​​At the outbreak of the war, nationally the Police in the UK numbered around 60,000. With younger men being called up to join the armed forces, the force numbers would fall and recruitment needed.&nbsp;​The Police forces were not solely men, a small proportion of females served within the ranks during this period. It is estimated that there were around 300 women.&nbsp;​With the war came the threat of enemy action over the UK and during the blitz many officers would be killed in the course of duty by enemy action.&nbsp;​Not only were the Police required to conduct day to day policing, other duties included enforcing blackouts and assisting the Fire Service in search and rescue.&nbsp;​The memorial contains a Roll of Honour which can be viewed through the glass window. This is turned daily in keeping with the date. It records a small amount of information on the circumstances of death. Many of these who were killed between 1940-1945 were through enemy action due to air raids on the capital and other cities and towns within the UK.​&nbsp;

​The memorial displays roll of honour showing daily, Police officers who were killed in the line of duty.​

National Police Memorial

 ​8 December Roll of Honour, commemorating two officers killed during air raids by enemy.​

Roll of Honour

​The plaque commemorates the opening of the National Police Memorial.​

Plaque

​​At the outbreak of the war, nationally the Police in the UK numbered around 60,000. With younger men being called up to join the armed forces, the force numbers would fall and recruitment needed.&nbsp;​The Police forces were not solely men, a small proportion of females served within the ranks during this period. It is estimated that there were around 300 women.&nbsp;​With the war came the threat of enemy action over the UK and during the blitz many officers would be killed in the course of duty by enemy action.&nbsp;​Not only were the Police required to conduct day to day policing, other duties included enforcing blackouts and assisting the Fire Service in search and rescue.&nbsp;​The memorial contains a Roll of Honour which can be viewed through the glass window. This is turned daily in keeping with the date. It records a small amount of information on the circumstances of death. Many of these who were killed between 1940-1945 were through enemy action due to air raids on the capital and other cities and towns within the UK.​&nbsp; Audébut de la guerre, la police britannique comptait environ 60 000 membres. Les jeunes hommes étant appelés à rejoindre les forces armées, les effectifs de la police allaient diminuer et il fallait recruter.Lesforces de police n'étaient pas composées uniquement d'hommes, une petite proportion de femmes ayant servi dans les rangs pendant cette période. On estime qu'il y avait environ 300 femmes.Avec laguerre est apparue la menace d'une action ennemie au-dessus du Royaume-Uni et, pendant le blitz, de nombreux officiers ont été tués dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions par des actions ennemies.La police devaitnon seulementassurer le maintien de l'ordre au quotidien, mais aussi faire respecter les coupures d'électricité et aider les pompiers dans leurs opérations de recherche et de sauvetage.Lemémorial contient un tableau d'honneur que l'on peut voir à travers la vitre. Il est tourné tous les jours en fonction de la date. Il contient un petit nombre d'informations sur les circonstances du décès. Beaucoup de ceux qui ont été tués entre 1940 et 1945 l'ont été dans le cadre d'actions ennemies dues à des raids aériens sur la capitale et d'autres villes et villages du Royaume-Uni.

 Mémorial de la police nationale National Police Memorial

​​The memorial was unveiled in 1923 in honour of those who had served in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during the First World War. The funding for this memorial was raised through the RAF Memorial Fund. This is now known as the RAF Benevolent Fund. On the 16 July 1923 it was unveiled by the then Prince of Wales, later to be King Edward VIII.&nbsp;​Following the Second World War, the memorial was updated to commemorate those that had served. The inscriptions were unveiled by Sir Hugh Trenchard who had served on the original committee in 1919 to establish the memorial.&nbsp;​The memorial is recognised as the official Royal Air Force Memorial. Annually on ‘Battle of Britain Day’, 15 September, the Chief of Air Staff from the RAF places a wreath in remembrance.&nbsp;

Commemorating all both those who served during the First and Second World Wars.

Royal Air Force memorial

​​Commemorating all both those who served during the First and Second World Wars.

RAF Memorial Inscription

Royal Air Force Memorial

​​The memorial was unveiled in 1923 in honour of those who had served in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during the First World War. The funding for this memorial was raised through the RAF Memorial Fund. This is now known as the RAF Benevolent Fund. On the 16 July 1923 it was unveiled by the then Prince of Wales, later to be King Edward VIII.&nbsp;​Following the Second World War, the memorial was updated to commemorate those that had served. The inscriptions were unveiled by Sir Hugh Trenchard who had served on the original committee in 1919 to establish the memorial.&nbsp;​The memorial is recognised as the official Royal Air Force Memorial. Annually on ‘Battle of Britain Day’, 15 September, the Chief of Air Staff from the RAF places a wreath in remembrance.&nbsp; Le mémorial a été inauguré en 1923 en l'honneur de ceux qui ont servi dans le Royal Flying Corps et la Royal Air Force pendant la Première Guerre mondiale. Le financement de ce mémorial a été assuré par le RAF Memorial Fund. Ce fonds est aujourd'hui connu sous le nom de RAF Benevolent Fund (Fonds de bienfaisance de la RAF). Le 16 juillet 1923, il a été inauguré par le prince de Galles de l'époque, qui deviendra plus tard le roi Édouard VIII.Après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, le mémorial a été mis à jour pour commémorer ceux qui avaient servi. Les inscriptions ont été dévoilées par Sir Hugh Trenchard, qui avait fait partie du comité initial en 1919 pour la création du mémorial.Le mémorial est reconnu comme le mémorial officiel de la Royal Air Force. Chaque année, le 15 septembre, jour de la bataille d'Angleterre, le chef d'état-major de la RAF dépose une couronne en souvenir.

 Mémorial de la Royal Air Force Royal Air Force Memorial

​​​Hugh Dowding was born in 1882, he served in the British Army in the First World War and then the Royal Air Force from 1918-1942. He held the rank of Air Chief Marshal. In 1936 he had been appointed chief of the RAF Fighter Command.&nbsp;​He is credited for the defence given by the RAF Fighter Command during the ‘Battle of Britain.’ His management and deployment of fighters to intercept enemy action over the UK, he was instrumental in this. He also introduced the ‘Dowding System’ which involved the use of radar, air observers, anti aircraft defences plus fighter command. He would eventually retire in 1942 following conflicts with other senior RAF officers around the deployment of ‘Big Wing’ tactics. He died in 1970, his body was cremated and his ashes are now interned in Westminster Abbey. This is under the Battle of Britain Memorial Window in the Royal Air Force chapel.&nbsp;​The memorial plaques around the stone plinth offer further information of Dowding and Fighter Command.&nbsp;​Arthur Harris was born in 1892, he served in the British Army in the First World War and then the Royal Air Force from 1918-1946. He held the rank of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Bomber Command. This was during the height of the Second World War and the allied bombing campaigns against Nazi Germany. He is also known as ‘Bomber Harris’.&nbsp;​Under his command the RAF would conduct ‘area bombing’ from 1942 which would bring destruction and death to many German cities and population. Prime Minister Churchill would press for advances in technology and tactics for more precision targeting, this could reduce civilian casualties. Harris was part of the process in advances towards ‘precision bombing’, however he preferred the ‘area’ tactic. His tactics over the years have become a point of debate, with raids such as Dresden. He retired in 1946 and died in 1984. He is buried in Goring upon Thames. He was the most senior RAF officer to not accept a peerage, this was due to his thoughts that his men had been snubbed of recognition and honour when serving directly in Bomber Command during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The memorial plaques around the stone plinth offer further information of Harris and Bomber Command.​&nbsp;

​Served as head of Bomber Command during the Second World War.​

Harris

Commemorating the service of Arthur Harris and Bomber Command

Harris Plaque

​Served in the RAF and was the officer in charge of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.​

Dowding

Commemorating the service of Hugh Dowding and Fighter Command.​

Dowding Plaque

Hugh Dowding & Arthur Harris

​​​Hugh Dowding was born in 1882, he served in the British Army in the First World War and then the Royal Air Force from 1918-1942. He held the rank of Air Chief Marshal. In 1936 he had been appointed chief of the RAF Fighter Command.&nbsp;​He is credited for the defence given by the RAF Fighter Command during the ‘Battle of Britain.’ His management and deployment of fighters to intercept enemy action over the UK, he was instrumental in this. He also introduced the ‘Dowding System’ which involved the use of radar, air observers, anti aircraft defences plus fighter command. He would eventually retire in 1942 following conflicts with other senior RAF officers around the deployment of ‘Big Wing’ tactics. He died in 1970, his body was cremated and his ashes are now interned in Westminster Abbey. This is under the Battle of Britain Memorial Window in the Royal Air Force chapel.&nbsp;​The memorial plaques around the stone plinth offer further information of Dowding and Fighter Command.&nbsp;​Arthur Harris was born in 1892, he served in the British Army in the First World War and then the Royal Air Force from 1918-1946. He held the rank of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Bomber Command. This was during the height of the Second World War and the allied bombing campaigns against Nazi Germany. He is also known as ‘Bomber Harris’.&nbsp;​Under his command the RAF would conduct ‘area bombing’ from 1942 which would bring destruction and death to many German cities and population. Prime Minister Churchill would press for advances in technology and tactics for more precision targeting, this could reduce civilian casualties. Harris was part of the process in advances towards ‘precision bombing’, however he preferred the ‘area’ tactic. His tactics over the years have become a point of debate, with raids such as Dresden. He retired in 1946 and died in 1984. He is buried in Goring upon Thames. He was the most senior RAF officer to not accept a peerage, this was due to his thoughts that his men had been snubbed of recognition and honour when serving directly in Bomber Command during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The memorial plaques around the stone plinth offer further information of Harris and Bomber Command.​&nbsp; Hugh Dowding est né en 1882. Il a servi dans l'armée britannique pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, puis dans la Royal Air Force de 1918 à 1942. Il a occupé le rang de maréchal en chef de l'air. En 1936, il a été nommé chef du Fighter Command de la RAF.C'est à lui que l'on doit la défense assurée par le Fighter Command de la RAF pendant la bataille d'Angleterre. Il a joué un rôle déterminant dans la gestion et le déploiement des chasseurs pour intercepter les actions ennemies au-dessus du Royaume-Uni. Il a également introduit le "système Dowding", qui impliquait l'utilisation de radars, d'observateurs aériens, de défenses antiaériennes et du commandement des chasseurs. Il prend sa retraite en 1942 à la suite de conflits avec d'autres officiers supérieurs de la RAF concernant le déploiement des tactiques de la "grande escadre". Il meurt en 1970, son corps est incinéré et ses cendres sont aujourd'hui conservées dans l'abbaye de Westminster. Il se trouve sous la fenêtre commémorative de la bataille d'Angleterre, dans la chapelle de la Royal Air Force.Les plaques commémoratives qui entourent le socle de pierre offrent de plus amples informations sur Dowding et le Fighter Command.Arthur Harris est né en 1892. Il a servi dans l'armée britannique pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, puis dans la Royal Air Force de 1918 à 1946. Il a occupé le poste d'officier de l'air commandant en chef du Bomber Command de la RAF. C'était au plus fort de la Seconde Guerre mondiale et des campagnes de bombardement alliées contre l'Allemagne nazie. Il est également connu sous le nom de "Bomber Harris".Sous son commandement, la RAF effectue à partir de 1942 des "bombardements de zone" qui sèment la destruction et la mort dans de nombreuses villes et populations allemandes. Le Premier ministre Churchill fait pression pour que des progrès technologiques et tactiques soient réalisés afin d'améliorer la précision du ciblage et de réduire le nombre de victimes civiles. Harris a participé au processus de progrès vers le "bombardement de précision", mais il préférait la tactique de la "zone". Au fil des ans, ses tactiques sont devenues un sujet de débat, avec des raids tels que celui de Dresde. Il a pris sa retraite en 1946 et est décédé en 1984. Il est enterré à Goring upon Thames. Il fut le plus haut gradé de la RAF à ne pas accepter la pairie, car il pensait que ses hommes avaient été privés de reconnaissance et d'honneur lorsqu'ils servaient directement au sein du Bomber Command pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.Les plaques commémoratives qui entourent le socle de pierre fournissent de plus amples informations sur Harris et le Bomber Command.

