costruito secondo lo schema del Regelbau 10, che prevedeva 3.471 installazioni lungo l'interam Linea Sigfrido, consisteva in una sala di pronto intervento con serrature a gas e una sala di combattimento annessa. L'equipaggio regolare di 15 uomini era protetto da pareti di cemento spesse 1,5 metri.

 Bunker 84 van de Westwall Bunker 84 du Westwall Bunker 84 del "Westwall" (Linea Sigfrido) Bunkier 84 Linii Zygfryda Bunker 84 of the Westwall

In the aftermath of the capitulation of Italy, on 8 September 1943, Rome was left alone; the army and dozens of civilians tried to resist the German attack on Rome at St.Paul's Gate (Porta San Paolo), to no avail. The Germans eventually occupied the city.Once the news of the armistice between Italy and the Allied forces was spread via radio by General Badoglio, the German High Command immediately put in place an aggressive plan with the aim of disarming the Italian army and conquering Rome. At the beginning, most of the skirmishes took place in the southwestern suburbs, in the EUR and Garbatella districts, before getting to St. Paul’s Gate (Porta San Paolo). At Porta San Paolo the fighting began in the morning of 10 September: on one side, a well-organised and motivated army, on the other sparse units, often without officers and precise orders. Indeed, the king and the royal family, Badoglio and a part of the government left Rome and their headquarters in a parade of sixty black cars, just as the grenadiers and the infantry of the Italian army were sacrificing their lives, helped by ordinary citizens who wanted to defend their own city from occupation. The fighting was violent and unequal, and in the late afternoon the German forces entered the Eternal city: the occupation of Rome began. On the city walls to the right of the Cestia Pyramid, in front of Porta San Paolo, there are four plaques to remember the fighting: two for the Roman resistance, one for the Allied landings at Anzio on 4 June 1944 and one honouring all the Fallen for the Resistance and for terrorism.

In the aftermath of the capitulation of Italy, on 8 September 1943, Rome was left alone; the army and dozens of civilians tried to resist the German attack on Rome at St.Paul's Gate (Porta San Paolo), to no avail. The Germans eventually occupied the city.

Once the news of the armistice between Italy and the Allied forces was spread via radio by General Badoglio, the German High Command immediately put in place an aggressive plan with the aim of disarming the Italian army and conquering Rome. At the beginning, most of the skirmishes took place in the southwestern suburbs, in the EUR and Garbatella districts, before getting to St. Paul’s Gate (Porta San Paolo).

At Porta San Paolo the fighting began in the morning of 10 September: on one side, a well-organised and motivated army, on the other sparse units, often without officers and precise orders. Indeed, the king and the royal family, Badoglio and a part of the government left Rome and their headquarters in a parade of sixty black cars, just as the grenadiers and the infantry of the Italian army were sacrificing their lives, helped by ordinary citizens who wanted to defend their own city from occupation. The fighting was violent and unequal, and in the late afternoon the German forces entered the Eternal city: the occupation of Rome began.

On the city walls to the right of the Cestia Pyramid, in front of Porta San Paolo, there are four plaques to remember the fighting: two for the Roman resistance, one for the Allied landings at Anzio on 4 June 1944 and one honouring all the Fallen for the Resistance and for terrorism.

View of Porta San Paolo and the Cestia Pyramid.

Plaques dedicated to the patriots and the fighters against the occupation of Rome on the walls of Porta San Paolo. 

The resistance at St. Paul's Gate

Dopo l’annuncio dell’armistizio l’8 settembre 1943, Roma si ritrovò abbandonata a se stessa. L'esercito italiano e decine di civili provarono a resistere a Roma, a Porta San Paolo, per poi capitolare: i tedeschi occuparono la città.Una volta che la notizia dell'armistizio venne diffusa dalla radio, per voce del generale Badoglio, i tedeschi misero immediatamente in atto il piano di aggressione finalizzato a disarmare l'esercito italiano e riprendere Roma. Inizialmente la maggior parte degli scontri avvenne alla periferia sudovest, nei quartieri EUR e Garbatella, prima di giungere a Porta San Paolo. I combattimenti a Porta San Paolo iniziarono la mattina del 10 settembre: da una parte vi era un esercito ben organizzato e determinato, dall'altra reparti sparsi, spesso privi di ufficiali e ordini precisi. Infatti il re e la sua famiglia, Badoglio e una parte del governo, lasciarono Roma e le sedi governative con un lungo corteo di sessanta auto nere, proprio mentre i granatieri e i fanti dell'esercito italiano si sacrificavano, aiutati da semplici cittadini, spontaneamente accorsi a combattere per difendere la propria città. Gli scontri furono violenti e impari e nel tardo pomeriggio i tedeschi oltrepassarono Porta San Paolo. Iniziava così di fatto l'occupazione tedesca di Roma. A ricordo dei combattimenti che qui si svolsero, sulle mura situate a sinistra della Piramide Cestia, davanti a Porta San Paolo, si possono notare ben quattro lapidi, due delle quali ricordano la Resistenza Romana; la terza lapide ricorda lo sbarco alleato ad Anzio del 4 giugno 1944 e la quarta i Caduti della Resistenza e del terrorismo. In the aftermath of the capitulation of Italy, on 8 September 1943, Rome was left alone; the army and dozens of civilians tried to resist the German attack on Rome at St.Paul's Gate (Porta San Paolo), to no avail. The Germans eventually occupied the city.Once the news of the armistice between Italy and the Allied forces was spread via radio by General Badoglio, the German High Command immediately put in place an aggressive plan with the aim of disarming the Italian army and conquering Rome. At the beginning, most of the skirmishes took place in the southwestern suburbs, in the EUR and Garbatella districts, before getting to St. Paul’s Gate (Porta San Paolo). At Porta San Paolo the fighting began in the morning of 10 September: on one side, a well-organised and motivated army, on the other sparse units, often without officers and precise orders. Indeed, the king and the royal family, Badoglio and a part of the government left Rome and their headquarters in a parade of sixty black cars, just as the grenadiers and the infantry of the Italian army were sacrificing their lives, helped by ordinary citizens who wanted to defend their own city from occupation. The fighting was violent and unequal, and in the late afternoon the German forces entered the Eternal city: the occupation of Rome began. On the city walls to the right of the Cestia Pyramid, in front of Porta San Paolo, there are four plaques to remember the fighting: two for the Roman resistance, one for the Allied landings at Anzio on 4 June 1944 and one honouring all the Fallen for the Resistance and for terrorism. Nach der Kapitulation Italiens am 8. September 1943 war Rom auf sich allein gestellt; die Armee und Dutzende von Zivilisten versuchten vergeblich, dem deutschen Angriff auf Rom am St. Pauls tor (Porta San Paolo) zu widerstehen. Die Deutschen besetzten schließlich die Stadt.Nachdem General Badoglio die Nachricht vom Waffenstillstand zwischen Italien und den Alliierten über das Radio verbreitet hatte, setzte das deutsche Oberkommando sofort einen aggressiven Plan in die Tat um, mit dem Ziel, die italienische Armee zu entwaffnen und Rom zu erobern. Zunächst fanden die meisten Zusammenstöße in den südwestlichen Vororten, in den Stadtteilen EUR und Garbatella statt, bevor sie Porta San Paolo erreichten. Die Kämpfe an der Porta San Paolo begannen am Morgen des 10. September: Auf der einen Seite stand eine gut organisierte und entschlossene Armee, auf der anderen Seite versprengte Einheiten, denen oft Offiziere und genaue Befehle fehlten. Der König und seine Familie, Badoglio und ein Teil der Regierung verließen Rom und die Regierungsgebäude in einer langen Prozession von sechzig schwarzen Wagen, während sich die Grenadiere und Infanteristen der italienischen Armee opferten, unterstützt von einfachen Bürgern, die spontan in den Kampf zogen, um ihre Stadt zu verteidigenDie Kämpfe waren heftig und ungleich, und am späten Nachmittag drangen die deutschen Truppen in die Ewige Stadt ein: die Besetzung Roms begann. An der Stadtmauer rechts von der Cestia-Pyramide, vor der Porta San Paolo, erinnern vier Gedenktafeln an die Kämpfe: zwei für den römischen Widerstand, eine für die Landung der Alliierten bei Anzio am 4. Juni 1944 und eine zu Ehren aller Gefallenen des Widerstands und des Terrorismus.

 La resistenza a Porta San Paolo Der Widerstand am St. Paul's Tor The resistance at St. Paul's Gate

For a long time, the bell lay in the Gildekapel ('Guild Chapel'). Martien van Hemmen, Chairman of the Exodus Committee, and Jan Wannet, 'Guild General', made sure the bell would see daylight again.The monument shows the bell lying on rubble, in reference to the massive destruction in Huissen during the war. On the four sides of the bell is text referring to D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the bombing of Huissen (on 2 October 1944), and the bell itself.

Monument The Bell

The Bell

For a long time, the bell lay in the Gildekapel ('Guild Chapel'). Chairman Martien van Hemmen of the Exodus Committee and 'guild general' Jan Wannet made sure the bell would see daylight again.The monument shows the bell lying on rubble, in reference to the massive destruction in Huissen during the war. On its four sides is text referring to D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the bombing of Huissen (on 2 October 1944) and the bell itself. Lange Zeit lag die Glocke in der Gildekapelle. Der Vorsitzende des Exodus-Komitees Martien van Hemmen und der "Gildegeneral" Jan Wannet sorgten dafür, dass die Glocke wieder das Tageslicht erblickte.Das Denkmal zeigt die Glocke auf Trümmern liegend, als Hinweis auf die massiven Zerstörungen in Huissen während des Krieges. Auf den vier Seiten des Denkmals finden sich Texte, die sich auf den D-Day, die Operation Market Garden, die Bombardierung von Huissen (am 2. Oktober 1944) und die Glocke selbst beziehen. Lange tijd lag de klok in de Gildekapel. Voorzitter Martien van Hemmen van het Exoduscomité en ‘gildegeneraal’ Jan Wannet zorgden ervoor dat de klok weer daglicht zou zien.&nbsp;&nbsp;De klok ligt op puin, als verwijzing naar de enorme vernielingen in Huissen tijdens de oorlog. Aan de vier zijden is tekst aangebracht die verwijst naar D-Day, Operatie Market Garden, het bombardement op Huissen (op 2 oktober 1944) en de klok zelf.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="video" width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o3NLOpCizdo" start="0"></iframe></div>

 Die Glocke De Klok The Bell

Colonna Square and the Wedekind Palace (Palazzo Wedekind) were first the headquarters of the National Fascist Party and then the scene for the rebirth of the Fascist party and for the incredible violence that characterised the months of the occupation of Rome. Also thanks to fascists, including the Koch brigade - a special police squad that was recognised by the Germans -, an atmosphere of terror spread on the city of Rome, which hit not only the opposition but, indiscriminately, the entire city. On the Eastern side of the square, you can find Palazzo Chigi (Chigi Palace), which is nowadays the headquarters of the Government of Italy and residence of the Prime Minister. During the Fascist regime, the palace was the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry (post held by Benito Mussolini himself). From the balcony – at the corner between Via del Corso and Piazza Colonna – he gave his first speeches, later replicated from the balcony in Piazza Venezia. Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace) is another historic building that you can find on the Eastern side of the square. The Palace hosts, nowadays, the Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati) of the Italian Republic but also the plenary sessions of the Italian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic). Wedekind Palace, at present, is the headquarters of the daily newspaper Il Tempo. It is possible to visit it only for exhibitions, but the Palace is worth a stop to admire its historic façade.

The Wedekind Palace (Palazzo Wedekind) on the Colonna Square (Piazza Colonna) in Rome was the headquarters of the National Fascist Party during the period of Fascist rule in Italy. After Italy’s capitulation came the Nazi occupation, during which many Italian fascists reappeared on the scene again, centering around the Palazzo.

Colonna Square and the Wedekind Palace (Palazzo Wedekind) were first the headquarters of the National Fascist Party and then the scene for the rebirth of the Fascist party and for the incredible violence that characterised the months of the occupation of Rome. Also thanks to fascists, including the Koch brigade - a special police squad that was recognised by the Germans -, an atmosphere of terror spread on the city of Rome, which hit not only the opposition but, indiscriminately, the entire city.

On the Eastern side of the square, you can find Palazzo Chigi (Chigi Palace), which is nowadays the headquarters of the Government of Italy and residence of the Prime Minister. During the Fascist regime, the palace was the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry (post held by Benito Mussolini himself). From the balcony – at the corner between Via del Corso and Piazza Colonna – he gave his first speeches, later replicated from the balcony in Piazza Venezia.
Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace) is another historic building that you can find on the Eastern side of the square. The Palace hosts, nowadays, the Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati) of the Italian Republic but also the plenary sessions of the Italian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic).

Wedekind Palace, at present, is the headquarters of the daily newspaper Il Tempo. It is possible to visit it only for exhibitions, but the Palace is worth a stop to admire its historic façade.

Colonna Square

Palazzo Wedekind, a Roma, era la sede centrale del partito nazionale fascista. Piazza Colonna e questo palazzo fecero da scenario al redivivo partito fascista e alla sua smisurata violenza che contraddistinse i mesi dell'occupazione di Roma. Grazie anche al contributo dei neofascisti, come la Banda Koch - una squadra speciale di Polizia, riconosciuta dai tedeschi - si diffuse su Roma un'atmosfera di gratuito e bestiale terrore che colpì non soltanto gli oppositori ma indiscriminatamente tutta la città. Nella parte Est della piazza si trova Palazzo Chigi, la sede del Governo italiano e la residenza del Presidente del Consiglio. Durante il regime fascista, questo palazzo era la sede del Ministero degli Esteri (posizione assunta da Benito Mussolini stesso). Dal balcone all’angolo tra Via del Corso e Piazza Colonna, Mussolini diede alcuni dei suoi primi discorsi, in seguito riproposti dal balcone di Piazza Venezia. Palazzo Montecitorio è un altro palazzo storico che si trova sul lato Est della piazza. Il palazzo ospita la Camera dei Deputati, ma anche le sessioni plenarie del Parlamento Italiano. Palazzo Wedekind è oggi la sede del quotidiano Il Tempo, ed è possibile visitarlo soltanto in occasione di mostre. Tuttavia, è degno di attenzione almeno per ammirare la sua storica facciata. Colonna Square and the Wedekind Palace (Palazzo Wedekind) were first the headquarters of the National Fascist Party and then the scene for the rebirth of the Fascist party and for the incredible violence that characterised the months of the occupation of Rome. Also thanks to fascists, including the Koch brigade - a special police squad that was recognised by the Germans -, an atmosphere of terror spread on the city of Rome, which hit not only the opposition but, indiscriminately, the entire city. On the Eastern side of the square, you can find Palazzo Chigi (Chigi Palace), which is nowadays the headquarters of the Government of Italy and residence of the Prime Minister. During the Fascist regime, the palace was the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry (post held by Benito Mussolini himself). From the balcony – at the corner between Via del Corso and Piazza Colonna – he gave his first speeches, later replicated from the balcony in Piazza Venezia. Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace) is another historic building that you can find on the Eastern side of the square. The Palace hosts, nowadays, the Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati) of the Italian Republic but also the plenary sessions of the Italian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic). Wedekind Palace, at present, is the headquarters of the daily newspaper Il Tempo. It is possible to visit it only for exhibitions, but the Palace is worth a stop to admire its historic façade. Der Colonna-Platz und der Wedekind-Palast (Palazzo Wedekind) waren zunächst Sitz der Nationalen Faschistischen Partei und dann Schauplatz der Wiedergeburt der faschistischen Partei und der unglaublichen Gewalt, die die Monate der Besetzung Roms prägte. Auch dank der Faschisten, darunter die Brigade Koch - eine von den Deutschen anerkannte Spezialeinheit der Polizei -, breitete sich in Rom eine Atmosphäre des Terrors aus, die nicht nur die Opposition, sondern wahllos die ganze Stadt traf. Auf der Ostseite des Platzes befindet sich der Palazzo Chigi, der heute Sitz der italienischen Regierung und Residenz des Ministerpräsidenten ist. Während des faschistischen Regimes war der Palast der Sitz des Außenministeriums (ein Amt, das Benito Mussolini selbst innehatte). Vom Balkon aus - an der Ecke zwischen Via del Corso und Piazza Colonna - hielt er seine ersten Reden, die später vom Balkon aus auf der Piazza Venezia wiederholt wurden. Der Palazzo Montecitorio ist ein weiteres historisches Gebäude, das sich an der Ostseite des Platzes befindet. Der Palast beherbergt heute die Abgeordnetenkammer (Camera dei Deputati) der italienischen Republik, aber auch die Plenarsitzungen des italienischen Parlaments (Abgeordnetenkammer und Senat der Republik). Der Wedekind-Palast ist derzeit der Sitz der Tageszeitung Il Tempo. Der Palast kann nur zu Ausstellungszwecken besichtigt werden, ist aber auf jeden Fall einen Besuch wert, um seine historische Fassade zu bewundern.