 Hugh Dowding &amp; Arthur Harris Hugh Dowding & Arthur Harris

​​Carlton House Terraces were built around the 1820 to 1830’s, and shortly after this Number 9 became the official residence of the Prussian Ambassador. It became known as Prussia House until the outbreak of the First World War. In 1920, after the end of the First World War, it was once again used by ambassadors and officials.&nbsp;​Leopold von Hoesch took up residence here around 1932, representing the Weimar Republic. He was described as an old fashioned diplomat, and it is said he did much for Anglo-German relations throughout the early 30’s and that he was respected. In 1933 the Weimar Republic ended, and he now represented the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler. &nbsp;​It was said that Von Hoesch did not support the Nazi Regime and that the Anglo-German relationship became very strained. In February 1934, Von Hoesch’s dog, Giro, died. It was claimed that it had bitten through electrical wires in the garden and was electrocuted. Giro was buried in the garden and his grave was marked with this headstone.&nbsp;​In 1936, at this location, Von Hoesch died of a stroke. He was given a state funeral in keeping with international diplomatic protocol. &nbsp;​The funeral cortege departed from the bottom of the steps on The Mall and was led by the Grenadier Guards. He was given a 19 gun salute in St James’s park as he made his way to the coast and a Royal Navy destroyer ‘HMS Scout’, before returning to Germany.&nbsp;​Archive photographs of the event are available which show the ceremony, Von Hoesch’s coffin draped in a Nazi Flag. Many German members of staff on the Ambassadors House terrace can be seen showing Nazi salutes towards his coffin.&nbsp;​This is a dark reminder of the very troubled times in the 1930’s that would lead to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.&nbsp;​Von Hoesch was replaced by Joachim von Ribbentrop, who at the end of the Second World War was found guilty of war crimes and hanged. He only &nbsp;held residence in Charlton House Terrace until 1936.&nbsp;

The grave to the Ambassadors dog, this is located at the top of the steps to the left

German Ambassadors House

German Foreign Embassy 'Giro Grave'

​​Carlton House Terraces were built around the 1820 to 1830’s, and shortly after this Number 9 became the official residence of the Prussian Ambassador. It became known as Prussia House until the outbreak of the First World War. In 1920, after the end of the First World War, it was once again used by ambassadors and officials.&nbsp;​Leopold von Hoesch took up residence here around 1932, representing the Weimar Republic. He was described as an old fashioned diplomat, and it is said he did much for Anglo-German relations throughout the early 30’s and that he was respected. In 1933 the Weimar Republic ended, and he now represented the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler. &nbsp;​It was said that Von Hoesch did not support the Nazi Regime and that the Anglo-German relationship became very strained. In February 1934, Von Hoesch’s dog, Giro, died. It was claimed that it had bitten through electrical wires in the garden and was electrocuted. Giro was buried in the garden and his grave was marked with this headstone.&nbsp;​In 1936, at this location, Von Hoesch died of a stroke. He was given a state funeral in keeping with international diplomatic protocol. &nbsp;​The funeral cortege departed from the bottom of the steps on The Mall and was led by the Grenadier Guards. He was given a 19 gun salute in St James’s park as he made his way to the coast and a Royal Navy destroyer ‘HMS Scout’, before returning to Germany.&nbsp;​Archive photographs of the event are available which show the ceremony, Von Hoesch’s coffin draped in a Nazi Flag. Many German members of staff on the Ambassadors House terrace can be seen showing Nazi salutes towards his coffin.&nbsp;​This is a dark reminder of the very troubled times in the 1930’s that would lead to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.&nbsp;​Von Hoesch was replaced by Joachim von Ribbentrop, who at the end of the Second World War was found guilty of war crimes and hanged. He only &nbsp;held residence in Charlton House Terrace until 1936.&nbsp; Les terrasses de Carlton House ont été construites entre 1820 et 1830, et peu de temps après, le numéro 9 est devenu la résidence officielle de l'ambassadeur de Prusse. Il fut connu sous le nom de Prussia House jusqu'à l'éclatement de la Première Guerre mondiale. En 1920, après la fin de la Première Guerre mondiale, il fut à nouveau utilisé par des ambassadeurs et des fonctionnaires. Leopold von Hoesch, représentant de la République de Weimar, y a élu domicile vers 1932. Il était décrit comme un diplomate à l'ancienne, et on dit qu'il a beaucoup fait pour les relations anglo-allemandes au début des années 30 et qu'il était respecté. En 1933, la République de Weimar prend fin et il représente alors le Troisième Reich d'Adolf Hitler. On a dit que Von Hoesch ne soutenait pas le régime nazi et que les relations anglo-allemandes étaient devenues très tendues. En février 1934, le chien de Von Hoesch, Giro, meurt. On prétend qu'il a mordu dans les fils électriques du jardin et qu'il a été électrocuté. Giro fut enterré dans le jardin et sa tombe fut marquée de cette pierre tombale. En 1936, à cet endroit, Von Hoesch mourut d'une attaque cérébrale. Il reçut des funérailles d'État, conformément au protocole diplomatique international. Le cortège funèbre est parti du bas des marches du Mall et a été conduit par les Grenadier Guards. Il a reçu une salve de 19 coups de canon dans le parc St James avant de rejoindre la côte et un destroyer de la Royal Navy, le HMS Scout, avant de retourner en Allemagne. Des photographies d'archives de l'événement sont disponibles et montrent la cérémonie, le cercueil de Von Hoesch drapé dans un drapeau nazi. Sur la terrasse de l'Ambassadors House, on peut voir de nombreux membres allemands du personnel faire le salut nazi en direction du cercueil de Von Hoesch. C'est un sombre rappel des temps très troublés des années 1930 qui allaient conduire au déclenchement de la Seconde Guerre mondiale en 1939. Von Hoesch fut remplacé par Joachim von Ribbentrop qui, à la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, fut reconnu coupable de crimes de guerre et pendu. Il n'a résidé à Charlton House Terrace que jusqu'en 1936.

 L'ambassade allemande des affaires étrangères "Giro Grave" (en anglais) German Foreign Embassy 'Giro Grave'

​​General De Gaulle first setup office at 7 Curzon Place, next to Hyde Park, after withdrawal from France. He was quickly joined by others from France, and they moved to St-Stephens House, Victoria embankment. It was from here that the Provisional French National Committee officially supported the British Government.&nbsp;​Later, on 2 July 1940, the Free French moved to Carlton Gardens, where they remained until 1943. They used the 70 cramped offices within the building. It was from this building that, on 18 June 1940, General De Gaulle addressed the French Nation with his famous speech:&nbsp;​‘To all Frenchmen&nbsp;​France has lost a battle! But France has not lost the War.&nbsp;​Some of those in power were able to capitulate, yielding to panic, forgetting honour, delivering the country into servitude. However, nothing is lost! Nothing is lost because this war is a world war. IN the free world, huge forces have not yet been deployed. One day, these forces will wipe out the enemy. ON that day, France must be present at the victory. Thus she will rediscover her liberty and her greatness. Such is my goal, my only goal! That is why I invite all Frenchmen wherever they may be to unite with me in action, in sacrifice and in hope. Our country is in mortal danger. Let us all fight to save her!&nbsp;​Long live France!’&nbsp;​Today, his speech is commemorated on a plaque outside the house recalling, in French, his famous words during the dark days of 1940, when he tried to inspire hope among the French people.&nbsp;​There is also a blue plaque on the corner of the building to remember the presence of Charles De Gaulle. Directly across the road facing into the square is a statue of the General.&nbsp;​The statue was unveiled in 1993, following work by Mary Soames, the daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, to create a lasting memorial to him and the Free French. Each year on 18 June, French embassy officials attend a service of commemoration here.&nbsp;

The plaques are to the right of the main door at No. 4 Carlton Gardens.​

Free French Headquarters

No. ​4 Carlton Gardens became the home of the Free French HQ as other locations were too small.

Free French headquarters

​​General De Gaulle first setup office at 7 Curzon Place, next to Hyde Park, after withdrawal from France. He was quickly joined by others from France, and they moved to St-Stephens House, Victoria embankment. It was from here that the Provisional French National Committee officially supported the British Government.&nbsp;​Later, on 2 July 1940, the Free French moved to Carlton Gardens, where they remained until 1943. They used the 70 cramped offices within the building. It was from this building that, on 18 June 1940, General De Gaulle addressed the French Nation with his famous speech:&nbsp;​‘To all Frenchmen&nbsp;​France has lost a battle! But France has not lost the War.&nbsp;​Some of those in power were able to capitulate, yielding to panic, forgetting honour, delivering the country into servitude. However, nothing is lost! Nothing is lost because this war is a world war. IN the free world, huge forces have not yet been deployed. One day, these forces will wipe out the enemy. ON that day, France must be present at the victory. Thus she will rediscover her liberty and her greatness. Such is my goal, my only goal! That is why I invite all Frenchmen wherever they may be to unite with me in action, in sacrifice and in hope. Our country is in mortal danger. Let us all fight to save her!&nbsp;​Long live France!’&nbsp;​Today, his speech is commemorated on a plaque outside the house recalling, in French, his famous words during the dark days of 1940, when he tried to inspire hope among the French people.&nbsp;​There is also a blue plaque on the corner of the building to remember the presence of Charles De Gaulle. Directly across the road facing into the square is a statue of the General.&nbsp;​The statue was unveiled in 1993, following work by Mary Soames, the daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, to create a lasting memorial to him and the Free French. Each year on 18 June, French embassy officials attend a service of commemoration here.&nbsp; Le général De Gaulle s'installe d'abord au 7 Curzon Place, à côté de Hyde Park, suite à sa fuite de la France. Il est rapidement rejoint par d'autres Français et s'installe à St-Stephens House, sur le quai Victoria. C'est de là que le Comité national français provisoire soutient officiellement le gouvernement britannique. Plus tard, le 2 juillet 1940, les Français libres s'installent à Carlton Gardens, où ils resteront jusqu'en 1943. Ils utilisent les 70 bureaux exigus du bâtiment. C'est depuis ce bâtiment que, le 18 juin 1940, le général De Gaulle s'adressa à la nation française dans son célèbre discours : A tous les Français La France a perdu une bataille ! Mais la France n'a pas perdu la guerre. Certains gouvernants ont pu capituler, cédant à la panique, oubliant l'honneur, livrant le pays à la servitude. Mais rien n'est perdu ! Rien n'est perdu parce que cette guerre est une guerre mondiale. Dans le monde libre, des forces gigantesques n'ont pas encore été déployées. Un jour, ces forces anéantiront l'ennemi. Ce jour-là, la France doit être présente à la victoire. Elle retrouvera ainsi sa liberté et sa grandeur. Tel est mon but, mon seul but ! C'est pourquoi j'invite tous les Français, où qu'ils soient, à s'unir à moi dans l'action, dans le sacrifice et dans l'espoir. Notre pays est en danger de mort. Luttons tous pour la sauver! Vive la France! Aujourd'hui, son discours est commémoré sur une plaque à l'extérieur de la maison rappelant, en français, ses célèbres paroles durant les jours sombres de 1940, lorsqu'il tentait d'inspirer l'espoir au peuple français. Une plaque bleue est également apposée à l'angle du bâtiment pour rappeler la présence de Charles De Gaulle. De l'autre côté de la rue, face à la place, se trouve une statue du Général. La statue a été inaugurée en 1993, après que Mary Soames, la fille de Sir Winston Churchill, a travaillé à la création d'un mémorial durable en son honneur et en celui de la France libre. Chaque année, le 18 juin, des représentants de l'ambassade de France assistent à une cérémonie de commémoration.