 Piazza Colonna Colonna-Platz Colonna Square

As the place of intense fighting in the last stage of the War, Remagen became a symbol of the liberation of Europe from the Nazi yoke. In 1980 thanks to the efforts of local mayor Hans Peter Kuerten the two towers on the western bank were turned into a memorial under the name Peace Museum. The exhibition is divided into ten rooms devoted to the history of the bridge, its successful capture, the fate of local community during the bombing campaign, daily life of the soldiers who guarded the bridge, the victims of the fighting (including four German officers shot on Hitler's orders for failing to demolish the bridge in time) plus a section documenting various military conflicts after 1945. Especially important is the exhibition devoted to the Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure at Remagen, where thousands of German prisoners of war were held without the most rudimentary shelter.

As the place of intense fighting in the last stage of the War, Remagen became a symbol of the liberation of Europe from the Nazi yoke. In 1980 thanks to the efforts of local mayor Hans Peter Kuerten the two towers on the western bank were turned into a memorial under the name Peace Museum.

The exhibition is divided into ten rooms devoted to the history of the bridge, its successful capture, the fate of local community during the bombing campaign, daily life of the soldiers who guarded the bridge, the victims of the fighting (including four German officers shot on Hitler's orders for failing to demolish the bridge in time) plus a section documenting various military conflicts after 1945. Especially important is the exhibition devoted to the Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure at Remagen, where thousands of German prisoners of war were held without the most rudimentary shelter.

The Museum has been a very popular location at the Rhein but is currently temporarily closed for restoration. Reopening is planned for July 2021.

View of Ludendorff Bridge

exhibition_peace_museum_remagen_2.jpg

exhibition_peace_museum_remagen_1.jpg

Floor Vector placed outside the Remagen Bridge

Peace Museum Remagen

Remagen było miejscem ciężkich walk w ostatniej fazie wojny, stając się jednym z symboli wyzwolenia Europy z nazistowskiego ucisku. W roku 1980, dzięki wysiłkom miejscowego burmistrza Hansa Petera Kuertena, obie wieże zachodniego przyczółka mostu zmieniono w miejsce pamięci pod nazwą Muzeum Pokoju. Wystawa jest podzielona na dziesięć sal ukazujących dzieje mostu i jego zdbycia, losu miejscowej ludności podczas nalotów, życia codziennego żołnierzy strzegących mostu, ofiar walk (w tym czterech niemieckich oficerów, rozstrzelanych na rozkaz Hitlera za zaniedbanie zniszczenia mostu), jak i sekcję dokumentującą konflikty zbrojne toczone po 1945 roku. Szczególnie ważna jest wystawa poświęcona Tymczasowemu Obozowi Jenieckiemu w Remagen, gdzie tysiące niemieckich jeńców przetrzymywano w opłakanych warunkach. Lieu d’intenses combats au cours de la dernière phase de la guerre, Remagen devint un symbole de la libération de l'Europe du joug nazi. En 1980, grâce aux efforts de Hans Peter Kuerten, le maire local, les deux tours de la rive ouest ont été transformées en un mémorial nommé Musée de la Paix. L’exposition est divisée en dix salles consacrées à l’histoire du pont, à sa capture réussie, au destin de la communauté locale lors de la campagne de bombardements, à la vie quotidienne des soldats qui gardaient le pont et aux victimes des combats (dont quatre officiers allemands tués sur ordre de Hitler pour ne pas avoir démoli le pont à temps). Une section documente également divers conflits militaires après 1945. Une exposition particulièrement importante est celle consacrée à l’enclos temporaire des prisonniers de guerre de Remagen, où des milliers de prisonniers de guerre allemands étaient détenus sans le moindre abri rudimentaire. In de laatste fase van de oorlog werd in Remagen hard gevochten, hierdoor werd het een symbool voor de bevrijding van Europa van het Nazi-juk. Met dank aan de lokale burgemeester Hans Peter Kuerten werden in 1980 de twee torens op de Westelijke over omgetoverd tot een herdenkingsplek onder de naam ‘Vredesmuseum’. De tentoonstelling is verdeeld in tien kamers geweid aan de geschiedenis van de brug, de succesvolle verovering, het lot van de lokale gemeenschap gedurende de bombardementen, het dagelijks leven van de soldaten die de brug bewaakten, de slachtoffers van de gevechten (inclusief vier Duitse officieren die op bevel van Hitler werden doodgeschoten omdat ze de brug niet op tijd hadden opgeblazen), plus een sectie die zich focust op een variatie aan militaire conflicten sinds 1945. Speciale aandacht gaat uit naar de tentoonstelling die is geweid aan het tijdelijke krijgsgevangenenkamp in Remagen, waar duizenden Duitse krijgsgevangenen werden vastgehouden zonder enige vorm van beschutting. Als Schauplatz heftiger Kämpfe in der letzten Phase des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurde Remagen zu einem Symbol für die Befreiung Europas von der Naziherrschaft. Dank der Bemühungen des Remagener Bürgermeisters Hans Peter Kürten wurden die rechtsrheinischen Brückentürme 1980 in eine Gedenkstätte umgewandelt, die den Namen Friedensmuseum erhielt. Die über zehn Räume verteilte Ausstellung befasst sich mit der Geschichte der Brücke und deren erfolgreichen Eroberung, dem Schicksal der Bevölkerung während der Bombenangriffe, dem Alltag der Soldaten, die die Brücke bewachten und den Todesopfern der Kampfhandlungen (einschließlich der vier deutschen Offiziere, die auf Befehl Hitlers erschossen wurden, weil ihnen die Sprengung der Brücke nicht rechtzeitig gelungen war). Außerdem gibt es einen Ausstellungsbereich, der verschiedene militärische Konflikte nach 1945 dokumentiert. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist die Ausstellung über das sogenannte „Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure" von Remagen, einem Durchgangslager, in dem Tausende von deutschen Kriegsgefangenen schutzlos den Elementen ausgesetzt waren. As the place of intense fighting in the last stage of the War, Remagen became a symbol of the liberation of Europe from the Nazi yoke. In 1980 thanks to the efforts of local mayor Hans Peter Kuerten the two towers on the western bank were turned into a memorial under the name Peace Museum. The exhibition is divided into ten rooms devoted to the history of the bridge, its successful capture, the fate of local community during the bombing campaign, daily life of the soldiers who guarded the bridge, the victims of the fighting (including four German officers shot on Hitler's orders for failing to demolish the bridge in time) plus a section documenting various military conflicts after 1945. Especially important is the exhibition devoted to the Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure at Remagen, where thousands of German prisoners of war were held without the most rudimentary shelter.

 Muzeum Pokoju Remagen Musée de la Paix Remagen Vredesmuseum Remagen Friedensmuseum Brücke von Remagen Peace Museum Remagen

Located on the site of the Remagen POW Temporary Enclosure, the peace chapel was unveiled in 1987 to commemorate the fate of thousands of German prisoners who had suffered there and hundreds who perished from exposure and disease. The chapel houses the Black Madonna - a small sculpture of Virgin Mary with Jesus made of clay by one of the prisoners at Remagen. Research proved that the figure was made by the renowned sculptor Adolf Wamper, who had been called up in March 1945, just a month before his capture.

Located on the site of the Remagen POW Temporary Enclosure, the peace chapel was unveiled in 1987 to commemorate the fate of thousands of German prisoners who had suffered there and hundreds who perished from exposure and disease. The chapel houses the Black Madonna - a small sculpture of Virgin Mary with Jesus made of clay by one of the prisoners at Remagen. Research proved that the figure was made by the renowned sculptor Adolf Wamper, who had been called up in March 1945, just a month before his capture.

Peace Chapel Remagen

Black Madonna

Peace Chapel Remagen at Night

Budowę Kaplicy, ulokowanej na miejscu tymczasowego obozu jenieckiego Remagen, ukończono w roku 1987. Upamiętnia ona los tysięcy niemieckich jeńców wojennych cierpiących tu niewolę oraz setek, którzy zmarli w wyniku chorób i braku schronienia. W kaplicy znajduje się nieduża figurka Czarnej Madonny – Matki Bożej z Dzieciagkiem – wykonanej z gliny przez jednego z jeńców. Badania wykazały, że jej autorem był sławny rzeźbiarz Adolf Wamper, powołany do Wehrmachtu w marcu 1945 r., zaledwie miesiąc nim znalazł się w niewoli. Située sur le site de l'enclos temporaire pour prisonniers de guerre à Remagen, la Chapelle de la Paix a été inaugurée en 1987 pour commémorer le sort de milliers de prisonniers allemands qui y ont souffert et de centaines d'autres qui sont morts de froid ou de maladie. La chapelle abrite la Vierge Noire - une petite sculpture de la Vierge Marie avec Jésus, réalisée en argile par l'un des prisonniers de l’enclos de Remagen. Des recherches ont prouvé que cette figure avait été réalisée par le célèbre sculpteur Adolf Wamper, appelé en mars 1945, un mois seulement avant sa capture. De Vredeskapel werd in 1987 onthuld op het Remagen krijgsgevangenenkamp om het lot van duizenden Duitse gevangenen te herdenken die hier geleden hebben en waarvan er honderden door ziekte zijn omgekomen. De kapel geeft een plaats aan de Zwarte Madonna – een kleine sculptuur van de Heilige Maagd Maria samen met Jezus gemaakt van klei door een van de voormalig gevangenen in Remagen. Onderzoek wees uit dat het figuur was gemaakt door de bekende beeldhouwer Adolf Wamper, die een maand voor zijn gevangenschap werd opgeroepen voor dienstplicht. An der Stelle, wo sich einst das Remagener „Prisoner of War Temporary Enclosure“ befand, wurde 1987 die Friedenskapelle eingeweiht, um an das Schicksal Tausender deutscher Kriegsgefangener zu erinnern, die dort gelitten hatten. Hunderte von ihnen waren infolge der verheerenden Lagerbedingungen gestorben. Die Kapelle beherbergt die „Schwarze Madonna“, eine kleine Madonnenfigur aus ungebranntem Lehm, die von einem der Gefangenen in Remagen geschaffen worden war. Nachforschungen ergaben, dass es sich dabei um eine Skulptur des bekannten Bildhauers Adolf Wamper handelt, der im März 1945, nur einen Monat vor seiner Gefangennahme, eingezogen worden war. Located on the site of the Remagen POW Temporary Enclosure, the peace chapel was unveiled in 1987 to commemorate the fate of thousands of German prisoners who had suffered there and hundreds who perished from exposure and disease. The chapel houses the Black Madonna - a small sculpture of Virgin Mary with Jesus made of clay by one of the prisoners at Remagen. Research proved that the figure was made by the renowned sculptor Adolf Wamper, who had been called up in March 1945, just a month before his capture.

 Kaplica Pokoju Remagen Chapelle de la Paix Remagen Vredeskapel Remagen Friedenskapelle Remagen Peace Chapel Remagen

On the night of September 17 to 18, 1944, the Germans decided to pull out of Nijmegen, where the fighting was still fierce. They wanted to attempt their evacuation by train, through an area that was already in American hands. The original plan was to run freight trains from Nijmegen, through Arnhem, to German territory, but because the rail bridge in Arnhem had been blown up by German troops on the first day of Operation Market Garden, they had to find an alternative route.This route would run directly across enemy-held territory, via Groesbeek and over the German border through Kranenburg to Kleve. The Americans of the 505th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division were taken totally by surprise when the first train steamed past. No-one had anticipated this daring option, and they could not react quickly enough to stop this mystery train. A half-hour later came a second train, but this time the Americans were ready. On the high ground of the Hooghe Hoenderberg, between Nijmegen and Groesbeek, a barricade was set across the track, and a bazooka was fired at the approaching train. As it stopped, the Americans stormed the rails, and the Germans jumped from the wagons and took cover in the nearby woods. It took the Americans a whole day to round them all up.

German train escapes trough liberated area

In der Nacht vom 17. auf den 18. September wollten Deutsche das noch mitten im Kampf befindliche Nimwegen verlassen. Die Evakuierung sollte mit dem Zug von der Stadt aus stattfinden, allerdings durch bereits von Amerikanern erobertes Gebiet. Geplant war, Güterzüge vom Nimwegener Bahnhof über Arnheim ins 'Reichsgebiet' fahren zu lassen. Da die Eisenbahnbrücke in Arnheim allerdings schon am ersten Tag der Operation 'Market Garden' von den eigene Truppen gesprengt worden war, musste eine andere Strecke gefunden werden.Die 'andere Strecke' sollte quer durch feindliches Gebiet verlaufen, über Groesbeek und Kranenburg nach Kleve. Die amerikanischen Soldaten des 505. Regiments der 82. Airborne Division waren völlig überrascht als der erste Zug vorbeifuhr. Mit dieser frechen Fluchtvariante hatten sie nicht gerechnet; es war ihnen nicht möglich den unbekannten Zug aufzuhalten. Eine halbe Stunde später passierte ein zweiter Zug. Dieses Mal waren die Amerikaner vorbereitet. Beim Hoge Hoenderberg, zwischen Nimwegen und Groesbeek hatten sie die Schienen blockiert. Auf den sich nähernden Zug wurde eine Bazooka Rakete abgefeuert. Der Zug kam zum Stillstand und wurde bestürmt. Die deutschen Insassen flüchteten aus den Waggons und versteckten sich im nahegelegenen Wald. Es dauerte einen Tag bevor die Amerikaner alle Deutschen festgenommen hatten. In de nacht van 17 op 18 september 1944 wilden de Duitsers Nijmegen, waar nog volop werd gevochten, verlaten. Vanuit de stad wilden zij evacueren via een trein door gebied dat al in Amerikaanse handen was. Het plan was om goederentreinen van het station in Nijmegen via Arnhem naar 'Reichsgebiet' te laten rijden. Maar omdat de spoorbrug bij Arnhem al de eerste dag van Operation Market Garden door Duitse troepen was opgeblazen, moest er een alternatieve route worden gezocht.De alternatieve route zou dwars door vijandelijk gebied lopen, via Groesbeek en Kranenburg naar Kleef. De Amerikanen van het 505th Regiment van de 82nd Airborne Division waren totaal verrast toen de eerste trein voorbij reed. Met die brutale mogelijkheid hadden ze geen rekening gehouden en niemand zag kans de om de onbekende trein tegen te houden. Een half uur later passeerde een tweede trein. Deze keer waren de Amerikanen voorbereid. Bij de Hooghe Hoenderberg tussen Nijmegen en Groesbeek werd een versperring opgeworden op de rails. Op de naderende trein werd een bazooka afgevuurd. De trein kwam tot stilstand en de spoorlijn werd bestormd. De Duitsers vluchtten de wagons uit en verstopte zich in het nabij gelegen bos. Het kostte de Amerikanen een hele dag om alle Duitsers te arresteren.