 Quartier général des forces Françaises libres Free French headquarters

​​On 7 December 1941, Imperial Japan launched attacks on US naval base at Pearl Harbour, resulting in the US joining the Second World war.&nbsp;​Two weeks later the Japanese forces had captured Hong Kong from the British Empire. By 8 February 1942, Singapore had then fallen. Imperial Japanese forces pushed through Thailand and towards the capital of Burma. By March this was also now under their control.&nbsp;​By this time the British forces had withdrew to India. Back home in Great Britain, this was campaign being fought was referred to as the ‘Far East’. As 1942 progressed the British and Indian armies looked to strike back against Imperial Japan. They looked to form units of men that could penetrate through the jungles of Burma, targeting the supply lines and communications of the Japanese, deep behind enemy lines.&nbsp;​In the summer of 1942, the ‘Chindits’ were formed under the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. This collective group of army and commandos were made up of British, Indian, Burmese and Nepalese soldiers. They would be tasked with penetrating deep behind the lines using mules for transportation of equipment and supplies. They would be reliant of supply drops by the Royal Air Force. The training that these men went through was one of the hardest and toughest regimes, they needed to be fit and able to cope with the unforgiving jungle conditions with limited support.&nbsp;​The first operation of 3,000 men headed out into the Burmese jungle on 8 February 1943 and within seven days were engaging Japanese forces. With supplies and equipment limited the ‘Chindits’ ordered were to leave the wounded behind. In some cases this was true, but they would look to recover the wounded men for treatment. But due to this many of the ‘Chindits’ have no known grave. They would not be fighting just the Imperial Japanese troops; tropical diseases were an issue.&nbsp;​The total casualties for ‘Chindits’ during the Second World War fighting in Burma is not fully known. Estimates of around 30%-50% casualty rates are recorded for those killed, died of wounds or missing.&nbsp;

Names of the units that formed the ‘Chindits’

 ​One of the four panels commemorating the founder of the ‘Chindits'

Major General Wingate DSO

The Chindit Memorial remembers men from several nationalities who fought for the unit in the Far East during the Second World War.​

Chindit Memorial

​​On 7 December 1941, Imperial Japan launched attacks on US naval base at Pearl Harbour, resulting in the US joining the Second World war.&nbsp;​Two weeks later the Japanese forces had captured Hong Kong from the British Empire. By 8 February 1942, Singapore had then fallen. Imperial Japanese forces pushed through Thailand and towards the capital of Burma. By March this was also now under their control.&nbsp;​By this time the British forces had withdrew to India. Back home in Great Britain, this was campaign being fought was referred to as the ‘Far East’. As 1942 progressed the British and Indian armies looked to strike back against Imperial Japan. They looked to form units of men that could penetrate through the jungles of Burma, targeting the supply lines and communications of the Japanese, deep behind enemy lines.&nbsp;​In the summer of 1942, the ‘Chindits’ were formed under the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. This collective group of army and commandos were made up of British, Indian, Burmese and Nepalese soldiers. They would be tasked with penetrating deep behind the lines using mules for transportation of equipment and supplies. They would be reliant of supply drops by the Royal Air Force. The training that these men went through was one of the hardest and toughest regimes, they needed to be fit and able to cope with the unforgiving jungle conditions with limited support.&nbsp;​The first operation of 3,000 men headed out into the Burmese jungle on 8 February 1943 and within seven days were engaging Japanese forces. With supplies and equipment limited the ‘Chindits’ ordered were to leave the wounded behind. In some cases this was true, but they would look to recover the wounded men for treatment. But due to this many of the ‘Chindits’ have no known grave. They would not be fighting just the Imperial Japanese troops; tropical diseases were an issue.&nbsp;​The total casualties for ‘Chindits’ during the Second World War fighting in Burma is not fully known. Estimates of around 30%-50% casualty rates are recorded for those killed, died of wounds or missing.&nbsp; Le 7 décembre 1941, le Japon impérial a lancé des attaques contre la base navale américaine de Pearl Harbour, ce qui a entraîné l'entrée des États-Unis dans la Seconde Guerre mondiale.Deux semaines plus tard, les forces japonaises ont pris Hong Kong à l'Empire britannique. Le 8 février 1942, Singapour est tombée. Les forces impériales japonaises traversent la Thaïlande et se dirigent vers la capitale de la Birmanie. En mars, cette dernière était également sous leur contrôle.À cette époque, les forces britanniques se sont retirées en Inde. En Grande-Bretagne, cette campagne était appelée "Extrême-Orient". Au fur et à mesure que l'année 1942 avance, les armées britannique et indienne cherchent à riposter contre le Japon impérial. Elles cherchent à former des unités d'hommes capables de pénétrer dans les jungles de Birmanie, en ciblant les lignes de ravitaillement et les communications des Japonais, loin derrière les lignes ennemies.Au cours de l'été 1942, les "Chindits" ont été formés au sein de la 77e brigade d'infanterie indienne. Ce groupe collectif d'armée et de commandos était composé de soldats britanniques, indiens, birmans et népalais. Ils ont pour mission de pénétrer profondément derrière les lignes en utilisant des mules pour le transport de l'équipement et du matériel. Ils dépendent des largages de ravitaillement effectués par la Royal Air Force. L'entraînement de ces hommes était l'un des plus durs et des plus éprouvants. Ils devaient être en bonne forme physique et capables de faire face aux conditions impitoyables de la jungle avec un soutien limité.La première opération, composée de 3 000 hommes, est partie dans la jungle birmane le 8 février 1943 et, en l'espace de sept jours, a engagé les forces japonaises. Le ravitaillement et l'équipement étant limités, les "Chindits" ont reçu l'ordre de laisser les blessés derrière eux. Dans certains cas, c'était vrai, mais ils cherchaient à récupérer les blessés pour les soigner. C'est pourquoi de nombreux "Chindits" n'ont pas de sépulture connue. Ils ne se battaient pas seulement contre les troupes impériales japonaises ; les maladies tropicales constituaient également un problème.Le nombre total de victimes des "Chindits" au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale en Birmanie n'est pas entièrement connu. On estime que le taux de pertes est de 30 à 50 % pour les soldats tués, morts de leurs blessures ou portés disparus.

 Mémorial de Chindit Chindit Memorial

​​​The role of the FAA saw a new naval age in the move away from battleships to aircraft carriers. In turn this would mean pilots of the Royal Navy would train and then be deployed as part of the FAA on carriers.&nbsp;​FAA participate in the Battle of Malta during the Second World War. It played a significant role in supporting the defence of Malta against Axis forces, primarily the Italian and German air forces.&nbsp;​During the battle, the FAA deployed various aircraft, including fighter, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, to provide air cover, conduct bombing raids on Axis shipping and airfields, and gather intelligence on enemy movements.&nbsp;​The aircraft carriers HMS Eagle and HMS Ark Royal were among the key assets of the FAA involved in operations around Malta. Their aircraft helped to protect convoys supplying the island and to disrupt Axis shipping attempting to reinforce North Africa.&nbsp;​Overall, the Fleet Air Arm's contributions were vital in helping to defend Malta and maintain its strategic position in the Mediterranean during the war.&nbsp;​The FAA also played a significant role in battles and operations in the Far East. One notable engagement where the Fleet Air Arm participated was the Battle of Singapore in February 1942. While the Royal Navy's main fleet was not directly involved due to its commitments elsewhere, aircraft from British carriers, including HMS Indomitable and HMS Hermes, flew sorties in defence of Singapore and its surrounding areas. However, the fall of Singapore to the Japanese marked a significant defeat for the Allied forces in the region.&nbsp;​After the fall of Singapore, the Fleet Air Arm continued to operate in the Far East, participating in operations such as the defence of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and supporting Allied efforts in Burma and the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;​Throughout the war in the Far East, the Fleet Air Arm faced significant challenges due to the vast distances involved, harsh tropical conditions, and the superiority of Japanese air and naval forces. Nevertheless, its contributions were essential in supporting Allied operations and maintaining pressure on Japanese forces in the region.&nbsp;

The panels commemorating conflicts of which the Fleet Air Arm participated in

Conflicts of the Fleet Air Arm

The memorial of the winged naval airman at the top of the panels

Fleet Air Arm

Fleet Air Arm Memorial

​​​The role of the FAA saw a new naval age in the move away from battleships to aircraft carriers. In turn this would mean pilots of the Royal Navy would train and then be deployed as part of the FAA on carriers.&nbsp;​FAA participate in the Battle of Malta during the Second World War. It played a significant role in supporting the defence of Malta against Axis forces, primarily the Italian and German air forces.&nbsp;​During the battle, the FAA deployed various aircraft, including fighter, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, to provide air cover, conduct bombing raids on Axis shipping and airfields, and gather intelligence on enemy movements.&nbsp;​The aircraft carriers HMS Eagle and HMS Ark Royal were among the key assets of the FAA involved in operations around Malta. Their aircraft helped to protect convoys supplying the island and to disrupt Axis shipping attempting to reinforce North Africa.&nbsp;​Overall, the Fleet Air Arm's contributions were vital in helping to defend Malta and maintain its strategic position in the Mediterranean during the war.&nbsp;​The FAA also played a significant role in battles and operations in the Far East. One notable engagement where the Fleet Air Arm participated was the Battle of Singapore in February 1942. While the Royal Navy's main fleet was not directly involved due to its commitments elsewhere, aircraft from British carriers, including HMS Indomitable and HMS Hermes, flew sorties in defence of Singapore and its surrounding areas. However, the fall of Singapore to the Japanese marked a significant defeat for the Allied forces in the region.&nbsp;​After the fall of Singapore, the Fleet Air Arm continued to operate in the Far East, participating in operations such as the defence of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and supporting Allied efforts in Burma and the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;​Throughout the war in the Far East, the Fleet Air Arm faced significant challenges due to the vast distances involved, harsh tropical conditions, and the superiority of Japanese air and naval forces. Nevertheless, its contributions were essential in supporting Allied operations and maintaining pressure on Japanese forces in the region.&nbsp; Lerôle de la FAA a marqué le début d'une nouvelle ère navale avec l'abandon des cuirassés au profit des porte-avions. Les pilotes de la Royal Navy s'entraînaient et étaient ensuite déployés sur les porte-avions dans le cadre de la FAA.LaFAAparticipe à la bataille de Malte pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Elle a joué un rôle important dans la défense de Malte contre les forces de l'Axe, principalement les forces aériennes italiennes et allemandes. Au cours de labataille, la FAA a déployé divers aéronefs, notamment des chasseurs, des bombardiers et des avions de reconnaissance, afin d'assurer une couverture aérienne, de mener des raids de bombardement sur les navires et les aérodromes de l'Axe et de recueillir des renseignements sur les mouvements de l'ennemi. Lesporte-avions HMS Eagle et HMS Ark Royal figuraient parmi les principales ressources de la FAA impliquées dans les opérations autour de Malte. Leurs avions ont contribué à protéger les convois approvisionnant l'île et à perturber les navires de l'Axe qui tentaient de renforcer l'Afrique du Nord. Dans l'ensemble,les contributions de la Fleet Air Arm ont été essentielles à la défense de Malte et au maintien de sa position stratégique en Méditerranée pendant la guerre. LaFAA a également joué un rôle important dans les batailles et les opérations en Extrême-Orient. Un engagement notable auquel la Fleet Air Arm a participé a été la bataille de Singapour en février 1942. Bien que la flotte principale de la Royal Navy n'ait pas été directement impliquée en raison de ses engagements ailleurs, les avions des porte-avions britanniques, dont le HMS Indomitable et le HMS Hermes, ont effectué des sorties pour défendre Singapour et ses environs. Cependant, la chute de Singapour aux mains des Japonais a marqué une défaite importante pour les forces alliées dans la région. Après lachute de Singapour, la Fleet Air Arm a continué à opérer en Extrême-Orient, participant à des opérations telles que la défense de Ceylan (aujourd'hui Sri Lanka) et soutenant les efforts des Alliés en Birmanie et dans l'océan Indien.Tout au long de la guerre en Extrême-Orient, la Fleet Air Arm a été confrontée à des défis importants en raison des vastes distances à parcourir, des conditions tropicales difficiles et de la supériorité des forces aériennes et navales japonaises. Néanmoins, ses contributions ont été essentielles pour soutenir les opérations alliées et maintenir la pression sur les forces japonaises dans la région.

 Mémorial de la Fleet Air Arm Fleet Air Arm Memorial

​​The Bomber Command memorial was designed by architect Liam O’Connor and was built using Portland stone. Within the memorial are the bronze sculptures of a Bomber Command aircrew.&nbsp;​The memorial is located on the south side of Piccadilly facing Hyde Park Corner. It was built to remember the 55,573 aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Czechoslovakia and other Allied nations who served within the Royal Air Force. It also remembers the civilians of all nations who were killed during bombing raids during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The roof of the memorial was created using aluminium from a Royal Canadian Air Force Handley Page Halifax of No.426 Squadron. The aircraft crashed in May 1944 in Belgium.&nbsp;​On both walls inside the inscription reads:&nbsp;​‘This memorial is dedicated to the 55,573 airmen from the United Kingdom British Commonwealth &amp; Allied Nations who served in RAF Bomber Command &amp; lost their lives over the course of the Second World War.’&nbsp;​The opposite wall inscription reads:&nbsp;​‘The fighters are our salvation but the bombers alone provided the means of Victor y- Winston Churchill September 1940’&nbsp;​The memorial was unveiled on 28 June 2012 by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.​&nbsp;

The memorial remembers all those men and women from different Allied nations who served in bomber command during the Second World War.​

Bomber Command Memorial

 ​The covered memorial on the corner of Picadilly, close to the RAF Club the opposite side of the road.​

​RAF Insignia of Bomber command, a large sculpture on the side of the memorial.​

​​The Bomber Command memorial was designed by architect Liam O’Connor and was built using Portland stone. Within the memorial are the bronze sculptures of a Bomber Command aircrew.&nbsp;​The memorial is located on the south side of Piccadilly facing Hyde Park Corner. It was built to remember the 55,573 aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Czechoslovakia and other Allied nations who served within the Royal Air Force. It also remembers the civilians of all nations who were killed during bombing raids during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The roof of the memorial was created using aluminium from a Royal Canadian Air Force Handley Page Halifax of No.426 Squadron. The aircraft crashed in May 1944 in Belgium.&nbsp;​On both walls inside the inscription reads:&nbsp;​‘This memorial is dedicated to the 55,573 airmen from the United Kingdom British Commonwealth &amp; Allied Nations who served in RAF Bomber Command &amp; lost their lives over the course of the Second World War.’&nbsp;​The opposite wall inscription reads:&nbsp;​‘The fighters are our salvation but the bombers alone provided the means of Victor y- Winston Churchill September 1940’&nbsp;​The memorial was unveiled on 28 June 2012 by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.​&nbsp; Le mémorial du Bomber Command a été conçu par l'architecte Liam O'Connor et construit en pierre de Portland. Il abrite les sculptures en bronze d'un membre de l'équipage du Bomber Command.Le mémorial est situé sur le côté sud de Piccadilly, face à Hyde Park Corner. Il a été construit en souvenir des 55 573 membres d'équipage de Grande-Bretagne, du Canada, d'Australie, de Nouvelle-Zélande, de Pologne, de Tchécoslovaquie et d'autres nations alliées qui ont servi au sein de la Royal Air Force. Il commémore également les civils de toutes les nations qui ont été tués lors de raids de bombardement pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale.Le toit du mémorial a été créé à partir de l'aluminium d'un Handley Page Halifax de la Royal Canadian Air Force du 426e escadron. L'avion s'est écrasé en mai 1944 en Belgique.Sur les deux murs à l'intérieur, on peut lire l'inscription suivante : Ce mémorial est dédié aux 55 573 aviateurs du Royaume-Uni, du Commonwealth britannique et des nations alliées qui ont servi au sein du RAF Bomber Command et qui ont perdu la vie au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.L'inscription sur le mur d'en face se lit comme suit :Les chasseurs sont notre salut, mais les bombardiers seuls ont fourni les moyens de la victoire - Winston Churchill, septembre 1940.Le mémorial a été inauguré le 28 juin 2012 par sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth II.

 Mémorial du Bomber Command Bomber Command Memorial

​​​The church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was built between 1677-1691. This was one of many churches that he was commissioned to design following the ‘Great fire of London’ in 1666.&nbsp;​The church would become a victim of fire on the night of 29 December 1940. The nights German bombing raid would be referred to as the ‘Second Fire of London’ due to the intensity. Over 130 Luftwaffe aircraft would drop between 20,000 to 30,000 incendiary bombs onto this area of London.&nbsp;​The church was hit by incendiaries and the wooden roof set of fire. This would have lead to a collapse, then destroying the internal contents of the church.&nbsp;​On the night that the church was hit and burning, one man did enter inside. He managed to save a wooden carved font cover, escaping from the church with it before it was too late. &nbsp;​There is a plaque on the wall close to the remaining tower that confirms the church was destroyed by firebombs. The church was never rebuilt as the congregation was reorganised and was united with another church close by. Mainly due to the lack of parishioners to justify the rebuilding.&nbsp;​The remains of the church can be explored and is now a peaceful city garden within the old walls.&nbsp;

The tower and spire, the only main part of the church that’s was not destroyed by the fire.​ 

Christchurch Greyfriars Church

The skeletal remains of the destroyed church, hit by incendiaries in December 1940.​

​​​The church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was built between 1677-1691. This was one of many churches that he was commissioned to design following the ‘Great fire of London’ in 1666.&nbsp;​The church would become a victim of fire on the night of 29 December 1940. The nights German bombing raid would be referred to as the ‘Second Fire of London’ due to the intensity. Over 130 Luftwaffe aircraft would drop between 20,000 to 30,000 incendiary bombs onto this area of London.&nbsp;​The church was hit by incendiaries and the wooden roof set of fire. This would have lead to a collapse, then destroying the internal contents of the church.&nbsp;​On the night that the church was hit and burning, one man did enter inside. He managed to save a wooden carved font cover, escaping from the church with it before it was too late. &nbsp;​There is a plaque on the wall close to the remaining tower that confirms the church was destroyed by firebombs. The church was never rebuilt as the congregation was reorganised and was united with another church close by. Mainly due to the lack of parishioners to justify the rebuilding.&nbsp;​The remains of the church can be explored and is now a peaceful city garden within the old walls.&nbsp; L'église a été conçue par Sir Christopher Wren et a été construite entre 1677 et 1691. Il s'agit de l'une des nombreuses églises qu'il a été chargé de concevoir à la suite du "Grand incendie de Londres" en 1666. L'église a été victime d'un incendie dans la nuit du 29 décembre 1940. En raison de son intensité, le raid de bombardement allemand de la nuit a été appelé le "deuxième incendie de Londres". Plus de 130 avions de la Luftwaffe ont largué entre 20 000 et 30 000 bombes incendiaires sur ce quartier de Londres. L'église a été touchée par des bombes incendiaires et le toit en bois s'est enflammé. Le toit en boiss'est enflammé, ce qui a entraîné l'effondrement de l'église et la destruction de son contenu. La nuit où l'église a été touchée et a brûlé, un homme est entré à l'intérieur. Il a réussi à sauver un couvercle de bénitier en bois sculpté, s'échappant de l'église avec lui avant qu'il ne soittrop tard . Une plaque apposée sur le mur près de la tour restante confirme que l'église a été détruite par des bombes incendiaires. L'église n'a jamais été reconstruite car la congrégation a été réorganisée et s'est unie à une autre église située à proximité. La raison principale est le manque de paroissiens pour justifier la reconstruction. Les vestiges de l'église peuvent être explorés et constituent aujourd'hui un jardin urbain paisible à l'intérieur des anciens murs.

 Église Greyfriars de Christchurch Christchurch Greyfriars Church

​​The memorial is located a short walk into the park from Canada Gate and Buckingham Palace.&nbsp;​The narrow walkway, dividing the memorial in two, faces the direction of the Canadian port of Halifax in Nova Scotia. It was from there that many Canadian service personnel sailed for Europe during the two wars.&nbsp;​The bronze leaves embedded in the granite are maple, the national symbol of Canada. The designer was Quebec artist, Pierre Granche.​&nbsp;

Located in Green Park towards Canada Gate entrance.​

Canada Memorial

The plaque is located to the rear of the memorial through the small passage in the middle.​

Canada Memorial Plaque

Maple Leaves are placed across the memorial, a note to the national tree of Canada that is now symbolic.​

​Pointing back in the direction of the Canadian port from which volunteers left to come to Europe.​

​​The memorial is located a short walk into the park from Canada Gate and Buckingham Palace.&nbsp;​The narrow walkway, dividing the memorial in two, faces the direction of the Canadian port of Halifax in Nova Scotia. It was from there that many Canadian service personnel sailed for Europe during the two wars.&nbsp;​The bronze leaves embedded in the granite are maple, the national symbol of Canada. The designer was Quebec artist, Pierre Granche.​&nbsp; Lemémorial est situé à quelques pas de Canada Gate et de Buckingham Palace.L'allée étroite qui divise le mémorial en deux fait face au port canadien d'Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse. C'est de là que de nombreux militaires canadiens se sont embarqués pour l'Europe pendant les deux guerres.Les feuilles de bronze incrustées dans le granit sont des feuilles d'érable, symbole national du Canada. Le concepteur est l'artiste québécois Pierre Granche.

 Mémorial du Canada Canada Memorial

​​​London had seen air raids during the First World War, the first being 31 May 1915. This saw the population looking for shelter and utilising the protection of the London Underground. They would also need to get use to the conditions of ‘blackout’. Between 1915-1918, 667 people were killed and 1,936 injured because of enemy air raids.&nbsp;​With the start of the Second World War, the reality would be that once again, the city would come under threat. Air Raid ‘Deep level’ shelters such as underground stations and public shelters in the streets.&nbsp;​On 7 September 1940 the first raid hit London resulting in 430 dead and 1,600 injured. This was close to the total number of civilian casualties during the whole period of the First World War.&nbsp;​The Deep level shelters of the underground are still accessible today and used by the millions of commuters annually. However, the majority of public shelters are now gone or inaccessible.&nbsp;​On Lord North Street as you walk along, ghost signs can still be seen taking you back to 1939. These black and white signs can be found on the front of the terraced houses. The arrows point down directing the public to where shelter could have been taken. The shelters were located under the roadway.&nbsp;​For eight months the Blitz raged and ended in May 1941. The cost to civilian life was around 30,000. The war continued and Nazi Germany would switch from large bombing raids to targeting the capital using the vengeance weapons such as the V1 and V2. The final raid came in March 1945. The V weapons saw a further 30,000 casualties during that period of terror.&nbsp;​These signs are a reminder of those days during the war years that although the country was never occupied, civilians were still at danger from Nazi Germany, ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.​&nbsp;

The terraced houses of the Street, but under the road were public air raid shelters.​

Lord North Street, SW1

​Ghost signs informing the public of air raid shelters that were positioned in Lord North Street, still visible today.

Public Shelter Signs

The S and arrow point the public to where the shelters were available

Shelter this way

 ​These ghost signs, S with arrows can be found either side of the Street on the buildings. They once pointed the public to where air riad shelters were under the road.