 Deutscher Zug flieht durch befreites Gebiet Duitse trein ontsnapt door bevrijd gebied

​​In November 1938, all the gravestones in the cemetery were knocked over during the Pogrom Night. In 1939, the gravestones lying around were removed from the cemetery. Throughout the Second World War the cemetery grounds, which today are empty, were increasingly destroyed with the gravestones said to have been used as building material at the beginning of the war in 1939. It is assumed that about 40 stones were lost.A few years after the end of the war, in 1948, the cemetery was restored. As there were&nbsp;no longer any recognisable grave sites, the whole cemetery area was redesigned as a place of remembrance. During this clean-up work, an almost undamaged gravestone was found. It belonged to the first grave erected for the Menken couple in 1839.In 1997, further grave monuments were found on a private property. One year later, four stones and about 70 fragments were put together to form a memorial wall in the cemetery.​Today, this cemetery is part of "Ways Against Forgetting 1933-1945", a project to commemorate the atrocities of the National Socialists in Aachen.​

Formation of t​he gravestones in the Jewish Cemetery.​

​Gravestones, Jewish Cemetery​

 ​Entrance of the small Jewish cemetery.​

​Jewish Cemetery Haaren, Aachen ​ 

Jewish Cemetery Haaren

​​In November 1938, all the gravestones in the cemetery were knocked over during the Pogrom Night. In 1939, the gravestones lying around were removed from the cemetery. Throughout the Second World War the cemetery grounds, which today are empty, were increasingly destroyed with the gravestones said to have been used as building material at the beginning of the war in 1939. It is assumed that about 40 stones were lost.A few years after the end of the war, in 1948, the cemetery was restored. As there were&nbsp;no longer any recognisable grave sites, the whole cemetery area was redesigned as a place of remembrance. During this clean-up work, an almost undamaged gravestone was found. It belonged to the first grave erected for the Menken couple in 1839.In 1997, further grave monuments were found on a private property. One year later, four stones and about 70 fragments were put together to form a memorial wall in the cemetery.​Today, this cemetery is part of "Ways Against Forgetting 1933-1945", a project to commemorate the atrocities of the National Socialists in Aachen.​ En novembre 1938, à la suite de la Nuit des Pogroms, toutes les pierres tombales du cimetière ont été renversées. En 1939, les pierres tombales qui traînaient ont été enlevées du cimetière. Les terrains du cimetière, aujourd'hui vides, ont été de plus en plus détruits au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Les pierres tombales auraient été utilisées comme matériaux de construction au début de la guerre en 1939. Quelques années après la fin de la guerre, en 1948, le cimetière a été restauré. Comme il n'y avait plus de tombes reconnaissables, toute la zone du cimetière a été réaménagée en lieu de mémoire. Au cours de ces travaux de nettoyage, une pierre tombale presque intacte a été découverte. Elle appartenait à la première tombe érigée pour les époux Menken en 1839.En 1997, d'autres monuments funéraires ont été découverts dans une propriété privée. Un an plus tard, quatre pierres et environ 70 fragments ont été rassemblés pour former un mur commémoratif dans le cimetière.Aujourd'hui, ce cimetière fait partie de "Ways Against Forgetting 1933-1945", un projet visant à commémorer les atrocités commises par les nationaux-socialistes à Aix-la-Chapelle. Im November 1938 wurden während der Pogromnacht alle Grabsteine auf dem Friedhof umgestoßen. Im Jahr 1939 wurden die herumliegenden Grabsteine vom Friedhof entfernt. Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs wurde das heute leere Friedhofsgelände zunehmend zerstört, wobei die Grabsteine zu Beginn des Krieges 1939 als Baumaterial verwendet worden sein sollen. Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass etwa 40 Steine verloren gegangen sind.Einige Jahre nach Kriegsende, im Jahr 1948, wurde der Friedhof wiederhergestellt. Da es keine erkennbaren Grabstellen mehr gab, wurde das gesamte Friedhofsgelände als Ort des Gedenkens umgestaltet. Bei diesen Aufräumarbeiten wurde ein fast unbeschädigter Grabstein gefunden. Er gehörte zu dem ersten Grab, das 1839 für das Ehepaar Menken errichtet wurde.Im Jahr 1997 wurden auf einem Privatgrundstück weitere Grabdenkmäler gefunden. Ein Jahr später wurden vier Steine und etwa 70 Fragmente zu einer Gedenkmauer auf dem Friedhof zusammengefügt.Heute ist dieser Friedhof Teil von "Wege gegen das Vergessen 1933-1945", einem Projekt zum Gedenken an die Gräueltaten der Nationalsozialisten in Aachen. In november 1938 werden na de Pogromnacht alle grafstenen op de begraafplaats omvergeworpen. In 1939 werden ook de rondslingerende grafstenen verwijderd. Het terrein van de begraafplaats, dat vandaag de dag leeg is, werd tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog steeds meer vernield. De grafstenen zouden aan het begin van de oorlog in 1939 als bouwmateriaal zijn gebruikt. Een paar jaar na het einde van de oorlog, in 1948, werd de begraafplaats gerestaureerd. Omdat er geen herkenbare graven meer waren, werd de hele begraafplaats heringericht als herdenkingsplaats. Tijdens deze opruimwerkzaamheden werd een bijna onbeschadigde grafsteen gevonden. Diee behoorde toe aan het eerste graf dat in 1839 voor het echtpaar Menken werd opgericht. In 1997 werden op een privéterrein nog meer grafmonumenten gevonden. Een jaar later werden vier stenen en ongeveer 70 fragmenten samengevoegd tot een herdenkingsmuur op de begraafplaats.De begraafplaats maakt tegenwoordig deel uit van 'Wegen tegen het vergeten 1933-1945', een project om de wreedheden van de nationaal-socialisten in Aken te herdenken. W listopadzie 1938 r. wszystkie nagrobki na cmentarzu zostały zniszczone podczas Nocy Kryształowej. W 1939 r. leżące nagrobki zostały usunięte z cmentarza. Podczas II wojny światowej teren cmentarza, który dziś jest pusty, był coraz bardziej niszczony, a nagrobki zostały wykorzystane jako materiał budowlany na początku wojny w 1939 roku. Zakłada się, że utracono około 40 płyt.Kilka lat po zakończeniu wojny, w 1948 roku, cmentarz został odrestaurowany. Ponieważ nie było już żadnych rozpoznawalnych grobów, cały teren cmentarza został przeprojektowany jako miejsce pamięci. Podczas prac porządkowych znaleziono prawie niezniszczony nagrobek. Pochodził on z pierwszego grobu wzniesionego dla małżeństwa Menken w 1839 roku.W 1997 roku na prywatnej posesji odnaleziono kolejne pomniki nagrobne. Rok później cztery kamienie i około 70 fragmentów zostało połączonych w ścianę pamięci na cmentarzu.Obecnie cmentarz ten jest częścią projektu "Drogi przeciwko zapomnieniu 1933-1945", upamiętniającego okrucieństwa narodowych socjalistów w Akwizgranie.

 Joodse Begraafplaats Haaren Cimetière juif de Haaren Cmentarz żydowski Haaren Jewish Cemetery Haaren Jüdischer Friedhof Haaren

A boulder on Stationsweg marks the spot where the Grüne Polizei shot dead two resistance fighters. A bronze plaque lists their names: Jan ten Cate and Carel Frederik Kwant. Both were from Meppel and were imprisoned in the Noorder Sanatorium a little way away. J. van der Velde saw it all happen on that day on 3 August 1943. Their bodies remained lying there all day. Intended as a deterrent.&nbsp;Their deaths were the provisional end of a series of events, which began on 31 July with the liquidation of NSB member Willem Reilingh. Two gunshots fired by resistance fighters ended his operations along the Esweg between Midlaren and Zuidlaren. It was feared that Reilingh would pass on information about the resistance. It was a dangerous course of action as reprisals were bound to follow. It was therefore a decision fraught with mixed feelings, but it had to be done.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seven Zuidlaarders were arrested when the liquidation became known. They would certainly have been sentenced to death by the Polizeistandgericht in Assen if the perpetrators had not been caught. But thanks in part to Ms Reilingh, the seven were freed.&nbsp;Jan ten Cate and Carel Frederik Kwant, two Meppel resistance fighters, were shot in retaliation at the spot where the memorial stone now stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a key witness, Van der Velde had to give evidence at the Main Tribunal in Groningen five years after the war. One of the two accused officers from the Grüne Polizei was handed an 18-year sentence as a result. The second suspect could not be found.&nbsp;The two boulders that Van der Velde had initially placed on the spot in honour of the two killed resistance fighters were moved one day by the municipality due to works. Van der Velde was not impressed by that and he stated: "Soon no one will know the meaning of these boulders." Van der Velde found a willing ear in the form of Mr A. Snippe, chairman of the CDA parliamentary group on the municipal council. A new boulder was put in place in the original spot. A bronze plaque serves as a tribute to those who perished in Meppel, but also to keep alive the memory of the horrors of war.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorial stone

Plaque Carel Frederik Kwant & Jan Ten Cate

Boulder for steadfast resistance 

Ein Findling an der Bahnhofstraße markiert die Stelle, an der die Grüne Polizei zwei Widerstandskämpfer erschossen hat. Eine Bronzetafel nennt ihre Namen: Jan ten Cate und Carel Frederik Kwant. Beide stammten aus Meppel und waren im Sanatorium Noorder in der Nähe inhaftiert. J. van der Velde hat das Geschehen an jenem dritten August 1943 miterlebt. Ihre Leichen blieben den ganzen Tag liegen. Sie sollten als Abschreckung dienen.&nbsp;Ihr Tod war das vorläufige Ende einer Reihe von Ereignissen. Diese begann am 31. Juli mit der Liquidierung des NSB-Führers Willem Reilingh. Zwei Schüsse von Mitgliedern des Widerstands beendeten seine Aktivitäten auf dem Esweg zwischen Midlaren und Zuidlaren. Es wurde befürchtet, dass Reilingh Informationen über den Widerstand weitergeben würde. Das war eine gefährliche Aktion, denn Repressalien würden mit Sicherheit folgen. Es war daher eine Entscheidung mit gemischten Gefühlen, aber sie musste getroffen werden.&nbsp;Sieben Zuidlarer wurden verhaftet, als die Liquidation bekannt wurde. Sie wären mit Sicherheit vom Polizeistandgericht in Assen zum Tode verurteilt worden, wenn die Täter nicht gefasst worden wären. Es ist auch Frau Reilingh zu verdanken, dass die sieben freigelassen wurden. Die beiden Meppeler Widerstandskämpfer Jan ten Cate und Carel Frederik Kwant wurden jedoch zur Vergeltung an der Stelle erschossen, an der sich heute der Gedenkstein befindet.&nbsp;Die beiden Steine, die Van der Velde ursprünglich an der Stelle aufgestellt hatte, an der die beiden Widerstandskämpfer getötet worden waren, wurden eines Tages von der Gemeinde aufgrund von Bauarbeiten verlegt. Van der Velde war damit nicht einverstanden und griff zur Feder: „Bald wird niemand mehr die Bedeutung dieser Steine kennen“. Bei Herrn A. Snippe, dem Vorsitzenden der CDA-Fraktion im Gemeinderat, fand Van der Velde ein offenes Ohr. Ein neuer Stein wurde an seinen ursprünglichen Platz zurückgebracht. Mit einer Bronzetafel zum Gedenken an die gefallenen Meppeler, aber auch um die Erinnerung an die Schrecken des Krieges wach zu halten.&nbsp; Een zwerfkei aan de Stationsweg markeert de plek waar de Grüne Polizei twee verzetsstrijders heeft doodgeschoten. Een bronzen plaatje vermeldt hun namen: Jan ten Cate en Carel Frederik Kwant. Beiden kwamen uit Meppel en zaten gevangen in het Noorder Sanatorium een eindje verderop. J. van der Velde zag het allemaal gebeuren op die derde augustus 1943. Hun lichamen bleven de hele dag liggen. Bedoeld als afschrikking.&nbsp;Hun dood was het voorlopige einde van een reeks gebeurtenissen. Die begonnen op 31 juli met de liquidatie van de NSB’er Willem Reilingh. Twee pistoolschoten afgevuurd door verzetslieden maakten langs de Esweg tussen Midlaren en Zuidlaren een eind aan diens activiteiten. Gevreesd werd dat Reilingh informatie over het verzet zou doorbrieven. Het was een gevaarlijke actie, want er zouden zeker represailles volgen. Het was dan ook een beslissing met gemengde gevoelens, maar het moest gebeuren.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zeven Zuidlaarders werden opgepakt toen de liquidatie bekend werd. Ze zouden zeker door het Polizeistandgericht in Assen ter dood veroordeeld zijn als de daders niet waren opgepakt. Mede dankzij mevrouw Reilingh werden de zeven in vrijheid gesteld.&nbsp;Wel zijn de twee Meppeler verzetsstrijders Jan ten Cate en Carel Frederik Kwant als represaille doodgeschoten op de plek waar nu de herdenkingssteen ligt.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Als hoofdgetuige moest Van der Velde vijf jaar na de oorlog een verklaring afleggen bij het hoofdtribunaal te Groningen. Eén van de twee verdachte officieren van de Grüne Polizei kreeg daardoor een straf van 18 jaar. De tweede verdachte is niet meer achterhaald.&nbsp;De twee stenen die Van der Velde aanvankelijk had gelegd op de plek waar de twee verzetsstrijders vermoord waren werden op een dag vanwege werkzaamheden door de gemeente verplaatst. Van der Velde vond dat maar niks en klom in de pen: “Straks weet niemand meer wat de betekenis is van deze stenen”. Via de heer A. Snippe, fractievoorzitter van het CDA in de gemeenteraad vond Van der Velde een gewillig oor. Er kwam een nieuwe steen terug op de oorspronkelijke plek. Met een bronzen plaatje als eerbetoon aan de omgekomen Meppelers, maar ook om de herinnering levend te houden aan de gruwelen van een oorlog.&nbsp;

 Wanderstein für unerschütterlichen Widerstand  Zwervende steen voor standvastig verzet 

In April 1944, Rome was deeply suffering the consequences of the German occupation. On March 26, 1944 the Luftwaffe Lieutenant General Kurt Mälzer, commandant in Rome, issued an ordinance that reduced the daily bread ration for civilians to 100 grams. The ration of bread was reduced to the minimum and many bakeries had been rounded up to feed the German troops. As of the beginning of April, in many districts in Rome, women protested in front of the bakeries, and especially in front of those suspected of baking the bread for the occupying troops. On 1 April at the Tosti bakery, in the Appio district, the long queue for bread distribution turned popular discontent into a riot. On 6 April, a truck which delivered bread for the barrack of the Republican National Guard (Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana G.N.R.), was assaulted and raided. The assault to the bakeries, which forced the occupying troops to escort the convoys and to oversee the distribution points, was frequent in various districts of Rome. The most tragic episode happened in the morning of 7 April, when a group of women and boys assaulted a bakery in the Ostiense district (forno Tesei), where there was also a stock of bread for the German troops. The reprisal by the SS was very hard. Ten women were taken and shot at the nearby Industry bridge; their bodies were left on the road all day long as a warning to all citizens. Today, at one end of the bridge, a monument commemorates the victims.

The city of Rome survived the German occupation in an atmosphere of terror, deprivation, and cold. People began to raid bakeries and delivery trucks carrying bread for the German military. The reprisal was quick: ten women were shot at the guardrail of the Ponte di ferro (Iron Bridge), also known as Ponte dell’industria (Industry Bridge).

In April 1944, Rome was deeply suffering the consequences of the German occupation. On March 26, 1944 the Luftwaffe Lieutenant General Kurt Mälzer, commandant in Rome, issued an ordinance that reduced the daily bread ration for civilians to 100 grams. The ration of bread was reduced to the minimum and many bakeries had been rounded up to feed the German troops.

As of the beginning of April, in many districts in Rome, women protested in front of the bakeries, and especially in front of those suspected of baking the bread for the occupying troops. On 1 April at the Tosti bakery, in the Appio district, the long queue for bread distribution turned popular discontent into a riot. On 6 April, a truck which delivered bread for the barrack of the Republican National Guard (Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana G.N.R.), was assaulted and raided. The assault to the bakeries, which forced the occupying troops to escort the convoys and to oversee the distribution points, was frequent in various districts of Rome.

The most tragic episode happened in the morning of 7 April, when a group of women and boys assaulted a bakery in the Ostiense district (forno Tesei), where there was also a stock of bread for the German troops. The reprisal by the SS was very hard. Ten women were taken and shot at the nearby Industry bridge; their bodies were left on the road all day long as a warning to all citizens. Today, at one end of the bridge, a monument commemorates the victims.

German reprisals on the Industry Bridge

In April 1944, Rome was deeply suffering the consequences of the German occupation. On March 26, 1944 the Luftwaffe Lieutenant General Kurt Mälzer, commandant in Rome, issued an ordinance that reduced the daily bread ration for civilians to 100 grams. The ration of bread was reduced to the minimum and many bakeries had been rounded up to feed the German troops. As of the beginning of April, in many districts in Rome, women protested in front of the bakeries, and especially in front of those suspected of baking the bread for the occupying troops. On 1 April at the Tosti bakery, in the Appio district, the long queue for bread distribution turned popular discontent into a riot. On 6 April, a truck which delivered bread for the barrack of the Republican National Guard (Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana G.N.R.), was assaulted and raided. The assault to the bakeries, which forced the occupying troops to escort the convoys and to oversee the distribution points, was frequent in various districts of Rome. The most tragic episode happened in the morning of 7 April, when a group of women and boys assaulted a bakery in the Ostiense district (forno Tesei), where there was also a stock of bread for the German troops. The reprisal by the SS was very hard. Ten women were taken and shot at the nearby Industry bridge; their bodies were left on the road all day long as a warning to all citizens. Today, at one end of the bridge, a monument commemorates the victims. Im April 1944 litt Rom stark unter den Folgen der deutschen Besatzung. Am 26. März 1944 erließ der Kommandant der Luftwaffe in Rom, Generalleutnant Kurt Mälzer, eine Verordnung, die die tägliche Brotration für Zivilisten auf 100 Gramm reduzierte. Die Brotrationen wurden auf ein Minimum reduziert, und viele Bäckereien wurden aufgelöst, um die deutschen Truppen zu versorgen. Anfang April protestierten Frauen in vielen Bezirken Roms vor den Bäckereien, insbesondere vor denen, die im Verdacht standen, das Brot für die Besatzungstruppen zu backen. Am 1. April führte die lange Schlange vor der Bäckerei Tosti im Stadtteil Appio dazu, dass die Unzufriedenheit der Bevölkerung in einen Aufstand mündete. Am 6. April wurde ein Lastwagen, der Brot für die Kaserne der Republikanischen Nationalgarde (Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana G.N.R.) lieferte, überfallen und durchsucht. Die Überfälle auf die Bäckereien, die die Besatzungstruppen dazu zwangen, die Konvois zu eskortieren und die Verteilungsstellen zu überwachen, waren in verschiedenen Stadtteilen Roms häufig. Der tragischste Vorfall ereignete sich am Morgen des 7. April, als eine Gruppe von Frauen und Jungen eine Bäckerei im Stadtteil Ostiense (forno Tesei) überfiel, in der sich auch ein Brotvorrat für die deutschen Truppen befand. Die Repressalien der SS waren sehr hart. Zehn Frauen wurden entführt und auf der nahe gelegenen Industriebrücke erschossen; ihre Leichen wurden den ganzen Tag über auf der Straße liegen gelassen, als Warnung für alle Bürger. Heute erinnert an einem Ende der Brücke ein Denkmal an die Opfer.