Lord North Street Air Raid Shelters

​​​London had seen air raids during the First World War, the first being 31 May 1915. This saw the population looking for shelter and utilising the protection of the London Underground. They would also need to get use to the conditions of ‘blackout’. Between 1915-1918, 667 people were killed and 1,936 injured because of enemy air raids.&nbsp;​With the start of the Second World War, the reality would be that once again, the city would come under threat. Air Raid ‘Deep level’ shelters such as underground stations and public shelters in the streets.&nbsp;​On 7 September 1940 the first raid hit London resulting in 430 dead and 1,600 injured. This was close to the total number of civilian casualties during the whole period of the First World War.&nbsp;​The Deep level shelters of the underground are still accessible today and used by the millions of commuters annually. However, the majority of public shelters are now gone or inaccessible.&nbsp;​On Lord North Street as you walk along, ghost signs can still be seen taking you back to 1939. These black and white signs can be found on the front of the terraced houses. The arrows point down directing the public to where shelter could have been taken. The shelters were located under the roadway.&nbsp;​For eight months the Blitz raged and ended in May 1941. The cost to civilian life was around 30,000. The war continued and Nazi Germany would switch from large bombing raids to targeting the capital using the vengeance weapons such as the V1 and V2. The final raid came in March 1945. The V weapons saw a further 30,000 casualties during that period of terror.&nbsp;​These signs are a reminder of those days during the war years that although the country was never occupied, civilians were still at danger from Nazi Germany, ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.​&nbsp; Londres a subi des raids aériens pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, le premier ayant eu lieu le 31 mai 1915. La population a alors cherché à s'abriter et à utiliser la protection du métro londonien. Elle dû également s'habituer aux conditions du "black-out", politique selon laquelle les lumières non essentielles ne devaient pas être visibles depuis l'extérieur afin de ne pas servir de guide aux avions ennemis. Entre 1915 et 1918, 667 personnes ont été tuées et 1 936 blessées à cause des raids aériens ennemis.Avec le début de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la ville est une fois de plus menacée. Des abris en profondeur tels que les stations de métro et les abris publics dans les rues sont multipliés.Le 7 septembre 1940, le premier raid a touché Londres, faisant 430 morts et 1 600 blessés. Ce chiffre est proche du nombre total de victimes civiles pendant toute la durée de la Première Guerre mondiale.Lesabris de profondeur du métro sont encore accessibles aujourd'hui et utilisés par des millions de navetteurs chaque année. Cependant, la majorité des abris publics ont disparu ou sont inaccessibles.Dans la rue Lord North Street, on peut encore voir des panneaux fantômes qui nous ramènent en 1939. Ces panneaux noirs et blancs se trouvent sur la façade des maisons mitoyennes. Les flèches pointent vers le bas et indiquent au public l'endroit où l'on pouvait s'abriter. Les abris étaient situés sous la chaussée.Pendant huit mois, le Blitz a fait rage et s'est terminé en mai 1941. Il a coûté la vie à environ 30 000 civils. La guerre se poursuit et l'Allemagne nazie abandonne les grands raids de bombardement pour cibler la capitale à l'aide d'armes de vengeance telles que les V1 et V2. Le dernier raid a lieu en mars 1945. Les armes V ont fait 30 000 victimes supplémentaires au cours de cette période de terreur.Ces panneaux rappellent que pendant les années de guerre, bien que le pays n'ait jamais été occupé, les civils étaient toujours en danger face à l'Allemagne nazie.

 Rue Lord North Lord North Street

​​The Battle of Britain took place during the Second World War in 1940. At the time Hitler’s Germany was trying to invade Britain. Before they could launch an invasion, the German Luftwaffe needed to destroy Britain’s fighter capability. The Battle was fought in the skies, between the Allied pilots of many nations and the German pilots.&nbsp;​The Battle of Britain is officially designated as the period between 10 July to 31 October 1940. It was one of the first Battles of the Second World War.&nbsp;​It was Winston Churchill who first coined the phrase, during a speech in June 1940. This was just after France had been defeated and he said, “I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin”.&nbsp;​A total of 2,937 men served under the Royal Air Force from fifteen nations, according to the official recorded numbers of those who fought. Of that number, 544 airmen lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.​&nbsp;

​The plaque telling the story of the battle between 10 July to 31 October 1940.

Battle of Britain Memorial

​The famous Spitfire, just one of the aircraft flown by the RAF during the battle.​

Detail of the sculpture remembering not only the pilots but the ground crews.​

Located on the Northern Bank of the Thames, opposite the London Eye.​

Battle  of Britain Memorial

​​The Battle of Britain took place during the Second World War in 1940. At the time Hitler’s Germany was trying to invade Britain. Before they could launch an invasion, the German Luftwaffe needed to destroy Britain’s fighter capability. The Battle was fought in the skies, between the Allied pilots of many nations and the German pilots.&nbsp;​The Battle of Britain is officially designated as the period between 10 July to 31 October 1940. It was one of the first Battles of the Second World War.&nbsp;​It was Winston Churchill who first coined the phrase, during a speech in June 1940. This was just after France had been defeated and he said, “I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin”.&nbsp;​A total of 2,937 men served under the Royal Air Force from fifteen nations, according to the official recorded numbers of those who fought. Of that number, 544 airmen lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.​&nbsp; La bataille d'Angleterre a eu lieu pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale en 1940 lorsque l'Allemagne d'Hitler tentait d'envahir la Grande-Bretagne. Avant de pouvoir lancer l'invasion, la Luftwaffe allemande devait détruire les capacités de riposte de la Grande-Bretagne. La bataille s'est déroulée dans le ciel, entre les pilotes alliés de nombreuses nations et les pilotes allemands.La bataille d'Angleterre est officiellement désignée comme la période allant du 10 juillet au 31 octobre 1940. C'est l'une des premières batailles de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.C'est Winston Churchill qui a inventé l'expression pour la première fois, lors d'un discours prononcé en juin 1940. Juste après la défaite de la France, il a déclaré : "Je pense que la bataille d'Angleterre est sur le point de commencer".Au total, 2 937 hommes de quinze nations ont servi dans la Royal Air Force, selon les chiffres officiels de ceux qui ont combattu. Sur ce nombre, 544 aviateurs ont perdu la vie au cours de la bataille d'Angleterre.

 Mémorial de la bataille d'Angleterre Battle of Britain Memorial

​​This includes a variety of animals and creatures. From glow worms used by soldiers as a source of light to read maps in the First World War, to mules in the Burmese jungle who had their vocal cords cut to silence them during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The memorial was designed by David Backhouse and consists of a 58ft curved Portland stone wall displaying carvings of animals. Two heavily laden bronze mules struggle through a gap in the wall and ahead of them a horse and dog head off into the distance. The memorial was unveiled by the Princess Royal in November 2004.&nbsp;​A wall depicts silhouettes of carved animals, along with an inscription detailing the number of animals lost. Beneath the main heading ‘Animals in War’, the memorial has two inscriptions:&nbsp;​‘This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and Allied Forces in war and campaigns throughout time’&nbsp;​‘They had no choice’​&nbsp;

 ​Through the passage beyond the memorial you will find other statues of animals.​

Animals in War Memorial

 ​​The mule depicted passing through a narrow gap. Mules were used in the far east to support the allied armies with logistics.

Animal in War Memorial

​​This includes a variety of animals and creatures. From glow worms used by soldiers as a source of light to read maps in the First World War, to mules in the Burmese jungle who had their vocal cords cut to silence them during the Second World War.&nbsp;​The memorial was designed by David Backhouse and consists of a 58ft curved Portland stone wall displaying carvings of animals. Two heavily laden bronze mules struggle through a gap in the wall and ahead of them a horse and dog head off into the distance. The memorial was unveiled by the Princess Royal in November 2004.&nbsp;​A wall depicts silhouettes of carved animals, along with an inscription detailing the number of animals lost. Beneath the main heading ‘Animals in War’, the memorial has two inscriptions:&nbsp;​‘This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and Allied Forces in war and campaigns throughout time’&nbsp;​‘They had no choice’​&nbsp; Il peut s'agir d'une variété d'animaux et de créatures. Des vers luisants utilisés par les soldats comme source de lumière pour lire les cartes pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, aux mules de la jungle birmane dont les cordes vocales ont été coupées pour les réduire au silence pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Ce mémorial a été conçu par David Backhouse et consiste en un mur incurvé de 58 pieds en pierre de Portland, sur lequel sont sculptés des animaux. Deux mules en bronze lourdement chargées se débattent dans une brèche du mur et, devant elles, un cheval et un chien s'éloignent au loin. Le mémorial a été inauguré par la princesse royale en novembre 2004.Un mur présente des silhouettes d'animaux sculptés, ainsi qu'une inscription détaillant le nombre d'animaux perdus. Sous le titre principal "Animaux dans la guerre", le mémorial comporte deux inscriptions :Ce monument est dédié à tous les animaux qui ont servi et sont morts aux côtés des forces britanniques et alliées lors de guerres et de campagnes à travers le temps.Ils n'avaient pas le choix

 Mémorial des animaux pendant la guerre Animals in War Memorial

The Padule di Fucecchio massacre was carried out on 23 August 1944, by units of the 26th Armoured Division of the German army, under the orders of General Peter Eduard Crasemann. 174 civilians were murdered, including children, women, and elderly persons, in an area between the towns of Monsummano Terme, Larciano, Ponte Buggianese, Cerreto Guidi and Fucecchio. The operation of desertification of the territory, carried out by the Germans in collaboration with some fascists, aimed to eliminate any human presence that could help the partisans and hinder their retreat towards the Gothic Line. This ended definitively a few days later. Fucecchio was liberated on 1 September, Larciano on the 3rd, Monsummano Terme on the 4th).The massacre was characterised by the use of heavy artillery and methods of warfare used exclusively against civilians, mostly local farming families, or displaced people in the Padule escaping the daily German roundups and Allied gunfire. It was one of the five massacres with the highest number of deaths carried out by the Nazis in Italy during the war. The town of Monsummano was among the hardest hit, with 84 residents killed. Among them was Maria Faustina Arinci (called Carmela, aged 92) and Maria Malucchi, aged 4 months.During the immediate post-war period, Father Renato Quiriconi, the parish priest of Cintolese, together with the local population and the town administration, agreed to build a monument in memory of the Monsummanese massacre victims. The monument is made of white marble with a red travertine flame, and the names of the victims, from Arinci to Zerbini, are listed on the left and right side. A winged figure representing freedom stands at the top of the monument, at the foot of which stands the flame representing faith. A woman with two small children clutched to her chest is arranged above the base. Below her is a dead boy with a snake circling him as a symbol of the violence that the Germans perpetrated. The Angel of Death, consisting of a skeleton body and a halo, embracing a woman, is placed underneath.Every year, on 23 August, the town administration, survivors and relatives of the victims commemorate the dead and lay a laurel wreath at the monument.

Side view of the monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre

Monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre at Cintolese (Monsummano Terme)

Back view of the monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre

View of the monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre

Front view of the monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre

Monument in memory of the victims of the Padule di Fucecchio Massacre

L’eccidio del Padule di Fucecchio fu una strage effettuata il 23 agosto 1944 da alcuni reparti della 26ª Divisione corazzata dell’esercito tedesco agli ordini del generale Peter Eduard Crasemann. Furono assassinati 174 civili, compresi bambini, donne, anziani, in un’area compresa fra i comuni di Monsummano Terme, Larciano, Ponte Buggianese, Cerreto Guidi, Fucecchio. L’operazione di desertificazione del territorio, attuata dai tedeschi in collaborazione con alcuni fascisti, ebbe come obiettivo l’eliminazione di qualsiasi presenza umana che potesse aiutare i partigiani e ostacolare la ritirata verso la Linea Gotica, terminata definitivamente pochi giorni dopo (Fucecchio fu liberata il 1° settembre, Larciano il 3, Monsummano Terme il 4).L’eccidio fu caratterizzato dall’impiego di artiglieria pesante e metodi di guerra utilizzati esclusivamente contro i civili, in gran parte famiglie contadine locali o persone sfollate in Padule per sfuggire ai quotidiani rastrellamenti tedeschi o ai cannoneggiamenti alleati. Fu una delle cinque stragi con il più alto numero di morti eseguite dai nazisti nel corso della guerra in Italia; il comune di Monsummano risultò fra i più colpiti, con 84 residenti morti. Fra loro si ricordano Maria Faustina Arinci (detta Carmela, di 92 anni) e Maria Malucchi, di 4 mesi.Nell’immediato dopoguerra Don Renato Quiriconi, parroco di Cintolese, la popolazione locale e l’amministrazione comunale concordarono la realizzazione di un monumento in memoria delle vittime monsummanesi dell’eccidio. L’opera fu costruita in marmo bianco con una fiamma in travertino rosso; sul lato destro e sinistro sono elencati i nomi delle vittime, da Arinci a Zerbini. Nella parte alta del monumento si trova una figura alata che raffigura la libertà, ai piedi di questa è collocata una fiamma che rappresenta la fede. Sopra la base è disposta una donna con in braccio due bambini piccoli stretti al petto; sotto di lei un ragazzo morto con una serpe che gli gira intorno, simbolo della violenza che i tedeschi hanno praticato. Sotto è inserito l’angelo della morte, composta da un corpo di scheletro e un’aureola, che abbraccia una donna.Ogni anno, il 23 agosto l’amministrazione comunale, i superstiti e i parenti delle vittime commemorano i morti e depongono una corona d’alloro al monumento.

 Monumento in memoria delle vittime dell’Eccidio del Padule di Fucecchio

The Town and Territory Museum of Monsummano Terme is housed in the Osteria dei Pellegrini, a building promoted by Grand Duke Ferdinando I dei Medici and completed in 1616 to welcome pilgrims who came to venerate the image of the Holy Virgin in the nearby Sanctuary of Fontenuova. In 1855, the building was purchased by the Community of Monsummano and Montevettolini to house the prison facilities.During WWII, from November 1943 to March 1944, nine Jewish Italian citizens were detained here, including siblings Sergio and Giuliana Melli, aged 10 and 3. The patrols that led to the arrests were ordered by the Pistoia police headquarters, and were carried out by agents of the Montecatini public security police station and carabinieri from the Monsummano station, in cooperation with German soldiers and other local republicans. After being detained in Monsummano, the group were transferred to Florence, Fossoli and then Auschwitz, where they were murdered.The Osteria dei Pellegrini was home to prisons and court offices until the 1980s. Between 1995 and 1998, the building underwent major consolidation and restoration work that allowed for the construction of the Town and Territory Museum. The first floor was opened on 12 December 1998, while the second, dedicated to the 20th century, was opened to the public on 11 June 2005.The Osteria dei Pellegrini now houses on its premises the Town and Territory Museum, the Library, and the Town's Historical Archives. On the second floor, a prison cell is kept intact to preserve historical memory. The museum shows the environmental and cultural aspects around which the people of the Valdinievole have built their history, with sections dedicated to thermal baths, handicrafts, Industry and Archaeology. A section entitled 'The Hall of Remembrance' is dedicated to the Padule di Fucecchio massacre, which took place on 23 August 1944, in which 174 people were killed by Nazi-Fascists. It consists of explanatory panels, transparent silhouettes, the names of all the victims, and a video installation entitled 'Flashes in the dark... voices in silence'.

Entrance to the memory room in the Town and Territory Museum

Town and Territory Museum

The memory room in the Town and Territory Museum

The Town and Territory Museum, detail of the poster

Town and Territory Museum 

Il Museo della Città e del Territorio di Monsummano Terme ha sede nell'Osteria dei Pellegrini, una costruzione promossa dal granduca Ferdinando I dei Medici e conclusa nel 1616 per accogliere i pellegrini che si recavano a venerare l'immagine della Madonna nel vicino Santuario della Fontenuova. Nel 1855 l'edificio fu acquistato dalla Comunità di Monsummano e Montevettolini per collocarvi gli stabilimenti carcerari.Nel corso della Seconda guerra mondiale, dal novembre 1943 al marzo 1944, furono qui detenuti nove cittadini italiani di religione ebraica, fra cui i fratelli Sergio e Giuliana Melli di 10 e 3 anni. Le perlustrazioni che portarono agli arresti furono ordinate dalla questura di Pistoia e vennero compiute da agenti del commissariato di pubblica sicurezza di Montecatini e da carabinieri della stazione di Monsummano, in collaborazione con militari tedeschi e altri repubblichini locali. Gli ebrei, dopo il periodo di detenzione a Monsummano, furono trasferiti a Firenze, Fossoli e Auschwitz dove vennero assassinati.L’Osteria dei Pellegrini fu sede delle carceri e degli uffici giudiziari fino agli anni ‘80 del ‘900. Tra il 1995 e il 1998 l'edificio fu oggetto di importanti lavori di consolidamento e restauro che permisero la realizzazione del Museo della Città e del Territorio. Il primo piano fu inaugurato il 12 dicembre 1998, mentre il secondo, dedicato al Novecento, venne aperto al pubblico dall'11 giugno 2005.L'Osteria dei Pellegrini ospita oggi nei suoi locali il Museo della Città e del Territorio, la Biblioteca e l'Archivio Storico del Comune. Al secondo piano è conservata integra una cella delle carceri per preservare la memoria storica. Il Museo mostra gli aspetti ambientali e culturali attorno ai quali la popolazione della Valdinievole ha costruito la propria storia con sezioni dedicate alle terme, all’artigianato, all’industra, all’archeologia. Una sezione intitolata «La sala della memoria» è dedicata all’eccidio del Padule di Fucecchio, avvenuto il 23 agosto 1944, nel quale persero la vita 174 persone per mano nazifascista. È composta da pannelli esplicativi, da sagome trasparenti, dai nominativi di tutte le vittime e da una videoinstallazione dal titolo «Lampi nel buio…voci nel silenzio».

 Museo della Città e del Territorio

The path that led to the establishment of the House of Culture and Memory in Marzabotto was long and complex. The site was located in a completely restored building where the town's primary school used to be.It performs several functions: it is a multifunctional institute equipped to welcome students, delegations and tourists who visit the town and the Parco Storico di Monte Sole (Monte Sole Historical Park) every day. It hosts organisations, associations and cultural bodies. It is a centre for the preservation of documentary and bibliographic material and a place made available to local associations. It hosts the Municipal Library, which holds over 10.000 open-shelf volumes, including the book collection of the Honours Committee, guaranteeing reading and lending; the Municipal Historical Archive; the "Painting and Remembrance" art collection, which includes the works presented in the 1960 and 1961 competitions in remembrance of the Nazi-Fascist massacres of '44; the archive of the Honours Committee, comprising the Documentation Centre for the study of Nazi-Fascist massacres and war reprisals, which preserves both book material and archival documentation divided into paper, audio-visual and photographic collections: the local Pro loco, the offices of the Monte Sole Historical Park; the headquarters of the Regional Committee for Honours to the Fallen of Marzabotto, the Association of Victims of the Nazi-Fascist massacres in Grizzana, Marzabotto, Monzuno and surrounding areas in 1943-44. the Family Centre of the Bolognese Apennines, etc. In 2021, the Monte Sole Interpretation Centre was inaugurated in a section of the building, a place of remembrance divided into three rooms: the first on rural life in Monte Sole in the years before the massacre, the second on the war and the massacres of 1944, the third on the Resistance and the partisan brigade 'Stella Rossa Lupo', named after the commander Mario Musolesi, who was killed on 29 September 1944 and decorated with the Gold Medal of Military Valour. The exhibition includes explanatory panels, photographs, objects and documentary material.

La Casa della Cultura e della Memoria di Marzabotto

La biblioteca comunale di Marzabotto

Il monumento «Pensiero di pace» di fronte alla Casa della Cultura e della Memoria di Marzabotto 

House of Culture and Memory

Il percorso che ha portato alla nascita della Casa della Cultura e della Memoria di Marzabotto è stato lungo e complesso; la sede è stata individuata all’interno di un edificio completamente restaurato in cui precedentemente si trovava la scuola elementare della città. Svolge diverse funzioni: è un istituto polifunzionale attrezzato per accogliere gli studenti, le delegazioni e i turisti che ogni giorno visitano il paese e il parco storico di Monte Sole; è sede di enti, associazioni e organismi culturali; è un centro di conservazione di materiale documentario e bibliografico; è un luogo a disposizione delle associazioni del territorio. All’interno hanno sede: la biblioteca Comunale che conserva oltre 10.000 volumi a scaffale aperto, compreso il fondo librario del Comitato Onoranze, garantendone la lettura e il prestito; l’archivio Storico Comunale; la Raccolta d’arte “Pittura e Memoria”, che comprende le opere presentate nelle edizioni del concorso svolto nel 1960 e nel 1961 in ricordo degli eccidi nazifascisti del ’44; l’archivio del Comitato Onoranze, comprendente il Centro di Documentazione per lo studio delle stragi nazifasciste e delle rappresaglie di guerra, che conserva sia materiale librario sia documentazione archivistica suddivisa in fondi cartacei, audiovisivi e fotografici; la locale Proloco; gli uffici del Parco Storico di Monte Sole; la sede del Comitato Regionale per le Onoranze ai Caduti di Marzabotto; l’Associazione delle vittime degli eccidi nazifascisti di Grizzana, Marzabotto, Monzuno e zone limitrofe del 1943-44; il Centro per le Famiglie dell’Appennino Bolognese. Nel 2021 in un’ala dell’edificio è stato inaugurato il Centro di Interpretazione di Monte Sole, un luogo della memoria suddiviso in tre sale: la prima sulla vita rurale a Monte Sole negli anni antecedenti all’eccidio, la seconda sulla guerra e sulle stragi del 1944, la terza sulla Resistenza e sulla brigata partigiana «Stella Rossa Lupo», dal nome di battaglia del comandante Mario Musolesi, caduto il 29 settembre 1944 e decorato con la Medaglia d'Oro al Valor Militare. L’esposizione comprende pannelli esplicativi, fotografie, oggettistica, materiale documentario.

 Casa della Cultura e della Memoria

​​The memorial was constructed in 1983 and funded by the Board of British Jews. The design was by Richard Seifert and Derek Lovejoy and Partners.​&nbsp;

Located in Hyde Park, the small garden remembers the victims of the Holocaust. A quit place to reflect.

Holocaust Memorial

The engraved stone which is the centre piece at the memorial garden

Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial

​​The memorial was constructed in 1983 and funded by the Board of British Jews. The design was by Richard Seifert and Derek Lovejoy and Partners.​&nbsp; Lemémorial a été construit en 1983 et financé par le Board of British Jews. Il a été conçu par Richard Seifert et Derek Lovejoy and Partners.

 Mémorial de l'Holocauste de Hyde Park Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial

They are mostly women, children and elderly people who had so far remained in the Lower Rhine region. Kleve and Goch had already been destroyed during the bombing in October 1944. Now bombs are falling again and German soldiers are ready to fight, as on 8 February the Allies launched a ground offensive. People want only one thing: to leave! Eight-year-old Liesel lives in Uedem. Her parents run the inn Zum Mühlentor. On 13 February, Liesel experiences the bombing of Uedem. Liesel: "When we crawled out of the cellar, there was a thick dust cloud, as if it was foggy. In this bombardment, four soldiers and 11 civilians died close to our house. We children packed our school bags, that stood near the cellar for weeks. They contained a shirt, pants, socks, a family photo and our home address. We climbed over the debris from the basement. In front of our house was a jeep on fire. And in front of it was something black. It was our neighbour Gertrud." Two weeks later, Canadian soldiers take Uedem. From 10 March 1945, the entire left bank of the Rhine is in Allied hands. Another two weeks later, at Rees, Wesel and Dinslaken, they begin their major attack across the Rhine.