 Deutsche Repressalien auf der Industriebrücke German reprisals on the Industry Bridge

Breda was liberated on Sunday 29 October 1944. Almost immediately afterwards, the first six fallen of the 9th Infantry Battalion were buried in the Ginneken district. Polish chaplain Bronisław Chrostowski, and pastor Eduard Doens of the Laurentius parish, jointly conducted the funeral service and the Polish casualties were buried in the parish cemetery on Vogelenzanglaan. Until April 1945, when the Polish troops left Breda, they were billeted in the parsonage. During that long winter, mainly thanks to Doens, all the fallen soldiers of the 9th were laid to rest alongside their comrades in Ginneken. Members of the battalion were also killed during their advance through the eastern and northern Netherlands and Germany and they too found their final resting place in Ginneken. When, after the war, the municipality of Breda wanted to bring all of the fallen Polish soldiers together in one big field of honour, the inhabitants of Ginneken, led by priest Doens, protested against it with the slogan 'hands off our field of honour'. This is why, to this day, 80 Polish soldiers, 67 of them from the 9th Infantry Battalion, lie buried here. The only other Polish Field of Honour in Breda is on Ettensebaan near the Maczek Memorial.

Ginneken

The Pastor and the Chaplain

This is 'our' field of Honour

Breda was liberated on Sunday 29 October 1944. Almost immediately afterwards, the first six fallen of the 9th Infantry Battalion were buried in the Ginneken district. Polish chaplain Bronisław Chrostowski, and pastor Eduard Doens of the Laurentius parish, jointly conducted the funeral service and the Polish casualties were buried in the parish cemetery on Vogelenzanglaan. Until April 1945, when the Polish troops left Breda, they were billeted in the parsonage. During that long winter, mainly thanks to Doens, all the fallen soldiers of the 9th were laid to rest alongside their comrades in Ginneken. Members of the battalion were also killed during their advance through the eastern and northern Netherlands and Germany and they too found their final resting place in Ginneken. When, after the war, the municipality of Breda wanted to bring all of the fallen Polish soldiers together in one big field of honour, the inhabitants of Ginneken, led by priest Doens, protested against it with the slogan 'hands off our field of honour'. This is why, to this day, 80 Polish soldiers, 67 of them from the 9th Infantry Battalion, lie buried here. The only other Polish Field of Honour in Breda is on Ettensebaan near the Maczek Memorial. Die Befreiung der Stadt Breda geschah am Sonntag, den 29. Oktober 1944. Fast unmittelbar danach werden die ersten sechs Gefallenen des polnischen 9. Infanterie-Bataillons im Stadtteil Ginneken beigesetzt. Der polnische Kaplan Bronisław Chrostowski und der Priester Eduard Doens von der Laurentius-Gemeinde hielten gemeinsam den Trauergottesdienst, und die polnischen Gefallenen wurden auf dem Gemeindefriedhof an der Vogelenzanglaan beigesetzt.Bis April 1945, als die Polen Breda verließen, waren sie im Pfarrhaus untergebracht. Während dieses langen Winters wurden alle gefallenen Soldaten der 9. Armee, vor allem dank Priester Doens, bei ihren Kameraden in Ginneken beigesetzt. Auch während des Vormarsches der Alliierten durch die östlichen und nördlichen Niederlande und durch Deutschland fallen Angehörige dieses Bataillons. Auch sie fanden ihre letzte Ruhestätte im Stadtviertel Ginneken.Als die Stadtverwaltung von Breda nach dem Krieg alle polnischen Gefallenen auf einem großen Ehrenfeld versammeln wollte, protestierten die Einwohner von Ginneken, angeführt von Priester Doens, unter dem Motto "Hände weg von unserem Ehrenfeld" dagegen. Und so liegen hier bis heute achtzig polnische Soldaten begraben, 67 davon ehemalige Mitglieder des 9. Infanterie-Bataillons. Das einzige andere polnische Ehrenfeld in Breda befindet sich an der Ettensebaan in der Nähe des Maczek-Denkmals, das dem polnischen General Stanisław Maczek (1892-1994) gewidmet ist. Breda wordt bevrijd op zondag 29 oktober 1944. Vrijwel meteen hierna worden de eerste zes gesneuvelden van het 9e Infanteriebataljon begraven in de wijk Ginneken. De Poolse aalmoezenier Bronisław Chrostowski en pastoor Eduard Doens van de Laurentiusparochie verzorgden samen de uitvaartdienst en de Poolse gesneuvelde werden begraven op het parochiekerkhof aan de Vogelenzanglaan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tot april 1945, wanneer de Polen Breda verlieten is de Pool ingekwartierd in de pastorie. Gedurende die lange winter werden, vooral dankzij Doens, alle gesneuvelden&nbsp;van het 9e bij hun kameraden in Ginneken gelegd. Ook tijdens de opmars door Oost- en Noord-Nederland en Duitsland kwamen nog leden van het bataljon om het leven. Ook zij vinden in Ginneken hun laatste rustplaats.&nbsp;Wanneer na de oorlog de gemeente Breda alle Poolse gesneuvelden wil samenbrengen&nbsp;in één groot ereveld, protesteren de inwoners van Ginneken, onder leiding van pastoor Doens, hiertegen onder het motto ‘handen af van ons ereveld’. En daarom liggen tot op de dag van vandaag tachtig Poolse militairen, waarvan 67 van het 9e Infanteriebataljon, hier begraven. Het enige andere Poolse ereveld in Breda ligt aan de Ettensebaan bij het Maczek Memorial.&nbsp; Breda została wyzwolona w niedzielę 29 października 1944 roku. Niemal natychmiast po tym, pierwszych sześciu poległych z 9 Batalionu Piechoty zostało pochowanych w dzielnicy Ginneken. Polski kapelan Bronisław Chrostowski i pastor Eduard Doens z parafii Laurentius wspólnie poprowadzili nabożeństwo żałobne, a polscy polegli zostali pochowani na cmentarzu parafialnym przy Vogelenzanglaan.Polscy żołnierze byli zakwaterowani na plebanii aż do kwietnia 1945 r., kiedy to opuścili oni Bredę. Podczas tej długiej zimy, głównie dzięki Doensowi, wszyscy polegli żołnierze 9. batalionu spoczęli obok swoich towarzyszy w Ginneken. Członkowie batalionu zginęli również podczas natarcia przez wschodnią i północną Holandię oraz Niemcy. Oni również znaleźli swoje ostateczne miejsce spoczynku w Ginneken.Kiedy po wojnie władze miasta Breda chciały zgromadzić wszystkich poległych polskich żołnierzy na jednym wielkim polu honorowym, mieszkańcy Ginneken, pod przewodnictwem księdza Doensa, zaprotestowali przeciwko temu hasłem „ręce precz od naszego pola honorowego”. Dlatego do dziś spoczywa tu 80 polskich żołnierzy, w tym 67 z 9 Batalionu Piechoty. Jedyne inne polskie pole honorowe w Bredzie znajduje się na Ettensebaan w pobliżu pomnika Maczka.

 Dies ist 'unser' Ehrenfeld Dit is 'ons' ereveld To pole honoru jest 'nasze'. This is 'our' field of Honour

Due to the presence of many young, often unmarried miners, the city had many entertainment venues such as theatres, cinemas and dance halls before the war. Mine managements had in turn provided other, much more necessary facilities. For example, the soot-black miners were given plenty of facilities to shower after their shifts.During and after the liberation, the American liberators also made use of these facilities.

Mine shaft shower facility

Door de aanwezigheid van veel jonge, vaak ongehuwde mijnwerkers telde de stad voor de oorlog heel wat uitgaansgelegenheden zoals theaters, bioscopen en danszalen. Op hun beurt hadden de mijndirecties gezorgd voor andere, nog veel noodzakelijker voorzieningen. Zo kregen de roetzwarte mijnwerkers na de ploegendienst alle ruimte om te douchen.Tijdens en na de bevrijding gingen ook de Amerikaanse bevrijders gebruik maken van zulke faciliteiten. Aufgrund der vielen jungen, oft unverheirateten Bergleute gab es in der Stadt vor dem Krieg zahlreiche Vergnügungsstätten wie Theater, Kinos und Tanzlokale. Im Gegenzug hatten die Bergwerksleitungen andere, weitaus wichtigere Einrichtungen bereitgestellt. So bekamen die verrußten Bergleute beispielsweise nach der Schicht viel Platz zum Duschen.Während und nach der Befreiung nutzten auch die amerikanischen Befreier solche Einrichtungen.

 Douchegebouw Mijnschacht Duschgebäude Bergwerksschacht

The German war cemetery of Cassino is situated 3 kilometers north of Cassino in the village of Caira. It covers an entire hill and it holds the rests of 20,027 German soldiers who died in the South of Italy, excluding Sicily. Many died in the Battle of Salerno, following the Allied landings there, as well as on the Adriatic side of the Apennines, in the Battle of Ortona and in the ones for Cassino. The works for the building of the German War cemetery started in 1959, after the bodies of soldiers had been buried in various cemeteries, and completed in 1964. A statue of a male and female figure at the entrance of the cemetery symbolises mourning, ideally of the families of the young dead ones. Seven elliptical terraces compose the cemetery and are connected by two main paths, while a bronze cross elevates on the top of the hill. Behind it are other burials, including the unknown soldiers. A lamp, donated by Pope Paul VI, stands on a pedestal. From the top of the hill, a panoramic view of the then battlefields can be enjoyed.

Located close to Cassino in the village of Caira, the German war cemetery occupies an entire hill, hosting more than 20,000 soldiers who died in Southern Italy, excluding Sicily.

The German war cemetery of Cassino is situated 3 kilometers north of Cassino in the village of Caira. It covers an entire hill and it holds the rests of 20,027 German soldiers who died in the South of Italy, excluding Sicily. Many died in the Battle of Salerno, following the Allied landings there, as well as on the Adriatic side of the Apennines, in the Battle of Ortona and in the ones for Cassino.

The works for the building of the German War cemetery started in 1959, after the bodies of soldiers had been buried in various cemeteries, and completed in 1964.

A statue of a male and female figure at the entrance of the cemetery symbolises mourning, ideally of the families of the young dead ones. Seven elliptical terraces compose the cemetery and are connected by two main paths, while a bronze cross elevates on the top of the hill. Behind it are other burials, including the unknown soldiers. A lamp, donated by Pope Paul VI, stands on a pedestal. From the top of the hill, a panoramic view of the then battlefields can be enjoyed.

German War Cemetery Cassino

 Il cimitero militare tedesco di Cassino si trova 3 chilometri a nord di Cassino in località Caira. Esteso su un’intera collina, contiene i resti di 20.027 soldati tedeschi che morirono nell’Italia meridionale, esclusa la Sicilia. Molti morirono nella Battaglia di Salerno, in seguito agli sbarchi alleati, ma anche nella dorsale adriatica degli Appennini, nella Battaglia di Ortona e infine nelle Battaglie di Montecassino. I lavori per la costruzione del cimitero militare tedesco iniziarono nel 1959, dopo che le spoglie dei soldati caduti erano state sepolte in altri cimiteri, e la struttura venne completata nel 1964. Una statua raffigurante una figura maschile e una femminile è situata all’entrata del cimitero e simboleggia il lutto, verosimilmente quello delle famiglie dei caduti. Il cimitero è composto da sette terrazze ellittiche connesse da due sentieri principali, mentre una croce di bronzo si eleva in cima alla collina. Dietro ad essa vi sono altre sepolture, incluse quelle dei soldati il cui nome è ignoto. Una lampada, dono di Papa Paolo VI, si trova su un piedistallo. Dalla cima della collina si può godere di una vista panoramica su quelli che allora erano i campi di battaglia. The German war cemetery of Cassino is situated 3 kilometers north of Cassino in the village of Caira. It covers an entire hill and it holds the rests of 20,027 German soldiers who died in the South of Italy, excluding Sicily. Many died in the Battle of Salerno, following the Allied landings there, as well as on the Adriatic side of the Apennines, in the Battle of Ortona and in the ones for Cassino. The works for the building of the German War cemetery started in 1959, after the bodies of soldiers had been buried in various cemeteries, and completed in 1964. A statue of a male and female figure at the entrance of the cemetery symbolises mourning, ideally of the families of the young dead ones. Seven elliptical terraces compose the cemetery and are connected by two main paths, while a bronze cross elevates on the top of the hill. Behind it are other burials, including the unknown soldiers. A lamp, donated by Pope Paul VI, stands on a pedestal. From the top of the hill, a panoramic view of the then battlefields can be enjoyed.

 Cimitero militare tedesco di Cassino German War Cemetery Cassino

​​During Occupation, food scarcity and limited access to medicines meant the health and wellbeing of islanders suffered. The most common health complaints were dysentery, scabies, eczema, impetigo and tuberculosis. Arthur and his team developed ways to turn sea water into brine to preserve Guernsey tomatoes, manufactured their own medicines and toiletries using locally available ingredients, and developed an alternative to cod liver oil which helped counter an island wide vitamin D and A deficiency. With packaging for medicines also in very short supply, Arthur introduced a small deposit charge on glass bottles, ensuring most were returned. Corks were also an issue until an islander heard of the problem and arrived with four sacks full of fine quality corks in different sizes, apparently salvaged from a Spanish wreck off the coast in 1902!​Arthur’s wife, Sadie, manufactured beauty products, collecting local ingredients to make hair creams, baby powder, hand creams and more. Perfumes were a particular triumph after the discovery of a range of raw ingredients in another local chemists alongside boxes of empty elegant perfume bottles. Arthur and Sadie purchased these and used recipes from old magazines to create eleven different perfumes, made available at Christmas, which sold extremely well.​On 9 May 1945, Guernsey’s liberation, British troops arrived with food and English tea. In recognition of the work done by Arthur and his team during the occupation, the Medical Services Officer on the island wrote to Lord Trent, Chairman of Boots:“I am writing to express my appreciation and thanks for the splendid work done during the whole time by your splendid manager, Mr Butterworth. He has given untold time in preparing lists of our drug requirements and has taken charge of them and arranged their distribution. He has been the greatest help to me and I shall always owe him a debt of gratitude and having formed such as high opinion of his business aptitude I shall hope to hear of a great future for him in your firm”.Additionally, the Boots Booklovers Library service on Guernsey was a particular success during the occupation, with membership increasing from 877 in 1940 to 1,981 in 1944. This was due in part to the lack of other entertainment available to the islanders. Today, Boots pharmacy is still located here, part of the well-known British health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain.​