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Devastation of Uedem

They are mostly women, children and elderly people who had so far remained in the Lower Rhine region. Kleve and Goch had already been destroyed during the bombing in October 1944. Now bombs are falling again and German soldiers are ready to fight, as on 8 February the Allies launched a ground offensive. People want only one thing: to leave! Eight-year-old Liesel lives in Uedem. Her parents run the inn Zum Mühlentor. On 13 February, Liesel experiences the bombing of Uedem. Liesel: "When we crawled out of the cellar, there was a thick dust cloud, as if it was foggy. In this bombardment, four soldiers and 11 civilians died close to our house. We children packed our school bags, that stood near the cellar for weeks. They contained a shirt, pants, socks, a family photo and our home address. We climbed over the debris from the basement. In front of our house was a jeep on fire. And in front of it was something black. It was our neighbour Gertrud." Two weeks later, Canadian soldiers take Uedem. From 10 March 1945, the entire left bank of the Rhine is in Allied hands. Another two weeks later, at Rees, Wesel and Dinslaken, they begin their major attack across the Rhine. Es sind vor allem Frauen, Kinder und ältere Menschen, die bis dahin am Niederrhein geblieben waren. Kleve und Goch waren bereits bei der Bombardierung im Oktober 1944 zerstört worden. Jetzt fallen wieder Bomben und die deutschen Soldaten sind kampfbereit, denn am 8. Februar starten die Alliierten eine Bodenoffensive. Die Menschen wollen nur noch eines: weg! Die achtjährige Liesel lebt in Uedem. Ihre Eltern führen das Gasthaus Zum Mühlentor. Am 13. Februar erlebt Liesel die Bombardierung von Uedem.Liesel: „Als wir aus dem Keller krochen, war da eine dicke Staubwolke, als ob es neblig wäre. Bei diesem Bombardement starben vier Soldaten und 11 Zivilisten in der Nähe unseres Hauses. Wir Kinder packten unsere Schultaschen, die schon seit Wochen in der Nähe des Kellers bereitstanden. Darin befanden sich ein Hemd, eine Hose, Socken, ein Familienfoto und unsere Heimatadresse. Wir kletterten über die Trümmer des Kellers. Vor unserem Haus stand ein Jeep in Flammen. Und davor war etwas Schwarzes. Es war unsere Nachbarin Gertrud.“ Zwei Wochen später nehmen kanadische Soldaten Uedem ein. Ab dem 10. März 1945 ist das gesamte linke Rheinufer in der Hand der Alliierten. Weitere zwei Wochen später beginnen sie bei Rees, Wesel und Dinslaken ihren Großangriff über den Rhein. Het zijn vooral vrouwen, kinderen en ouderen die tot nu toe in de regio Neder-Rijn waren gebleven. Kleef en Goch zijn al verwoest tijdens de bombardementen in oktober 1944. Nu vallen er opnieuw bommen en staan Duitse soldaten klaar om te vechten, want op 8 februari zijn de geallieerden een grondoffensief begonnen. De mensen willen maar één ding: weg! De achtjarige Liesel woont in Uedem. Haar ouders runnen de herberg Zum Mühlentor. Op 13 februari maakt Liesel het bombardement op Uedem mee. Liesel: “Toen we uit de kelder kropen, hing er een dikke stofwolk, alsof het mistig was. Bij dit bombardement stierven vier soldaten en elf burgers vlak bij ons huis. Wij kinderen pakten onze schooltassen, die al weken klaarstonden bij de kelder. Daarin zat een hemd, een onderbroek, sokken, een familiefoto en ons thuisadres. We klommen over de brokstukken uit de kelder. Voor ons huis stond een jeep in brand. En daarvoor lag iets zwarts. Het was onze buurvrouw Gertrud.” Twee weken later nemen Canadese soldaten Uedem in. Vanaf 10 maart 1945 is de hele linker Rijnoever in handen van de geallieerden. Nog eens twee weken later beginnen ze bij Rees, Wesel en Dinslaken hun grote aanval over de Rijn.

 Zerstörung Uedems Vernietiging van Uedem Devastation of Uedem

The men of the Canadian regiment Argyll &amp; Sutherland Highlanders are full of confidence when they finally enter German soil on a cold, foggy night. The commander orders the bagpiper to play as the regiment crosses the German border on 22 February 1945. Also in the column is 25-year-old first lieutenant Hugh McCutcheon, who leads a platoon of B Company. A week later, his unit is fighting for a passage between the Hochwald and the Tüschenwald. From Uedemerbruch, Canadian tanks try to break through towards Xanten, but the German defenders are well prepared and eliminate the tanks one by one. Operation ‘Blockbuster’ threatens to fail. At dawn on 28 February, the infantry, including McCutcheon's group, are ordered to drive the Germans out of their positions in the woods. When the attack stalls, Captain Len Perry, commander of B Company, calls for help over the radio. ‘Canadians will remember this breakthrough as one of the toughest front areas in Western Europe,’ said a Canadian war journalist.

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Tough battles of the Canadians

The men of the Canadian regiment Argyll &amp; Sutherland Highlanders are full of confidence when they finally enter German soil on a cold, foggy night. The commander orders the bagpiper to play as the regiment crosses the German border on 22 February 1945. Also in the column is 25-year-old first lieutenant Hugh McCutcheon, who leads a platoon of B Company. A week later, his unit is fighting for a passage between the Hochwald and the Tüschenwald. From Uedemerbruch, Canadian tanks try to break through towards Xanten, but the German defenders are well prepared and eliminate the tanks one by one. Operation ‘Blockbuster’ threatens to fail. At dawn on 28 February, the infantry, including McCutcheon's group, are ordered to drive the Germans out of their positions in the woods. When the attack stalls, Captain Len Perry, commander of B Company, calls for help over the radio. ‘Canadians will remember this breakthrough as one of the toughest front areas in Western Europe,’ said a Canadian war journalist. Die Männer des kanadischen Regiments Argyll &amp; Sutherland Highlanders sind voller Zuversicht, als sie in einer kalten, nebligen Nacht endlich deutschen Boden betreten. Der Kommandeur befiehlt dem Dudelsackspieler zu spielen, als das Regiment am 22. Februar 1945 die deutsche Grenze überschreitet. In der Kolonne befindet sich auch der 25-jährige Oberleutnant Hugh McCutcheon, der einen Zug der B-Kompanie anführt. Eine Woche später kämpft seine Einheit um eine Passage zwischen dem Hochwald und dem Tüschenwald. Vom Uedemerbruch aus versuchen kanadische Panzer in Richtung Xanten durchzubrechen, aber die deutschen Verteidiger sind gut vorbereitet und schalten die Panzer einen nach dem anderen aus. Die Operation „Blockbuster“ droht zu scheitern. Im Morgengrauen des 28. Februar erhält die Infanterie, darunter auch McCutcheons Gruppe, den Befehl, die Deutschen aus ihren Stellungen in den Wäldern zu vertreiben. Als der Angriff ins Stocken gerät, ruft Captain Len Perry, der Kommandeur der B-Kompanie, über Funk um Hilfe. Die Kanadier werden diesen Durchbruch als einen der härtesten Frontabschnitte in Westeuropa in Erinnerung behalten“, so ein kanadischer Kriegsjournalist. De mannen van het Canadese regiment Argyll &amp; Sutherland Highlanders zijn vol vertrouwen als ze op een koude, mistige nacht eindelijk Duitse grond betreden. De commandant beveelt de doedelzakspeler om te spelen terwijl het regiment op 22 februari 1945 de Duitse grens oversteekt. In de colonne loopt ook de 25-jarige eerste luitenant Hugh McCutcheon, die leiding geeft aan een peloton van de B-compagnie. Een week later vecht zijn eenheid om een doorgang tussen het Hochwald en het Tüschenwald. Vanaf Uedemerbruch proberen Canadese tanks door te breken richting Xanten, maar de Duitse verdedigers zijn goed voorbereid en schakelen de tanks één voor één uit. Operatie ‘Blockbuster’ dreigt te mislukken. Bij zonsopgang op 28 februari krijgt de infanterie, inclusief McCutcheons groep, het bevel om de Duitsers uit hun stellingen in de bossen te verdrijven. Als de aanval vastloopt, roept kapitein Len Perry, de commandant van de B-compagnie, via de radio om hulp. ‘De Canadezen zullen zich deze doorbraak herinneren als een van de zwaarste frontgebieden in West-Europa’, aldus een Canadese oorlogsjournalist.

 Harte Kämpfe der Kanadier  Zware gevechten van de Canadezen Tough battles of the Canadians

The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, located at the tip of the Île de la Cité in Paris, is a solemn tribute to the 200,000 French victims deported to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Inaugurated on April 12, 1962, by General Charles de Gaulle, the memorial was conceived by architect Georges-Henri Pingusson in 1960. It was created to evoke the suffering, extermination, and degradation endured by the deportees and to inspire reflection on these atrocities.The memorial’s design is symbolic, suggesting aspects characteristic of the concentration camp world: imprisonment, oppression, and the impossibility of escape. Visitors are led on an “initiatory journey” culminating in a crypt housing the remains of an unknown deportee. Fifteen urns containing soil and ashes from the main Nazi camps are also present, encouraging contemplation and meditation through silence and solitude.A complementary educational path was finalized in January 2022. This new museography, based on the latest historical research, helps understand the singularities of different deportations, the repressive German policy in French territory, collaboration, and the processes of protecting memories of World War II. The educational path is designed to strengthen the memorial’s impact, especially among younger generations, in response to the rise of Holocaust denial.

Mémorial des martyrs de la déportation

Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Memorial of the Deportation Martyrs)