​​From the harbour side, you will see the Boots the chemist sign.​​

Boots Pharmacy, Guernsey

​Queues from Boots the Chemist down the high-street.​

​​Boots the Chemist​

​​During Occupation, food scarcity and limited access to medicines meant the health and wellbeing of islanders suffered. The most common health complaints were dysentery, scabies, eczema, impetigo and tuberculosis. Arthur and his team developed ways to turn sea water into brine to preserve Guernsey tomatoes, manufactured their own medicines and toiletries using locally available ingredients, and developed an alternative to cod liver oil which helped counter an island wide vitamin D and A deficiency. With packaging for medicines also in very short supply, Arthur introduced a small deposit charge on glass bottles, ensuring most were returned. Corks were also an issue until an islander heard of the problem and arrived with four sacks full of fine quality corks in different sizes, apparently salvaged from a Spanish wreck off the coast in 1902!​Arthur’s wife, Sadie, manufactured beauty products, collecting local ingredients to make hair creams, baby powder, hand creams and more. Perfumes were a particular triumph after the discovery of a range of raw ingredients in another local chemists alongside boxes of empty elegant perfume bottles. Arthur and Sadie purchased these and used recipes from old magazines to create eleven different perfumes, made available at Christmas, which sold extremely well.​On 9 May 1945, Guernsey’s liberation, British troops arrived with food and English tea. In recognition of the work done by Arthur and his team during the occupation, the Medical Services Officer on the island wrote to Lord Trent, Chairman of Boots:“I am writing to express my appreciation and thanks for the splendid work done during the whole time by your splendid manager, Mr Butterworth. He has given untold time in preparing lists of our drug requirements and has taken charge of them and arranged their distribution. He has been the greatest help to me and I shall always owe him a debt of gratitude and having formed such as high opinion of his business aptitude I shall hope to hear of a great future for him in your firm”.Additionally, the Boots Booklovers Library service on Guernsey was a particular success during the occupation, with membership increasing from 877 in 1940 to 1,981 in 1944. This was due in part to the lack of other entertainment available to the islanders. Today, Boots pharmacy is still located here, part of the well-known British health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain.​ Pendant l'occupation, la pénurie de nourriture et l'accès limité aux médicaments ont nui à la santé et au bien-être des habitants de l'île. Les problèmes de santé les plus courants étaient la dysenterie, la gale, l'eczéma, l'impétigo et la tuberculose. Arthur et son équipe ont mis au point des méthodes pour transformer l'eau de mer en saumure afin de conserver les tomates de Guernesey, ont fabriqué leurs propres médicaments et produits de toilette en utilisant des ingrédients disponibles localement, et ont développé une alternative à l'huile de foie de morue qui a permis de lutter contre une carence en vitamines D et A à l'échelle de l'île. Les emballages de médicaments étant également très rares, Arthur a introduit une petite consigne sur les bouteilles en verre, ce qui a permis d'assurer le retour de la plupart d'entre elles. Les bouchons étaient également un problème jusqu'à ce qu'un habitant de l'île en entende parler et arrive avec quatre sacs remplis de bouchons de qualité de différentes tailles, apparemment récupérés d'une épave espagnole au large de la côte en 1902 !Sadie, la femme d'Arthur, fabriquait des produits de beauté, collectant des ingrédients locaux pour fabriquer des crèmes pour les cheveux, des poudres pour bébés, des crèmes pour les mains et bien d'autres choses encore. Les parfums ont connu un succès particulier après la découverte d'une gamme d'ingrédients bruts dans une autre pharmacie locale, à côté de boîtes de flacons de parfum élégants et vides. Arthur et Sadie les ont achetés et ont utilisé des recettes tirées de vieux magazines pour créer onze parfums différents, disponibles à Noël, qui se sont très bien vendus.Le 9 mai 1945, date de la libération de Guernesey, les troupes britanniques sont arrivées avec de la nourriture et du thé anglais. En reconnaissance du travail accompli par Arthur et son équipe pendant l'occupation, le responsable des services médicaux de l'île écrit à Lord Trent, président de Boots :"Je vous écris pour vous faire part de mon appréciation et de mes remerciements pour l'excellent travail réalisé pendant toute cette période par votre excellent directeur, M. Butterworth. Il a consacré un temps incalculable à la préparation des listes de nos besoins en médicaments, qu'il a pris en charge et dont il a organisé la distribution. Il m'a été d'une aide précieuse et je lui en serai toujours reconnaissant. Ayant une si haute opinion de ses aptitudes commerciales, j'espère qu'il aura un grand avenir dans votre entreprise".En outre, le service de bibliothèque Boots Booklovers à Guernesey a connu un succès particulier pendant l'occupation, le nombre de membres étant passé de 877 en 1940 à 1 981 en 1944. Cela s'explique en partie par le manque d'autres divertissements disponibles pour les habitants de l'île. Aujourd'hui, la pharmacie Boots, qui fait partie de la célèbre chaîne britannique de magasins de produits de santé et de beauté et de pharmacies, est toujours implantée sur l'île.

 Boots the Chemist ​​Boots the Chemist​

​​In the shadow of the UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral is St. Foillan&nbsp;City Church. From the 12th century onwards, this was the church for the citizens of the city, and throughout this time it was repeatedly affected by fires. During the Second World War, however, the building was almost completely destroyed.St. Foillan&nbsp; was quickly rebuilt in the early post-war years, and by 1958 the shape that is visible today had been created. However, on the front of the church, directly on the narrow lane leading to the cathedral, there is still visible damage that was caused by violence during&nbsp;the Second World War. The building damage, which was inflicted during bombardments and fighting during the liberation of Aachen, was deliberately left unrepaired.​Today, they are wounds of the martial past. Chipping on the plinth shows how badly the church was damaged in the fighting. However, because most of the damage is at ground or knee level, most people no longer notice these traces of the Second World War.

The photo, taken on 11 May 2023, shows the entrance of St. Foillan with the wounds of the past visible here.​

Church entrance and its wounds

The tower of St. Foillan Church from a distance, ​photo taken on 11 May 2023.

Church tower from a distance​

​Close up of the entrance of St. Foillan, clearly showing the wounds of the past.

Brittle plinths St. Foillan

Wounds of the past: St. Foillan Church

​​In the shadow of the UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral is St. Foillan&nbsp;City Church. From the 12th century onwards, this was the church for the citizens of the city, and throughout this time it was repeatedly affected by fires. During the Second World War, however, the building was almost completely destroyed.St. Foillan&nbsp; was quickly rebuilt in the early post-war years, and by 1958 the shape that is visible today had been created. However, on the front of the church, directly on the narrow lane leading to the cathedral, there is still visible damage that was caused by violence during&nbsp;the Second World War. The building damage, which was inflicted during bombardments and fighting during the liberation of Aachen, was deliberately left unrepaired.​Today, they are wounds of the martial past. Chipping on the plinth shows how badly the church was damaged in the fighting. However, because most of the damage is at ground or knee level, most people no longer notice these traces of the Second World War. À l'ombre de la cathédrale d'Aix-la-Chapelle, classée au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, se trouve l'église de St. Foillan. Depuis le XIIe siècle, c'était l'église des citoyens de la ville, et tout au long de cette période, elle a été touchée à plusieurs reprises par des incendies. Au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, l'édifice a été presque entièrement détruit. St. Foillan a été rapidement reconstruite dans les premières années de l'après-guerre et, en 1958, la forme que l'on peut voir aujourd'hui avait été créée. Cependant, sur la façade de l'église, directement sur l'étroite ruelle menant à la cathédrale, il y a encore des dommages visibles qui ont été causés par la violence pendant&nbsp;la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Subis lors des bombardements et des combats pour la libération d'Aix-la-Chapelle, ces dommages ont été délibérément laissés sans réparation.Aujourd'hui, ce sont des blessures du passé martial. L'écaillage du socle montre à quel point l'église a été endommagée lors des combats. Cependant, comme la plupart des dégâts se situent au niveau du sol ou des genoux, la plupart des gens ne remarquent plus ces traces de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Im Schatten des UNESCO-Welterbes Aachener Dom steht die Stadtkirche St. Foillan. Seit dem 12. Jahrhundert war sie die Kirche für die Bürger der Stadt und wurde in dieser Zeit immer wieder von Bränden heimgesucht. Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs wurde das Gebäude jedoch fast vollständig zerstört.St. Foillan wurde in den ersten Nachkriegsjahren schnell wieder aufgebaut, und bis 1958 war die heute sichtbare Form entstanden. An der Vorderseite der Kirche, direkt an der schmalen Gasse, die zur Kathedrale führt, sind jedoch noch sichtbare Schäden zu sehen, die durch die Gewalt des Zweiten Weltkriegs verursacht wurden. Die Bauschäden, die bei den Bombardierungen und Kämpfen während der Befreiung Aachens entstanden sind, wurden bewusst nicht behoben.Heute sind sie Wunden der kriegerischen Vergangenheit. Abplatzungen am Sockel zeigen, wie stark die Kirche bei den Kämpfen beschädigt wurde. Da sich die meisten Schäden jedoch auf Boden- oder Kniehöhe befinden, nehmen die meisten Menschen diese Spuren des Zweiten Weltkriegs nicht mehr wahr. In de schaduw van de UNESCO-werelderfgoedkathedraal van Aken staat deSt. Foillan. Vanaf de 12e eeuw was dit de kerk voor de burgers van de stad. De kerk werd herhaaldelijk getroffen door branden en tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog bijna volledig verwoest.De St. Foillan werd in de vroege naoorlogse jaren snel herbouwd. In 1958 was de vorm ontstaan die vandaag de dag zichtbaar is. Aan de voorkant van de kerk, direct aan het smalle laantje naar de kathedraal, is nog steeds schade uit de Tweede Wereldoorlog zichtbaar. De schade aan het gebouw, opgelopen tijdens bombardementen en gevechten voor de bevrijding van Aken, werd bewust niet hersteld.Tegenwoordig zijn het wonden uit het oorlogsverleden. Afbrokkelingen op de sokkel laten zien hoe zwaar de kerk werd beschadigd tijdens de gevechten. Omdat de meeste schade zich op de grond of op kniehoogte bevindt, merken velen deze sporen van de Tweede Wereldoorlog niet meer op. W cieniu wpisanej na listę światowego dziedzictwa UNESCO katedry w Akwizgranie znajduje się kościół miejski św. Foliana. Od XII wieku był to kościół dla mieszkańców miasta i przez cały ten czas był wielokrotnie nawiedzany przez pożary. Jednak podczas II wojny światowej budynek został prawie całkowicie zniszczony.Kościół został szybko odbudowany we wczesnych latach powojennych, a do 1958 roku powstał obecny kształt świątyni. Jednak na elewacji kościoła, bezpośrednio przy wąskiej uliczce prowadzącej do katedry, wciąż widoczne są zniszczenia spowodowane działaniami wojennymi podczas II wojny światowej. Uszkodzenia budynku, które powstały podczas bombardowań i walk w trakcie wyzwalania Akwizgranu, zostały celowo pozostawione bez naprawy.Dziś są to rany wojennej przeszłości. Odpryski na cokole pokazują, jak bardzo kościół został uszkodzony podczas walk. Ponieważ jednak większość uszkodzeń znajduje się na poziomie gruntu lub kolan, większość ludzi nie zauważa już tych śladów II wojny światowej.

 St. Foillan Kerk: wonden uit het verleden Les blessures du passé : L'église St. Foillan Rany przeszłości: Kościół św. Foliana Wounds of the past: St. Foillan Church Wunden der Vergangenheit: St. Foillan Kirche

Friend and Occupation veteran Joe Mière remembered how a young Ukrainian slave worker named Pyotr Bokatenko, who had previously escaped from labour camps in Jersey, was given refuge at their home where the two women fed and looked after him very well. They did this at grave risk to themselves.&nbsp;Suzanne and Lucy also sought to inspire discontent in the German ranks by hiding propaganda in uniform pockets, briefcases or parked cars – purporting to be the work of ‘the solider without name’.&nbsp;&nbsp;The women were apprehended in July 1944 and sentenced to death. Alexander Coutanche, the Bailiff of Jersey, and the French Consul appealed and they were eventually released from Jersey’s prison on 8 May 1945. If these events had taken place before the D-Day period, when the Islands were cut off from France, Lucy and Suzanne would undoubtedly have perished in a German prison or camp.

lucy_schwob_cjerseyheritage.jpg

suzanne_malherbe_cjerseyheritage.jpg

Pyotr Bokanento, Ukrainian slave worker -

pyotr_bokatenko_cjerseyheritage.jpg

la_rocquaise_cjerseyheritage.jpg

La Rocquaise

Freund und Besatzungsveteran Joe Mière erinnerte sich, wie ein junger ukrainischer Sklavenarbeiter namens Pjotr Bokatenko, der zuvor aus Arbeitslagern in Jersey geflohen war, bei ihnen Zuflucht fand, wo die beiden Frauen ihn sehr gut versorgten und pflegten. Sie taten dies unter großer Gefahr für sich selbst.Suzanne und Lucy versuchten auch, Unzufriedenheit in den deutschen Reihen zu schüren, indem sie Propaganda in Uniformtaschen, Aktentaschen oder geparkten Autos versteckten - angeblich das Werk des "Soldaten ohne Namen".Die Frauen wurden im Juli 1944 festgenommen und zum Tode verurteilt. Alexander Coutanche, der Gerichtsvollzieher von Jersey, und der französische Konsul legten Berufung ein, und sie wurden schließlich am 8. Mai 1945 aus dem Gefängnis von Jersey entlassen. Hätten sich diese Ereignisse vor dem D-Day zugetragen, als die Inseln von Frankreich abgeschnitten waren, wären Lucy und Suzanne zweifellos in einem deutschen Gefängnis oder Lager umgekommen. L’ami et vétéran Joe Mière se souvient qu’elles hébergeaient clandestinement un jeune travailleur ukrainien nommé Pyotr Bokatenko, qui s’était échappé des camps de travail de Jersey. Les deux femmes s’en sont occupé et l’ont nourri, ce qui était extrêmement risqué pour elles.Suzanne et Lucy cherchaient aussi à semer la discorde dans les rangs allemands en cachant des textes de propagande dans les poches de leurs uniformes, leurs mallettes et leurs véhicules en stationnement, prétendant être l’acte du «&nbsp;soldat sans nom&nbsp;».Les deux femmes ont été arrêtées en juillet 1944 et condamnées à mort. Grâce à l’huissier de justice de Jersey, Alexander Coutanche et au consul français qui firent appel de la décision, elles furent libérées de la prison de Jersey le 8 mai 1945. Si ces événements avaient eu lieu avant la période du débarquement, quand les îles étaient coupées de la France, Lucy et Suzanne auraient probablement péri dans une prison ou un camp allemand. Vriend en bezettingsveteraan Joe Mière herinnerde zich hoe een jonge Oekraïense slaafarbeider, Pjotr Bokatenko genaamd, die eerder was ontsnapt uit werkkampen in Jersey, onderdak kreeg bij hen thuis, waar de twee vrouwen hem zeer goed te eten gaven en verzorgden. Ze deden dit met groot gevaar voor eigen leven.Suzanne en Lucy probeerden ook onvrede te zaaien in de Duitse gelederen door propaganda te verstoppen in uniformzakken, aktetassen of geparkeerde auto's - zogenaamd het werk van 'de soldaat zonder naam'.De vrouwen werden in juli 1944 gearresteerd en ter dood veroordeeld. Alexander Coutanche, de Baljuw van Jersey, en de Franse consul gingen in beroep en uiteindelijk werden ze op 8 mei 1945 vrijgelaten uit de gevangenis van Jersey. Als deze gebeurtenissen hadden plaatsgevonden vóór D-Day, toen de eilanden van Frankrijk waren afgesneden, zouden Lucy en Suzanne ongetwijfeld zijn omgekomen in een Duitse gevangenis of kamp. Przyjaciel i weteran Joe Mière wspominał, jak młody ukraiński robotnik przymusowy Piotr Bokatenko, który wcześniej uciekł z obozów pracy w Jersey, otrzymał schronienie w ich domu, gdzie dwie kobiety karmiły go i opiekowały się nim bardzo dobrze. Robiły to z wielkim ryzykiem dla siebie.Suzanne i Lucy starały się wzbudzać niezadowolenie w niemieckich szeregach, skrycie wkładając materiały propagandowe w kieszenie mundurów, teczki lub zaparkowane samochody – twierdząc, że jest to robota „żołnierza bez nazwiska”.Kobiety zostały zatrzymane w lipcu 1944 r. i skazane na śmierć. Alexander Coutanche, urzędnik sądowy Jersey wraz z francuskim konsulem złożyli apelację i ostatecznie zostały one zwolnione z więzienia na Jersey 8 maja 1945 r. Gdyby te wydarzenia miały miejsce przed D-Day, kiedy wyspy były odcięte od Francji, Lucy i Suzanne niewątpliwie zginęłyby w niemieckim więzieniu lub obozie. Il veterano dell’occupazione e amico della coppia Joe Mière raccontò come un giovane lavoratore schiavo ucraino di nome Pyotr Bokatenko, in fuga dai campi di lavoro nel Jersey, fu accolto a La Rocquaise dalle due donnee, che lo nutrirono e se ne presero cura. A loro rischio e pericolo. Suzanne e Lucy cercarono anche di suscitare malcontento tra i ranghi tedeschi nascondendo la propaganda nelle tasche delle uniformi, nelle valigette o nelle auto parcheggiate, spacciandosi per il “soldato senza nome”.&nbsp;Le due donne furono arrestate nel luglio 1944 e condannate a morte. Alexander Coutanche, l’ufficiale giudiziario di Jersey, e il console francese presentarono ricorso e le due sorelle vennero rilasciate dal carcere di Jersey l’8 maggio 1945. Se questi eventi fossero avvenuti prima del D-Day, quando le isole furono tagliate fuori dalla Francia, Lucy e Suzanne avrebbero sicuramente perso la vita in una prigione o in un campo tedesco. Friend and Occupation veteran Joe Mière remembered how a young Ukrainian slave worker named Pyotr Bokatenko, who had previously escaped from labour camps in Jersey, was given refuge at their home where the two women fed and looked after him very well. They did this at grave risk to themselves.&nbsp;Suzanne and Lucy also sought to inspire discontent in the German ranks by hiding propaganda in uniform pockets, briefcases or parked cars – purporting to be the work of ‘the solider without name’.&nbsp;&nbsp;The women were apprehended in July 1944 and sentenced to death. Alexander Coutanche, the Bailiff of Jersey, and the French Consul appealed and they were eventually released from Jersey’s prison on 8 May 1945. If these events had taken place before the D-Day period, when the Islands were cut off from France, Lucy and Suzanne would undoubtedly have perished in a German prison or camp.

 La Rocquaise La Rocquaise La Rocquaise La Rocquaise La Rocquaise La Rocquaise

The first Polish units approached the village of Buinen from the direction of Exloo, remaining unseen in the woods for a long time. However, the three Cromwell tanks and the vehicles that were located on the upper Zuider-Esch were spotted by the German troops, who had set up heavy machine guns in Buinen and who opened fire on the Polish tanks from a great distance. On entering Buinen, 23-year-old corporal Stanisław Bieliniec was fatally hit and left laying in the meadow near the house of a local family, the Dieters. As the fighting continued, the Dieters family retrieved Bieliniec's lifeless body from the meadow and took him home, however their 8-year-old son Jacob was tragically killed by a stray bullet during the process.Bieliniec's death is commemorated annually at the monument on Osdijk in Buinen.

monument_in_buinen_aan_de_osdijk.jpeg

01_bilinec.jpg

Corporal and local boy killed during liberation

The first Polish units approached the village of Buinen from the direction of Exloo, remaining unseen in the woods for a long time. However, the three Cromwell tanks and the vehicles that were located on the upper Zuider-Esch were spotted by the German troops, who had set up heavy machine guns in Buinen and who opened fire on the Polish tanks from a great distance. On entering Buinen, 23-year-old corporal Stanisław Bieliniec was fatally hit and left laying in the meadow near the house of a local family, the Dieters. As the fighting continued, the Dieters family retrieved Bieliniec's lifeless body from the meadow and took him home, however their 8-year-old son Jacob was tragically killed by a stray bullet during the process.Bieliniec's death is commemorated annually at the monument on Osdijk in Buinen. Die ersten polnischen Einheiten näherten sich dem Dorf Buinen von Exloo aus. Durch die Wälder blieben sie lange Zeit ungesehen. Bis die drei Cromwell-Panzer und die Carrier auf der oberen Zuider-Esch für die deutschen Truppen sichtbar wurden. Diese hatten in Buinen schwere Maschinengewehre aufgestellt und eröffneten aus großer Entfernung das Feuer auf die polnischen Panzer. Bei der Einfahrt nach Buinen wurde der 23-jährige Obergefreite Stanisław Bieliniec tödlich getroffen. Er lag auf der Wiese in der Nähe des Hauses der Familie Dieters. Während der laufenden Kämpfe holte Familie Dieters den leblosen Körper von Bieliniec von der Wiese und brachte ihn in ihr Haus. Bei dieser Aktion wurde auch ihr 8-jähriger Sohn Jacob von einer verirrten Kugel getroffen. An den Tod von Bieliniec wird jährlich am Denkmal am Osdijk in Buinen erinnert. De voorste Poolse eenheden naderden vanuit Exloo het dorpje Buinen. Door de bossen bleven ze lange tijd ongezien. Totdat de drie Cromwell-tanks en de carriers op de hoger gelegen Zuider-Esch zichtbaar werden voor de Duitse troepen. Die hadden in Buinen zware mitrailleurs opgesteld en openden van grote afstand het vuur op de Poolse tanks.&nbsp;Bij binnenkomst in Buinen werd de 23-jarige korporaal Stanisław Bieliniec dodelijk getroffen. Hij lag in het weiland bij het huis van de familie Dieters. Tijdens de aanhoudende gevechten haalde de familie Dieters het levenloze lichaam van Bieliniec uit het weiland en namen hem mee naar huis. Bij deze actie werd ook hun 8-jarig zoontje Jacob getroffen door een verdwaalde kogel.&nbsp;De dood van Bieliniec wordt jaarlijks herdacht bij het monument aan de Osdijk in Buinen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pierwsze polskie oddziały zbliżyły się do wsi Buinen od strony Exloo, gdzie przez długi czas pozostawały niewidoczne dzięki drzewom. Dopiero trzy czołgi Cromwell i transportery na górnym Zuider-Esch zostały dostrzeżone przez niemieckie oddziały, które ustawiły ciężkie karabiny maszynowe w Buinen i z dużej odległości otworzyły ogień do polskich czołgów. Wjeżdżając do Buinen, 23-letni kapral Stanisław Bieliniec został śmiertelnie postrzelony. W trakcie walk, martwe ciało żołnierza zabrała z łąk do domu rodzina Dieters, mieszkająca w pobliżu owego miejsca. Podczas tej akcji zginął ich 8-letni syn Jacob, który został trafiony zbłąkaną kulą. Śmierć Bielińca jest corocznie upamiętniana pod pomnikiem na Osdijk w Buinen.

 Unteroffizier und Junge bei Befreiung getötet   Korporaal en jongen komen om bij bevrijding   Corporal and boy killed in liberation   Kapral i chłopiec zabici podczas wyzwolenia  

​​The Liberation Monument was designed by Guernsey artist Eric Snell, who was commissioned by the States of Guernsey in 1995. Interested in linking 1945 to 1995 and beyond, the Eric looked to create a site-specific structure designed around the shadow cast by an obelisk.​Unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on Liberation Day, 1995, the obelisk is comprised of 50 layers of blue Guernsey granite, representing the 50 years of freedom to the date of unveiling.The cut angle at the top of the obelisk represents the trauma of the German occupation. Each year on 9 May, Guernsey’s Liberation Day, and only on that day, the tip of the shadow cast by the obelisk travels precisely (within one millimetre and 5 seconds of time) along the back of the curved granite seating. The shadow points to three inscriptions marking significant events on the day the island was liberated in 1945.The key astronomical calculations were made by David Le Conte of La Société Guernesiaise, who carried out the necessary work to determine the timing and position of the shadow. The building of the project was overseen by Patrick Reade, the States of Guernsey Architect, and building work was done by Le Roy Ltd.​

​The Liberation Monument commemorates the 50th anniversary, on the 9th May 1995, of the Liberation of Guernsey from German occupying forces.​

Liberation Monument, St Peter Port, Guernsey

​​Liberation Monument​

​​The Liberation Monument was designed by Guernsey artist Eric Snell, who was commissioned by the States of Guernsey in 1995. Interested in linking 1945 to 1995 and beyond, the Eric looked to create a site-specific structure designed around the shadow cast by an obelisk.​Unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on Liberation Day, 1995, the obelisk is comprised of 50 layers of blue Guernsey granite, representing the 50 years of freedom to the date of unveiling.The cut angle at the top of the obelisk represents the trauma of the German occupation. Each year on 9 May, Guernsey’s Liberation Day, and only on that day, the tip of the shadow cast by the obelisk travels precisely (within one millimetre and 5 seconds of time) along the back of the curved granite seating. The shadow points to three inscriptions marking significant events on the day the island was liberated in 1945.The key astronomical calculations were made by David Le Conte of La Société Guernesiaise, who carried out the necessary work to determine the timing and position of the shadow. The building of the project was overseen by Patrick Reade, the States of Guernsey Architect, and building work was done by Le Roy Ltd.​ Le Monument de la libération a été conçu par l'artiste guernesiais Eric Snell, à la demande des États de Guernesey en 1995. Soucieux d'établir un lien entre 1945 et 1995 et au-delà, Eric a cherché à créer une structure spécifique au site, conçue autour de l'ombre projetée par un obélisque.Dévoilé par S.A.R. le Prince de Galles le jour de la libération en 1995, l'obélisque est composé de 50 couches de granit bleu de Guernesey, représentant les 50 années de liberté jusqu'à la date du dévoilement.L'angle coupé au sommet de l'obélisque représente le traumatisme de l'occupation allemande. Chaque année, le 9 mai, jour de la libération de Guernesey, et seulement ce jour-là, la pointe de l'ombre projetée par l'obélisque se déplace avec précision (à un millimètre et 5 secondes près) le long du dos de l'assise incurvée en granit. L'ombre pointe vers trois inscriptions marquant les événements importants du jour de la libération de l'île en 1945.Les principaux calculs astronomiques ont été effectués par David Le Conte, de la Société Guernesiaise, qui a réalisé les travaux nécessaires pour déterminer le moment et la position de l'ombre. La construction du projet a été supervisée par Patrick Reade, l'architecte des États de Guernesey, et les travaux de construction ont été réalisés par Le Roy Ltd.

 Monument de la libération ​​Liberation Monument​

​​At the beginning of August 1943, the German troops of the 'Hermann Göring' division were retreating from Randazzo towards Messina. On 10 August they were camped in contrada Sciambro, in the countryside around Castiglione.&nbsp;​Due to an attack (or according to other sources a theft), a reprisal was triggered in Castigilione. At the crack of dawn on 12 August, a truck with 40 German soldiers escorted by an armoured car burst into the town, firing at everyone in sight.&nbsp;​The German soldiers entered the houses shouting, brutally kicking people out and beating them with their rifles. One woman was thrown off the balcony and left on the pavement with fractured legs. They then took more than 200 people hostage (including children and elderly), locked them up in a dead-end alley in Via R. Margherita, and then dragged them forcefully to the locality of Cannizzu, herding them into a sheepfold.&nbsp;​​Negotiations began for their release, mediated by don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca, and sister Anna Amelia Casini. The delegation immediately obtained the release of the Mayor Ignazio Travagliante, the doctor, and the pharmacist. On the morning of 14 August, all hostages were released, with an order to evacuate the town. In the meantime, the German forces raided animals, means of transport and basic necessities, and burned the houses. A total of 16 people, aged between 17 and 82, were killed, and twenty were seriously wounded. British troops arrived two days later.&nbsp;​On 14 October 1943, the 'Corriere di Sicilia' gave the first news of the massacre. On 1 June 1946, a plaque was placed on the wall of the Town Hall.&nbsp;​In 1963, writer Leonardo Sciascia wrote about the massacre, and in 2002, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi awarded the municipality a bronze medal. Between 2012 and 2013, research by Angelo Manita and Rosario Mangiameli made it possible to reconstruct the facts.​&nbsp;

Castiglione before the war​

​Memorial plaque on the Town Hall​

A German tank in Sicily

Castiglione massacre Plaque

​​At the beginning of August 1943, the German troops of the 'Hermann Göring' division were retreating from Randazzo towards Messina. On 10 August they were camped in contrada Sciambro, in the countryside around Castiglione.&nbsp;​Due to an attack (or according to other sources a theft), a reprisal was triggered in Castigilione. At the crack of dawn on 12 August, a truck with 40 German soldiers escorted by an armoured car burst into the town, firing at everyone in sight.&nbsp;​The German soldiers entered the houses shouting, brutally kicking people out and beating them with their rifles. One woman was thrown off the balcony and left on the pavement with fractured legs. They then took more than 200 people hostage (including children and elderly), locked them up in a dead-end alley in Via R. Margherita, and then dragged them forcefully to the locality of Cannizzu, herding them into a sheepfold.&nbsp;​​Negotiations began for their release, mediated by don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca, and sister Anna Amelia Casini. The delegation immediately obtained the release of the Mayor Ignazio Travagliante, the doctor, and the pharmacist. On the morning of 14 August, all hostages were released, with an order to evacuate the town. In the meantime, the German forces raided animals, means of transport and basic necessities, and burned the houses. A total of 16 people, aged between 17 and 82, were killed, and twenty were seriously wounded. British troops arrived two days later.&nbsp;​On 14 October 1943, the 'Corriere di Sicilia' gave the first news of the massacre. On 1 June 1946, a plaque was placed on the wall of the Town Hall.&nbsp;​In 1963, writer Leonardo Sciascia wrote about the massacre, and in 2002, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi awarded the municipality a bronze medal. Between 2012 and 2013, research by Angelo Manita and Rosario Mangiameli made it possible to reconstruct the facts.​&nbsp; Au début du mois d'août 1943, les troupes allemandes de la division "Hermann Göring" se replient de Randazzo vers Messine. Le 10 août, elles campent dans la contrada Sciambro, dans la campagne de Castiglione.À la suite d'une attaque (ou, selon d'autres sources, d'un vol), des représailles sont déclenchées à Castigilione. Le 12 août, à l'aube, un camion transportant 40 soldats allemands escortés d'une voiture blindée fait irruption dans la ville, tirant sur tout le monde.Les soldats allemands pénètrent dans les maisons en criant, expulsent brutalement les habitants et les frappent avec leurs fusils. Une femme a été jetée du balcon et laissée sur le trottoir avec les jambes fracturées. Ils ont ensuite pris en otage plus de 200 personnes (dont des enfants et des personnes âgées), les ont enfermées dans une impasse de la Via R. Margherita, puis les ont traînées de force jusqu'à la localité de Cannizzu, les enfermant dans une bergerie.Des négociationsont été entamées pour leur libération, sous la médiation de don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca et de sœur Anna Amelia Casini. La délégation obtient immédiatement la libération du maire Ignazio Travagliante, du médecin et du pharmacien. Le 14 août au matin, tous les otages sont libérés et l'ordre est donné d'évacuer la ville. Entre-temps, les forces allemandes ont pillé les animaux, les moyens de transport et les produits de première nécessité, et ont brûlé les maisons. Au total, 16 personnes, âgées de 17 à 82 ans, sont tuées et 20 sont grièvement blessées. Les troupes britanniques arrivent deux jours plus tard.Le 14 octobre 1943, le "Corriere di Sicilia" donna la première nouvelle du massacre. Le 1er juin 1946, une plaque a été apposée sur le mur de l'hôtel de ville.En 1963, l'écrivain Leonardo Sciascia a écrit sur le massacre et, en 2002, le président italien Carlo Azeglio Ciampi a décerné à la municipalité une médaille de bronze. Entre 2012 et 2013, des recherches menées par Angelo Manita et Rosario Mangiameli ont permis de reconstituer les faits. Anfang August 1943 befanden sich die deutschen Truppen der Division "Hermann Göring" auf dem Rückzug von Randazzo in Richtung Messina. Am 10. August lagerten sie in der Contrada Sciambro, in der Umgebung von Castiglione. Aufgrund eines Angriffs (oder anderen Quellen zufolge eines Diebstahls) wurde in Castigilione ein Vergeltungsschlag verübt. Im Morgengrauen des 12. August 1943 fuhr ein Lastwagen mit 40 deutschen Soldaten, welcher von einem gepanzerten Fahrzeug begleitet wurde, in den Ort ein und schoss auf alle, die in Sichtweite waren.Die deutschen Soldaten drangen schreiend in die Häuser ein, warfen die Menschen brutal hinaus und schlugen sie mit ihren Gewehren. Eine Frau wurde vom Balkon geworfen und blieb mit gebrochenen Beinen auf dem Bürgersteig liegen. Anschließend nahm die deutsche Wehrmacht mehr als 200 Menschen als Geiseln (darunter auch Kinder und ältere Menschen), sperrten sie in einer Sackgasse in der Via R. Margherita ein und schleppten sie dann gewaltsam in die Ortschaft Cannizzu, wo sie in einen Schafstall getrieben wurden.Unter der Vermittlung von Don Giosuè Russo, Don Salvatore Savoca und Schwester Anna Amelia Casini begannen die Verhandlungen über ihre Freilassung. Die Delegation erreichte sofort die Freilassung des Bürgermeisters Ignazio Travagliante, sowie des des örtlichen Arztes und des Apothekers. Am Morgen des 14. August 1943 wurden alle Geiseln freigelassen, mit dem Befehl, die Stadt zu evakuieren. In der Zwischenzeit plünderten die deutschen Truppen Tiere, Transportmittel und lebensnotwendige Güter und brannten die Häuser nieder. Insgesamt wurden 16 Menschen im Alter zwischen 17 und 82 Jahren getötet und zwanzig schwer verwundet. Zwei Tage später trafen die britischen Truppen in Castiglione ein.Am 14. Oktober 1943 berichtete der "Corriere di Sicilia" erstmals über das Massaker. Am 1. Juni 1946 wurde eine Gedenktafel an der Wand des Rathauses angebracht. 1963 schrieb der Schriftsteller Leonardo Sciascia über das Massaker, und 2002 verlieh der italienische Staatspräsident Carlo Azeglio Ciampi der Gemeinde eine Bronzemedaille. Zwischen 2012 und 2013 konnten durch die Forschung von Angelo Manita und Rosario Mangiameli die Geschehnisse rund um das Massaker von Castiglione rekonstruiert werden. Begin augustus 1943 trokken de Duitse troepen van de 'Hermann Göring' divisie zich terug uit Randazzo richting Messina. Op 10 augustus kampeerden ze in contrada Sciambro, op het platteland rond Castiglione.Door een aanval (of volgens andere bronnen een diefstal) werd een represaille uitgelokt in Castigilione. Bij het krieken van de dag op 12 augustus stormde een vrachtwagen met 40 Duitse soldaten, geëscorteerd door een pantserwagen, de stad binnen en beschoten iedereen die ze zagen.De Duitse soldaten gingen schreeuwend de huizen binnen, schopten de mensen er brutaal uit en sloegen hen met hun geweren. Een vrouw werd van het balkon gegooid en met gebroken benen op de stoep achtergelaten. Vervolgens gijzelden ze meer dan 200 mensen (waaronder kinderen en ouderen), sloten hen op in een doodlopende steeg in Via R. Margherita en sleepten hen vervolgens met geweld naar de plaats Cannizzu, waar ze in een schaapskooi werden gedreven.Onderhandelingen voor hun vrijlating begonnen, bemiddeld door don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca en zuster Anna Amelia Casini. De delegatie verkreeg onmiddellijk de vrijlating van burgemeester Ignazio Travagliante, de dokter en de apotheker. Op de ochtend van 14 augustus werden alle gijzelaars vrijgelaten met het bevel om de stad te evacueren. Ondertussen plunderden de Duitse troepen dieren, transportmiddelen en eerste levensbehoeften en verbrandden ze de huizen. In totaal werden 16 mensen, tussen 17 en 82 jaar oud, gedood en raakten er twintig ernstig gewond. Britse troepen arriveerden twee dagen later.Op 14 oktober 1943 bracht de 'Corriere di Sicilia' het eerste nieuws over het bloedbad. Op 1 juni 1946 werd er een gedenkplaat op de muur van het stadhuis geplaatst.In 1963 schreef de schrijver Leonardo Sciascia over het bloedbad en in 2002 kende de Italiaanse president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi de gemeente een bronzen medaille toe. Tussen 2012 en 2013 maakte onderzoek door Angelo Manita en Rosario Mangiameli het mogelijk om de feiten te reconstrueren. Na początku sierpnia 1943 r. niemieckie oddziały dywizji "Hermann Göring" wycofywały się z Randazzo w kierunku Mesyny. 10 sierpnia rozbili oni obóz w contrada Sciambro, na wsi wokół Castiglione.Z powodu ataku (lub, według innych źródeł, kradzieży) w Castigilione rozpoczął się odwet. O świcie 12 sierpnia ciężarówka z 40 niemieckimi żołnierzami eskortowanymi przez samochód opancerzony wjechała do miasta, strzelając do wszystkich w zasięgu wzroku.Niemieccy żołnierze wchodzili do domów krzycząc, brutalnie wyrzucając ludzi i bijąc ich karabinami. Jedna kobieta została wyrzucona z balkonu i pozostawiona na chodniku ze złamanymi nogami. Następnie wzięli ponad 200 osób jako zakładników (w tym dzieci i osoby starsze), zamknęli ich w ślepej uliczce przy Via R. Margherita, a następnie zaciągnęli siłą do miejscowości Cannizzu, zaganiając ich do owczarni.Rozpoczęły się negocjacjew sprawie ich uwolnienia, w których pośredniczyli don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca i siostra Anna Amelia Casini. Delegacja natychmiast uzyskała uwolnienie burmistrza Ignazio Travagliante, lekarza i aptekarza. Rankiem 14 sierpnia wszyscy zakładnicy zostali uwolnieni, z rozkazem ewakuacji miasta. W międzyczasie siły niemieckie dokonały grabieży zwierząt, środków transportu i artykułów pierwszej potrzeby oraz spaliły domy. Łącznie zginęło 16 osób w wieku od 17 do 82 lat, a dwadzieścia zostało ciężko rannych. Oddziały brytyjskie przybyły dwa dni później.14 października 1943 r. "Corriere di Sicilia " podał pierwszą wiadomość o masakrze. 1 czerwca 1946 r. na ścianie ratusza umieszczono tablicę pamiątkową.W1963 r. pisarz Leonardo Sciascia napisał o masakrze, a w 2002 r. prezydent Włoch Carlo Azeglio Ciampi przyznał gminie brązowy medal. W latach 2012-2013 badania prowadzone przez Angelo Manitę i Rosario Mangiameli pozwoliły zrekonstruować fakty na temat tych wydarzeń. A inizio agosto le truppe tedesche della divisione "Hermann Göring" si stavano ritirando da Randazzo verso Messina Il 10 si trovavano accampate in contrada Sciambro, nelle campagne intorno Castiglione. A causa di una aggresssione (o secondo altre fonti di un furto) scattò una rappresaglia. Alle prime luci dell'alba del 12 agosto, un autocarro con 40 militari tedeschi scortato da un autoblindo irruppe nella cittadina sparando contro chiunque si parasse davanti. I soldati tedeschi entrarono gridando nelle case spingendo brutalmente fuori gli uomini a calci e percuotendoli col fucile. Una donna venne buttata giù dal balcone e lasciata sul selciato con le gambe fratturate. Quindi presero in ostaggio oltre 200 uomini (compresi bambini e anziani), li rinchiusero in un vicolo cieco di via R. Margherita e poi li trascinarono con forza in località Cannizzu ammassandoli dentro un ovile. Si avviò una trattativa per la loro liberazione, mediata da don Giosuè Russo, don Salvatore Savoca e suor Anna Amelia Casini. La delegazione ottenne subito la liberazione del podestà Ignazio Travagliante, del medico condotto e deel farmacista. Il 14 mattina tutti gli ostaggi vennero rilasciati, con l’intimazione di sgombrare il paese. Intanto i tedeschi fecero razzia di animali, mezzi di trasporto e beni di prima necessità; e bruciarono le case. Complessivamente si registrarono 16 morti, tra i 17 e gli 82 anni, e 20 feriti gravi. Le truppe britanniche arrivarono due giorni dopo. Il 14 ottobre 1943 il “Corriere di Sicilia” a dato la prima notizia della strage. Una lapide è stata posta il 1 giugno 1946 sulla parete del Palazzo municipale. Nel 1963 Sciascia ne ha scritto Sciascia. Nel 2002 Ciampi ha conferito al Comune la medaglia di bronzo.Tra il 2012 e il 2013 le ricerche di Angelo Manita e di Rosario Mangiameli hanno consentito di ricostruire i fatti.

 Lapide per la strage di Castiglione Castiglione massacre Plaque Plaquette Bloedbad van Castiglione Plaque du massacre de Castiglione Tablica pamiątkowa masakry w Castiglione Gedenktafel für das Massaker von Castiglione

For the liberation of the Northeast Netherlands, the Allies deployed a special tactic. Within the Meppel-Emmen-Groningen triangle, around 702 French paratroopers were dropped as part of Operation Amherst. During this operation they set up ambushes, attacked German positions, occupied a number of bridges and roads, and prevented German military units from forming a line of defence along one of the canals. In some places, though, the paratroopers ended up in difficult situations. On 9 April, for example, the first French paratroopers had to be rescued by the Belgian SAS. During various combat actions, a total of 33 paratroopers lost their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Canadians advanced along the Holten-Ommen-Beilen-Assen axis. In places where the French paratroopers had been unable to capture their targets, the Canadians sometimes encountered fierce opposition. This was the case near Beilen and at the Oranje Canal. Destroyed bridges, obstructed roads, logistical bottlenecks and crowds of celebrating people had slowed down the advance. But with the liberation of Assen on 13 April 1945, almost the entire province of Drenthe had been liberated, and the road to the city and the province of Groningen was open. The residents of the capital of Drenthe received their liberators with open arms, according to the Canadian war report: “a tumultuous reception which outdid everything experienced.”&nbsp;&nbsp;On 13 April 1945, the first Canadian armoured vehicles of the 8th RECCE reconnaissance unit came to Zuidlaren from the direction of Vries. The Canadians encountered an obstacle, as the bridge across the Drentse Aa had been blown up. A number of civilians informed the Canadians that there was a wooden bridge in Zeegse, and the Canadians used this bridge to move via Westlaren to Zuidlaren. At 11:30, the first Canadian vehicles arrived at the Brink, and Zuidlaren had been liberated without any German resistance worth mentioning. Shortly after this, the scouts moved on to the province of Groningen, where they liberated Hoogezand on 14 April.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Liberation of the northeast of the Netherlands

The quick liberation of the province of Drenthe 

Um die nordöstlichen Niederlande zu erobern, griffen die Alliierten zu einem besonderen Mittel. Im Dreieck Meppel-Emmen-Groningen wurden im Rahmen der Operation Amherst etwa 702 französische Fallschirmjäger abgeworfen. Bei dieser Operation legten sie Hinterhalte, griffen deutsche Stellungen an, besetzten mehrere Brücken und Straßen und hinderten die deutschen Truppen daran, eine Verteidigungslinie entlang eines der Kanäle zu bilden. Hier und da gerieten die Fallschirmjäger noch in heikle Situationen. So mussten am 9. April die ersten französischen Fallschirmjäger von der belgischen SAS abgelöst werden. Bei verschiedenen Kampfeinsätzen wurden insgesamt dreiunddreißig Fallschirmjäger getötet.&nbsp;Währenddessen rückten die Kanadier über die Achse Holten-Ommen-Beilen-Assen vor. Dort, wo es den französischen Fallschirmjägern nicht gelungen war, ihre Ziele zu erobern, stießen die Kanadier mitunter auf erbitterten Widerstand. Dies war der Fall bei Beilen und in der Nähe des Oranje-Kanals. Zerstörte Brücken, verstopfte Straßen, logistische Engpässe und Scharen von feiernden Menschen hatten das Tempo verlangsamt. Doch mit der Befreiung von Assen am 13. April 1945 war fast die gesamte Provinz Drenthe befreit, und der Weg in die Stadt und Provinz Groningen war frei. Die Einwohner der Hauptstadt von Drenthe empfingen die Befreier mit offenen Armen, wie es im kanadischen Kriegsbericht heißt: „ein stürmischer Empfang, der alles Bisherige übertraf“.&nbsp;&nbsp;Am 13. April 1945 kamen die ersten kanadischen Panzerfahrzeuge der Aufklärungseinheit 8th RECCE aus Richtung Vries nach Zuidlaren. Die Kanadier stießen auf ein Hindernis, das durch die gesprengte Brücke über die Drentse Aa entstanden war. Einige Zivilisten informierten die Kanadier, dass es in Zeegse noch eine kleine Holzbrücke gab und die Kanadier so über Westlaren nach Zuidlaren vorrücken konnten. Um 11.30 Uhr waren die ersten kanadischen Fahrzeuge auf dem Brink und Zuidlaren wurde ohne nennenswerten deutschen Widerstand befreit. Kurz darauf rückten die Späher in die Provinz Groningen vor und befreiten am 14. April Hoogezand.&nbsp; Voor de verovering van Noordoost-Nederland grepen de geallieerden naar een bijzonder middel. Binnen de driehoek Meppel-Emmen-Groningen werden tijdens operatie Amherst ongeveer 702 Franse parachutisten gedropt. Tijdens deze operatie legden ze hinderlagen aan, vielen ze Duitse posities aan, bezetten ze een aantal bruggen en wegen en verhinderden ze dat Duitse militaire eenheden langs een van de kanalen een verdedigingslinie konden vormen. Hier en daar kwamen de para’s nog wel in netelige situatie terecht. Zo moesten op 9 april de eerste Franse parachutisten door de Belgische SAS worden ontzet. Tijdens diverse gevechtsacties kwamen in totaal drieëndertig parachutisten om het leven.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ondertussen trokken de Canadezen op over de as Holten-Ommen-Beilen-Assen. Op de plaatsen waar de Franse parachutisten hun doelen niet hadden kunnen veroveren, stuitten de Canadezen soms op felle tegenstand. Dit was het geval bij Beilen en bij het Oranjekanaal. Vernielde bruggen, verstopte wegen, logistieke knelpunten en drommen feestvierende mensen hadden het tempo gedrukt. Maar met de bevrijding van Assen op 13 april 1945 was bijna de gehele provincie Drenthe bevrijd en lag de weg naar de stad en provincie Groningen open. De inwoners van de Drentse hoofdstad onthaalden de bevrijders met open armen, volgens het Canadese oorlogsrapport: “a tumultuous reception which outdid everything experienced”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Op 13 april 1945 kwamen de eerste Canadese pantservoertuigen van de verkenningseenheid 8th RECCE uit de richting van Vries naar Zuidlaren. De Canadezen stonden voor een hindernis door de opgeblazen brug over de Drentse Aa. Een aantal burgers informeerden de Canadezen dat er nog een houten bruggetje in Zeegse lag en zo konden de Canadezen via Westlaren richting Zuidlaren trekken. Om 11.30 uur stonden de eerste Canadese voertuigen op de Brink en was Zuidlaren zonder noemenswaardige Duitse weerstand bevrijd. Kort hierna trokken de verkenners de provincie Groningen in, waarbij ze op 14 april Hoogezand bevrijdden.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Die schnelle Befreiung der Provinz Drenthe  De snelle bevrijding van de provincie Drenthe 

​​By the time the occupation ended, the German army had installed fourteen coastal artillery batteries on the island. Of all these, St Peter Port was home to just two batteries, including the Naumannshöhe battery.​It was constructed in and around the grounds of Les Cotils and consisted of four French 10.5cm Schneider field guns mounted on concrete emplacements with adjacent ammunition shelters. The battery was tasked specifically with providing barrage fire onto the area outside the harbour mouth, to serve as a barrage fire control battery to activate harbour barrage fire, and also to engage enemy forces attempting to, or having already, landed on the east coast beaches.​In 2014, one of the gun emplacements and adjacent ammunition bunkers was excavated. During this excavation a number of important items were discovered left behind after liberation when the guns were removed. These included a large spade fitted to the rear of the gun carriage to act as an anchor, the heavy steel tie down cables used to secure the gun to the turn table, and the steel frame complete with remnants of camouflage netting that had been fitted above the gun.An islander during the occupation, Mollie Bihe, remembers the guns being fired over her house:​"In the Canichers there were guns, big guns which were situated in the Blue Mountains at the Cotils behind our house. We used to have to get out of our house sometimes at 4 or 5am, because the Germans wanted to practise firing their guns. We used to have to walk up the road and go up to my aunt for three or four hours whilst they did it. We had to leave our windows and doors open but there was damage to our properties as well because of it.”

Les Canichers

​During the excavation, several important items came to light, left behind after liberation when the guns were removed. The large spade fitted to the rear of the gun carriage to act as an anchor, along with the heavy steel tie down cables used to secure the gun to the turn table. Finally, the steel frame complete with remnants of camouflage netting that had been fitted above the gun.​

​​Gun fire in Les Canichers​

​​By the time the occupation ended, the German army had installed fourteen coastal artillery batteries on the island. Of all these, St Peter Port was home to just two batteries, including the Naumannshöhe battery.​It was constructed in and around the grounds of Les Cotils and consisted of four French 10.5cm Schneider field guns mounted on concrete emplacements with adjacent ammunition shelters. The battery was tasked specifically with providing barrage fire onto the area outside the harbour mouth, to serve as a barrage fire control battery to activate harbour barrage fire, and also to engage enemy forces attempting to, or having already, landed on the east coast beaches.​In 2014, one of the gun emplacements and adjacent ammunition bunkers was excavated. During this excavation a number of important items were discovered left behind after liberation when the guns were removed. These included a large spade fitted to the rear of the gun carriage to act as an anchor, the heavy steel tie down cables used to secure the gun to the turn table, and the steel frame complete with remnants of camouflage netting that had been fitted above the gun.An islander during the occupation, Mollie Bihe, remembers the guns being fired over her house:​"In the Canichers there were guns, big guns which were situated in the Blue Mountains at the Cotils behind our house. We used to have to get out of our house sometimes at 4 or 5am, because the Germans wanted to practise firing their guns. We used to have to walk up the road and go up to my aunt for three or four hours whilst they did it. We had to leave our windows and doors open but there was damage to our properties as well because of it.” À la fin de l'occupation, l'armée allemande avait installé quatorze batteries d'artillerie côtière sur l'île. De toutes ces batteries, St Peter Port n'en abritait que deux, dont la batterie Naumannshöhe.Construite dans et autour des terrains des Cotils, elle se composait de quatre canons de campagne Schneider français de 10,5 cm montés sur des emplacements en béton avec des abris à munitions adjacents. La batterie avait pour mission spécifique de fournir des tirs de barrage sur la zone située à l'extérieur de l'embouchure du port, de servir de batterie de contrôle des tirs de barrage pour activer les tirs de barrage du port, et également d'engager les forces ennemies tentant de débarquer, ou ayant déjà débarqué, sur les plages de la côte est.En 2014, l'un des emplacements de canon et les soutes à munitions adjacentes ont fait l'objet de fouilles. Au cours de ces fouilles, un certain nombre d'objets importants ont été découverts, laissés sur place après la libération, lorsque les canons ont été enlevés. Il s'agit notamment d'une grande pelle fixée à l'arrière de l'affût du canon pour servir d'ancre, des lourds câbles d'arrimage en acier utilisés pour fixer le canon à la table tournante, et du cadre en acier avec les restes du filet de camouflage qui avait été installé au-dessus du canon.Mollie Bihe, une habitante de l'île pendant l'occupation, se souvient des tirs au-dessus de sa maison :Dans les Canichers, il y avait des canons, de gros canons situés dans les Blue Mountains, aux Cotils, derrière notre maison. Nous devions parfois sortir de chez nous à 4 ou 5 heures du matin, car les Allemands voulaient s'entraîner à tirer avec leurs canons. Nous devions remonter la route et aller chez ma tante pendant trois ou quatre heures pendant qu'ils s'entraînaient. Nous devions laisser nos fenêtres et nos portes ouvertes, mais nos propriétés ont également subi des dommages à cause de cela".

 Coups de feu à Les Canichers ​​Gun fire in Les Canichers​

During Operation Market Garden, the British 43rd Wessex Division arrived in Opheusden and Dodewaard, on 23rd September 1944. From there, they were unable to push the frontline any further. Reinforcements from the American 101st Airborne Division arrived on 4th October but the German troops that had crossed the Rhine from Grebbeberg to the north, were quick to attack. It was imperative that the German Army recapture the ground they had lost in the Betuwe region if they were to prevent the invasion of Germany.The village of Opheusden was the scene of a horrific battle. The Dorpsstraat was one of the streets where the soldiers fought from house to house and the battle on Dalwagenseweg road went on for three days. This was where the windmill belonging to the Aalbers family gave refuge to more than 100 of the seriously injured. Even after days of heavy fighting, neither side could claim victory: the frontlines stayed exactly where they were for months on end. Both sides struggled to navigate the clay terrain in the Betuwe region and it became known as “the worst tank-going country of the world”.The people living in this part of the Betuwe region started to flee the area in October 1944. Some went to Brabant in the south, which had already been liberated, and others went to the occupied north. The Allies and the Germans dug their positions in on either side of the frontline and set up barbed wire and landmines. They turned this part of the Betuwe region into no man´s land. In December 1944, the Germans flooded part of the Betuwe region and it was not until 18th April 1945 that the village of Opheusden was liberated by the Belgian 1st Infantry Brigade known as Brigade Piron.

101st Airborne soldiers at the station in Opheusden in 1944.

The Allies dug themselves into ditches. This one is probably between Opheusden and Zetten.

Battle of Opheusden

Während der Operation Market Garden erreichte die britische 43. Wessex-Division am 23. September Opheusden und Doodewaard. Dort lief die Front sich fest. Am 4. Oktober löste die 101. US-Luftlandedivision die Briten ab. Unmittelbar nach ihrem Eintreffen wurden die Amerikaner heftig von deutschen Truppen beschossen, die vom Grebbeberg aus den Rhein überquert hatten. Die Deutschen legten großen Wert darauf, die Betuwe zurückzuerobern und auf diese Weise eine mögliche Invasion in Deutschland zu verhindern.&#13;
Opheusden wurde zum Schauplatz infernalischer Gefechte mit einem erbitterten Kampf um jedes Haus, unter anderem an der Dorpsstraat. Um den Dalwagenseweg wurde drei Tage lang gekämpft. Hier lag auch die Mühle der Familie Aalbers, wo über 100 Schwerverletzte versogt wurden. Aus den Kämpfen ging kein Sieger hervor. Die Front stagnierte monatelang quasi an der gleichen Stelle. Sowohl die Amerikaner wie auch die Deutschen hatten große Probleme mit dem Lehmboden der Betuwe, „the worst tank-going country of the world“.&#13;
Ab Oktober flüchteten die Bewohner aus diesem Teil der Betuwe: einige in das befreite Brabant, andere in den besetzten Norden. Die Alliierten und die Deutschen verschanzten sich auf beiden Seiten der Front mit Stacheldraht und Ninen, sodass quer durch die Betuwe ein Niemandsland entstand. Im Dezember setzten die deutschen Truppen einen Teil der Betuwe unter Wasser. Erst am 18. April befreite die belgische Brigade Piron Opheusden.&#13;
&#13;
 &#13; Tijdens Market Garden bereikte de Britse 43e Wessex-divisie op 23 september Opheusden en Dodewaard. Daar liep het front vast. De Britten werden op 4 oktober afgelost door de Amerikaanse 101st Airborne Division. Meteen na hun komst werden de Amerikanen fel bestookt door de Duitse troepen, die vanaf de Grebbeberg de Rijn waren overgestoken. Het Duitse leger was er alles aan gelegen om de Betuwe terug te veroveren en op die manier een mogelijke invasie van Duitsland te voorkomen.Opheusden werd het decor van een helse slag van huis tot huis gevechten, onder andere aan de Dorpsstraat. Om de Dalwagenseweg werd drie dagen gevochten. Hier lag ook de molen van de familie Aalbers waar meer dan 100 zwaargewonden werden verzorgd. De strijd leverde geen winnaar op. Het front bleef maandenlang vrijwel op exact dezelfde plaats. Zowel Amerikanen als Duitsers hadden grote moeite met de kleibodem van de Betuwe, ‘the worst tankgoing country of the world.’Vanaf oktober vluchtten de bewoners van dit gedeelte van de Betuwe weg: sommigen naar het bevrijde Brabant, andere naar het bezette noorden. De geallieerden en de Duitsers verschansten zich aan beide zijden van het front met prikkeldraad en mijnen, zodat er dwars door de Betuwe een niemandsland ontstond. In december zetten de Duitse troepen een deel van de Betuwe onder water. Pas op 18 april 1945 werd Opheusden bevrijd door de Belgische Brigade Piron.

 Schlacht um Opheusden Slag om Opheusden

Prior to World War Two, The Hague was home to the second-largest Jewish community in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, numbering around 17,000 people in 1940. More than 12,000 Jews from The Hague were murdered in concentration and extermination camps. The Jewish Monument was erected in memory of the city’s Jewish residents who were deported and killed. It stands on Rabbijn Maarsenplein. This square, named after one of the victims, was until 1943 the heart of The Hague's Jewish quarter. The monument shows a door ajar, with two bronze suitcases next to it symbolising the deportation. On the door is an image of the Star of David with four despairing people. There are six seats opposite, a resting point for those who wish to pause for contemplation. The number is a reference to the six million murdered Jews. There is a symbol on either side of each seat, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. This is to remind us that everyone, regardless of their background or position, was eventually pulled into the Nazi killing machine. The Jewish Children's Monument is here too, on the site of the playground of the former Jewish primary school on Bezemstraat. It comprises six staircases or ladders, which also resemble stacks of chairs. Chairs no longer used because the Jewish children are no longer here. The idea behind the design is that you use the stairs or ladder of chairs to climb up to heaven, where the Jewish children are. The chairs bear the names of 400 children who died. The Children's Monument is surrounded by a metal ring with the following text in Dutch and Hebrew: “Gone is the Jewish quarter. Gone are the children. Deported and murdered in World War II. Because they were Jewish. Around 1700 Jewish children from The Hague never returned. Many of them used to play here. Went to school here. Let us not forget and ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”

Prior to World War Two, The Hague was home to the second-largest Jewish community in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, numbering around 17,000 people in 1940. More than 12,000 Jews from The Hague were murdered in concentration and extermination camps. The Jewish Monument was erected in memory of the city’s Jewish residents who were deported and killed. It stands on Rabbijn Maarsenplein. This square, named after one of the victims, was until 1943 the heart of The Hague's Jewish quarter.

The monument shows a door ajar, with two bronze suitcases next to it symbolising the deportation. On the door is an image of the Star of David with four despairing people. There are six seats opposite, a resting point for those who wish to pause for contemplation. The number is a reference to the six million murdered Jews. There is a symbol on either side of each seat, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. This is to remind us that everyone, regardless of their background or position, was eventually pulled into the Nazi killing machine.

The Jewish Children's Monument is here too, on the site of the playground of the former Jewish primary school on Bezemstraat. It comprises six staircases or ladders, which also resemble stacks of chairs. Chairs no longer used because the Jewish children are no longer here. The idea behind the design is that you use the stairs or ladder of chairs to climb up to heaven, where the Jewish children are. The chairs bear the names of 400 children who died.

The Children's Monument is surrounded by a metal ring with the following text in Dutch and Hebrew: “Gone is the Jewish quarter. Gone are the children. Deported and murdered in World War II. Because they were Jewish. Around 1700 Jewish children from The Hague never returned. Many of them used to play here. Went to school here. Let us not forget and ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”

The Hague Jewish Monument

 Den Haag had voor de Tweede Wereldoorlog, na Amsterdam, de grootste Joodse gemeenschap in Nederland (ca. 17.000 personen in 1940). Meer dan 12.000 Haagse joden zijn in concentratiekampen- en vernietigingskampen vermoord. Het Joods Monument is ter nagedachtenis aan de Joodse Haagenaars die tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog zijn gedeporteerd en vermoord. Het monument is gebouwd op het Rabbijn Maarsenplein. Het plein, vernoemd naar een van de slachtoffers, was tot 1943 het hart van de Haagse Jodenbuurt was. Het monument toont een deur op een kier, met daarnaast twee bronzen koffers, die symbool staan voor de deportatie. Op de deur een davidster met vier wanhopige mensen. Er tegenover zes zitplaatsen, als rustpunt voor wie wil nadenken. Het aantal verwijst naar de zes miljoen vermoorde Joden. Op elke zitplaats is aan beide kanten het symbool van één van de twaalf stammen van Israël aangebracht. Dit symboliseert dat allen, ongeacht afkomst of positie, uiteindelijk de moordmachine van de nazi’s werden binnengetrokken. Ook staat hier het Joods Kindermonument, op de speelplaats van de voormalige Joodse lagere school aan de Bezemstraat. Het monument heeft de vorm van zes trappen of ladders, die ook op opgestapelde stoelen lijken. Stoelen die niet meer worden gebruikt, omdat de Joodse kinderen er niet meer zijn. Het idee van het ontwerp is dat je via de stoelentrap of -ladder omhoog klimt richting de hemel, waar de Joodse kinderen nu zijn. Op de stoelen staan de namen van 400 omgekomen kinderen. Rondom het Kindermonument is een metalen ring met een tekst in het Nederlands en Hebreeuws : ‘Verdwenen is de Joodse buurt. Verdwenen zijn de kinderen. Weggevoerd en vermoord in de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Omdat ze Joods waren. Ongeveer 1700 Haags-Joodse kinderen keerden niet meer terug. Velen van hen speelden hier. Gingen hier naar school. Laten we ze niet vergeten en zorgen dat zoiets nooit meer gebeurt’.

 Den Haag Joodse monument

In 1810, the first Jewish family registered in the small city of Ettelbruck. During the 19th century, more and more families established their shops and &nbsp;businesses in Ettelbruck and in the surrounding villages &nbsp;such as Consdorf, Everlange, Grosbous, Medernach, Diekirch, Waldbillig. &nbsp;In December 1870, the newly built synagogue was inaugurated, followed in 1881 by a Jewish cemetery and in 1890 by a school building. 199 members of the Jewish community were buried in the cemetery from 1882 to 2005.During the Nazi occupation, the Jews from Ettelbruck were expelled to France and Belgium, then after 17 October 1941 deported to ghettos and extermination camps in Eastern Europe. The synagogue and the school building were not destroyed, however the interior was devastated by young collaborationists. The Tora, acquired in 1859, was hidden in Grosbous.After the liberation nine families returned to Ettelbruck. After 1962 the synagogue was desecrated and served as a carpet shop. In 2017 the building was recognised a national Monument and the local city administration took over and restauration work is still ongoing. Today there is no Jewish community living in Ettelbruck.Other tokens of Jewish life that can be seen in and around Ettelbruck are the school building, next to the synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery near the local cemetery, the&nbsp; Stolperschwelle in the city centre, and the Medernach Memorial.

Renovation work on the old Synagogue

The old synagogue in Ettelbruck

Old Synagogue

In 1810, the first Jewish family registered in the small city of Ettelbruck. During the 19th century, more and more families established their shops and &nbsp;businesses in Ettelbruck and in the surrounding villages &nbsp;such as Consdorf, Everlange, Grosbous, Medernach, Diekirch, Waldbillig. &nbsp;In December 1870, the newly built synagogue was inaugurated, followed in 1881 by a Jewish cemetery and in 1890 by a school building. 199 members of the Jewish community were buried in the cemetery from 1882 to 2005.During the Nazi occupation, the Jews from Ettelbruck were expelled to France and Belgium, then after 17 October 1941 deported to ghettos and extermination camps in Eastern Europe. The synagogue and the school building were not destroyed, however the interior was devastated by young collaborationists. The Tora, acquired in 1859, was hidden in Grosbous.After the liberation nine families returned to Ettelbruck. After 1962 the synagogue was desecrated and served as a carpet shop. In 2017 the building was recognised a national Monument and the local city administration took over and restauration work is still ongoing. Today there is no Jewish community living in Ettelbruck.Other tokens of Jewish life that can be seen in and around Ettelbruck are the school building, next to the synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery near the local cemetery, the&nbsp; Stolperschwelle in the city centre, and the Medernach Memorial. En 1810, la première famille juive s'est inscrite dans la petite ville d'Ettelbruck. Au cours du XIXe siècle, de plus en plus de familles ont établi leurs magasins et leurs entreprises à Ettelbruck et dans les villages environnants tels que Consdorf, Everlange, Grosbous, Medernach, Diekirch, Waldbillig. En décembre 1870, la synagogue nouvellement construite a été inaugurée, suivie en 1881 d'un cimetière juif et en 1890 d'un bâtiment d'école. De 1882 à 2005, 199 membres de la communauté juive ont été enterrés dans le cimetière.Pendant l'occupation nazie, les Juifs d'Ettelbruck ont été expulsés vers la France et la Belgique, puis, après le 17 octobre 1941, déportés vers les ghettos et les camps d'extermination d'Europe de l'Est. La synagogue et le bâtiment de l'école n'ont pas été détruits, mais l'intérieur a été dévasté par de jeunes collaborateurs. La Tora, acquise en 1859, était cachée à Grosbous.Après la libération, neuf familles sont retournées à Ettelbruck. Après 1962, la synagogue a été désacralisée. et a servi de magasin de tapis. En 2017, le bâtiment a été reconnu comme monument national et l'administration municipale a pris en charge les travaux de restauration qui sont toujours en cours. Aujourd'hui, il n'y a plus de communauté juive à Ettelbruck.D'autres témoignages de la vie juive sont visibles à Ettelbruck et dans ses environs : le bâtiment de l'école, à côté de la synagogue, le cimetière juif près du cimetière local, le Stolperschwelle dans le centre-ville et le Mémorial de Medernach. In 1810 registreerde het eerste Joodse gezin zich in het stadje Ettelbruck. In de loop van de 19e eeuw vestigden steeds meer families hun winkels en bedrijven in Ettelbruck en in de omliggende dorpen zoals Consdorf, Everlange, Grosbous, Medernach, Diekirch, Waldbillig. In december 1870 werd de nieuw gebouwde synagoge ingewijd, in 1881 gevolgd door een joodse begraafplaats en in 1890 door een schoolgebouw. Tussen 1882 en 2005 werden 199 leden van de joodse gemeenschap begraven op de begraafplaats.Tijdens de nazi-bezetting werden de joden uit Ettelbruck verdreven naar Frankrijk en België en na 17 oktober 1941 gedeporteerd naar getto's en vernietigingskampen in Oost-Europa. De synagoge en het schoolgebouw werden niet verwoest, maar het interieur werd vernield door jonge collaborateurs. De Tora, verworven in 1859, werd verborgen in Grosbous.Na de bevrijding keerden negen families terug naar Ettelbruck. Na 1962 werd de synagoge ontheiligd en diende als tapijtwinkel. In 2017 werd het gebouw erkend als nationaal monument en nam het plaatselijke stadsbestuur de restauratie over. Tegenwoordig woont er geen Joodse gemeenschap meer in Ettelbruck. Andere getuigenissen van het joodse leven die in en rond Ettelbruck te zien zijn, zijn het schoolgebouw naast de synagoge, de joodse begraafplaats bij de plaatselijke begraafplaats, de Stolperschwelle in het stadscentrum en het monument van Medernach.