The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, located at the tip of the Île de la Cité in Paris, is a solemn tribute to the 200,000 French victims deported to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Inaugurated on April 12, 1962, by General Charles de Gaulle, the memorial was conceived by architect Georges-Henri Pingusson in 1960. It was created to evoke the suffering, extermination, and degradation endured by the deportees and to inspire reflection on these atrocities.The memorial’s design is symbolic, suggesting aspects characteristic of the concentration camp world: imprisonment, oppression, and the impossibility of escape. Visitors are led on an “initiatory journey” culminating in a crypt housing the remains of an unknown deportee. Fifteen urns containing soil and ashes from the main Nazi camps are also present, encouraging contemplation and meditation through silence and solitude.A complementary educational path was finalized in January 2022. This new museography, based on the latest historical research, helps understand the singularities of different deportations, the repressive German policy in French territory, collaboration, and the processes of protecting memories of World War II. The educational path is designed to strengthen the memorial’s impact, especially among younger generations, in response to the rise of Holocaust denial. Le Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, situé à la pointe de l'île de la Cité à Paris, est un hommage solennel aux 200 000 victimes françaises déportées dans les camps de concentration nazis pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Inauguré le 12 avril 1962 par le général Charles de Gaulle, le mémorial a été conçu par l'architecte Georges-Henri Pingusson en 1960. Il a été créé pour évoquer les souffrances, l'extermination et la dégradation subies par les déportés et pour susciter une réflexion sur ces atrocités.La conception du mémorial est symbolique, suggérant des aspects caractéristiques de l'univers concentrationnaire : l'emprisonnement, l'oppression et l'impossibilité de s'échapper. Le visiteur est guidé dans un "parcours initiatique" qui aboutit à une crypte abritant la dépouille d'un déporté inconnu. Quinze urnes contenant de la terre et des cendres des principaux camps nazis sont également présentes, encourageant la contemplation et la méditation dans le silence et la solitude.Un parcours pédagogique complémentaire a été finalisé en janvier 2022. Cette nouvelle muséographie, basée sur les dernières recherches historiques, permet de comprendre les singularités des différentes déportations, la politique répressive allemande sur le territoire français, les collaborations et les processus de protection des mémoires de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Le parcours pédagogique vise à renforcer l'impact du mémorial, notamment auprès des jeunes générations, en réponse à la montée du négationnisme. Das Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation an der Spitze der Île de la Cité in Paris ist eine feierliche Gedenkstätte für die 200 000 französischen Opfer, die während des Zweiten Weltkriegs in die Konzentrationslager der Nazis deportiert wurden. Die am 12. April 1962 von General Charles de Gaulle eingeweihte Gedenkstätte wurde 1960 von dem Architekten Georges-Henri Pingusson entworfen. Es soll an das Leiden, die Ausrottung und die Erniedrigung der Deportierten erinnern und zum Nachdenken über diese Gräueltaten anregen. Die Gestaltung der Gedenkstätte ist symbolisch und verweist auf Aspekte, die für die Welt der Konzentrationslager charakteristisch sind: Gefangenschaft, Unterdrückung und die Unmöglichkeit der Flucht. Der Besucher wird auf eine "Initiationsreise" geführt, die in einer Krypta mit den sterblichen Überresten eines unbekannten Deportierten endet. Fünfzehn Urnen mit Erde und Asche aus den wichtigsten nationalsozialistischen Lagern laden zum Nachdenken und zur Meditation in Stille und Einsamkeit ein. Ein ergänzender Lehrpfad wurde im Januar 2022 fertiggestellt. Diese neue Museografie, die sich auf die neuesten historischen Forschungen stützt, trägt dazu bei, die Besonderheiten der verschiedenen Deportationen, die repressive deutsche Politik auf französischem Gebiet, die Kollaboration und die Prozesse zur Bewahrung der Erinnerung an den Zweiten Weltkrieg zu verstehen. Der pädagogische Weg soll die Wirkung der Gedenkstätte vor allem bei den jüngeren Generationen verstärken, um der zunehmenden Leugnung des Holocaust entgegenzutreten. Het Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, gelegen op het puntje van het Île de la Cité in Parijs, is een plechtig eerbetoon aan de 200.000 Franse slachtoffers die tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog naar nazi-concentratiekampen werden gedeporteerd. Het monument, dat op 12 april 1962 werd ingehuldigd door generaal Charles de Gaulle, werd in 1960 ontworpen door architect Georges-Henri Pingusson. Het werd opgericht om het lijden, de uitroeiing en de vernedering van de gedeporteerden op te roepen en om na te denken over deze wreedheden.Het ontwerp van het monument is symbolisch en suggereert aspecten die kenmerkend zijn voor de concentratiekampwereld: opsluiting, onderdrukking en de onmogelijkheid om te ontsnappen. Bezoekers worden meegenomen op een "inwijdingsreis" die eindigt in een crypte waar de overblijfselen van een onbekende gedeporteerde liggen. Vijftien urnen met aarde en as uit de belangrijkste nazikampen zijn ook aanwezig en moedigen aan tot contemplatie en meditatie door middel van stilte en eenzaamheid.In januari 2022 werd de laatste hand gelegd aan een aanvullend educatief pad. Deze nieuwe museografie, gebaseerd op het meest recente historische onderzoek, helpt de bijzonderheden van de verschillende deportaties, het repressieve Duitse beleid op Frans grondgebied, de collaboratie en de beschermingsprocessen van de herinneringen aan de Tweede Wereldoorlog te begrijpen. Het educatieve traject is ontworpen om de impact van het monument te versterken, vooral bij jongere generaties, als antwoord op de toenemende ontkenning van de Holocaust. Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, znajdujący się na krańcu Île de la Cité w Paryżu, jest hołdem dla 200 000 francuskich ofiar deportowanych do nazistowskich obozów koncentracyjnych podczas II wojny światowej. Miejsce pamięci, zainaugurowane 12 kwietnia 1962 roku przez generała Charlesa de Gaulle'a, zostało zaprojektowane przez architekta Georgesa-Henriego Pingussona w 1960 roku. Jego celem było ukazanie cierpienia, zagłady i degradacji, jakich doświadczyli deportowani, a także zainspirowanie do refleksji nad tymi okrucieństwami.Projekt pomnika jest bardzo symboliczny, odzwierciedlając aspekty charakterystyczne dla świata obozów koncentracyjnych: uwięzienie, ucisk i niezdolność do ucieczki. Odwiedzający są prowadzeni w „inicjacyjną podróż”, której kulminacją jest krypta zawierająca szczątki nieznanego deportowanego. Piętnaście urn zawierających ziemię i prochy z głównych obozów nazistowskich skłania do kontemplacji i medytacji w ciszy i samotności.Dodatkowa ścieżka edukacyjna została ukończona w styczniu 2022 roku. Ta nowa muzeografia, oparta na najnowszych badaniach historycznych, pomaga zrozumieć specyfikę różnych deportacji, represyjną politykę niemiecką na terytorium Francji, kolaborację i procesy ochrony pamięci o II wojnie światowej. Ścieżka edukacyjna ma na celu wzmocnienie wpływu miejsca pamięci, zwłaszcza wśród młodszych pokoleń, w odpowiedzi na wzrost negacji Holokaustu. Il Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, situato sulla punta dell'Île de la Cité a Parigi, è un solenne omaggio alle 200.000 vittime francesi deportate nei campi di concentramento nazisti durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Inaugurato il 12 aprile 1962 dal generale Charles de Gaulle, il memoriale fu concepito dall'architetto Georges-Henri Pingusson nel 1960. È stato creato per evocare la sofferenza, la distruzione e la degradazione subiti dai deportati e per ispirare una riflessione su queste atrocità.Il design del memoriale è simbolico e rappresenta gli aspetti caratteristici del mondo dei campi di concentramento: la prigionia, l'oppressione e l'impossibilità di fuggire. I visitatori sono guidati in un “viaggio iniziatico” che culmina in una cripta che ospita i resti di un deportato sconosciuto. Sono presenti anche quindici urne contenenti terra e ceneri provenienti dai principali campi nazisti, che incoraggiano la contemplazione e la meditazione in silenzio e solitudine.Un percorso didattico complementare è stato finalizzato nel gennaio 2022. Questa nuova museografia, basata sulle più recenti ricerche storiche, aiuta a comprendere le singolarità delle diverse deportazioni, la politica repressiva tedesca in territorio francese, la collaborazione e i processi di protezione della memoria della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Il percorso educativo è pensato per rafforzare l'impatto del memoriale, soprattutto tra le giovani generazioni, in risposta all'aumento del negazionismo dell'Olocausto.

 Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Gedenkteken van de martelaren van deportatie) Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Memorial of the Deportation Martyrs) Denkmal für die Märtyrer der Deportation Pomnik Pamięci Męczenników Deportacji Memoriale dei Martiri della Deportazione

The purpose of the museum is to make permanently visible the Air and World War II as it took place over the River Region. By honoring Allied airmen and civilians who gave their lives or were captured. Recording this history and making it permanently available.A permanent exhibition has been set up at Fort near Asperen where films, photographs, documents and parts of aircraft will be on display and where the stories of the pilots, resistance fighters and ordinary people will be told.The museum is located on the second floor of the fort tower at Fort near Asperen. Open from May through September Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (the fort tower can also be visited).

Skye of Hope Museum

Airmen's Museum Sky of Hope

The purpose of the museum is to make permanently visible the Air and World War II as it took place over the River Region. By honoring Allied airmen and civilians who gave their lives or were captured. Recording this history and making it permanently available.A permanent exhibition has been set up at Fort near Asperen where films, photographs, documents and parts of aircraft will be on display and where the stories of the pilots, resistance fighters and ordinary people will be told.The museum is located on the second floor of the fort tower at Fort near Asperen. Open from May through September Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (the fort tower can also be visited). Het doel van het museum is het permanent zichtbaar maken van de Lucht- en Tweede Wereldoorlog zoals die zich boven het Rivierengebied heeft afgespeeld. Door het eren van geallieerde vliegeniers en burgers die het leven gaven of die gevangen werden genomen. Het vastleggen van deze geschiedenis en deze permanent beschikbaar maken.Op Fort bij Asperen is een permanente tentoonstelling ingericht waar o.a. films, foto's, documenten en onderdelen van vliegtuigen te zien zullen zijn en waar de verhalen van de piloten, verzetsstrijders en gewone mensen verteld worden.Het museum is gevestigd op de eerste verdieping van de forttoren van Fort bij Asperen. Open van mei t/m september op woensdag t/m zondag van 13.00 tot 17.00 uur (de forttoren is eveneens te bezichtigen). &nbsp;

 Vliegeniersmuseum Sky of Hope Airmen's Museum Sky of Hope

​​With estimates of 20,000-30,000 incendiary bombs being dropped on this area of London during the Luftwaffe (German Airforce) raid, hundreds of fires would breakout.&nbsp;​The Auxiliary Fire Service would deploy and try to do its best to manage all different scales and sizes of fire across this area of the city. &nbsp;​It was here at this location, Shoe Lane, that years later a scene from that night would be captured in a painting. An official British war artist, Leonard Rosoman painted the artwork ‘The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane’.&nbsp;​Rosoman was present at Shoe Lane on that night and narrowly escaped being injured or killed. He witnessed what took place and the memories remained with him. His artwork of the scene at Shoe Lane recalls images of that night.&nbsp;​&nbsp;Auxiliary Fireman Sidney Alfred Holder was here at this location on that night carrying out his duties and died&nbsp;<s> </s>when a building wall collapsed onto him causing catastrophic injuries. He is commemorated and remembered by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission that states he was 33 years of age and lived at 49 Cool Oak Lane, Hendon. He was injured at Wine Office Court and died the same day of his injuries near St Batholomew’s Hospital. Wine Office Court is just along Shoe Lane beyond where the memorial plaque is located.&nbsp;​&nbsp;​The plaque was unveiled on 11 August 2011 and reads-&nbsp;​&nbsp;​‘In Memory of&nbsp;Auxiliary Fireman&nbsp;​Sidney Alfred Holder&nbsp;​&nbsp;​Who died as a result of injuries received from a collapsing wall while fighting fire on this site in World War II on the night of the City Blitz 29-30 December 1940.’&nbsp;​&nbsp;​The artwork of ‘The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane’ can be viewed here, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296">https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296</a>&nbsp;

Aux Fireman Holder

​​With estimates of 20,000-30,000 incendiary bombs being dropped on this area of London during the Luftwaffe (German Airforce) raid, hundreds of fires would breakout.&nbsp;​The Auxiliary Fire Service would deploy and try to do its best to manage all different scales and sizes of fire across this area of the city. &nbsp;​It was here at this location, Shoe Lane, that years later a scene from that night would be captured in a painting. An official British war artist, Leonard Rosoman painted the artwork ‘The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane’.&nbsp;​Rosoman was present at Shoe Lane on that night and narrowly escaped being injured or killed. He witnessed what took place and the memories remained with him. His artwork of the scene at Shoe Lane recalls images of that night.&nbsp;​Auxiliary Fireman Sidney Alfred Holder was here at this location on that night carrying out his duties and died when a building wall collapsed onto him causing catastrophic injuries. He is commemorated and remembered by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission that states he was 33 years of age and lived at 49 Cool Oak Lane, Hendon. He was injured at Wine Office Court and died the same day of his injuries near St Batholomew’s Hospital. Wine Office Court is just along Shoe Lane beyond where the memorial plaque is located.&nbsp;​&nbsp;​The plaque was unveiled on 11 August 2011 and reads-&nbsp;​&nbsp;​‘In Memory of&nbsp;​&nbsp;​Auxiliary Fireman&nbsp;​Sidney Alfred Holder&nbsp;​&nbsp;​Who died as a result of injuries received from a collapsing wall while fighting fire on this site in World War II on the night of the City Blitz 29-30 December 1940.’&nbsp;​&nbsp;​The artwork of ‘The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane’ can be viewed here, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296">https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296</a>&nbsp; Avec des estimations de 20 000 à 30 000 bombes incendiaires larguées sur cette zone de Londres pendant le raid de la Luftwaffe (l'armée de l'air allemande), des centaines d'incendies se sont déclarés.Leservice des pompiers auxiliaires se déploie et tente de faire de son mieux pour gérer les incendies de toutes tailles et de toutes envergures dans cette zone de la ville.C'est à cet endroit, Shoe Lane, que, des années plus tard, une scène de cette nuit a été capturée dans une peinture. Leonard Rosoman, artiste de guerre britannique officiel, a peint l'œuvre "The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane" (Le mur qui tombe, Shoe Lane).Rosomanétait présent à Shoe Lane cette nuit-là et a échappé de peu à la mort ou aux blessures. Il a été témoin de ce qui s'est passé et en a gardé un souvenir impérissable. Son œuvre d'art représentant la scène de Shoe Lane rappelle des images de cette nuit-là.Le pompierauxiliaireSidney Alfred Holder se trouvait à cet endroit cette nuit-là, dans l'exercice de ses fonctions, et il est mort lorsqu'un mur d'immeuble s'est effondré sur lui, lui causant des blessures catastrophiques. La Commonwealth War Grave Commission (Commission des sépultures militaires du Commonwealth) se souvient de lui en indiquant qu'il était âgé de 33 ans et qu'il vivait au 49 Cool Oak Lane, à Hendon. Il a été blessé à Wine Office Court et est décédé le jour même de ses blessures près de l'hôpital St Batholomew. Wine Office Court se trouve juste le long de Shoe Lane, au-delà de l'endroit où se trouve la plaque commémorative.La plaque a été dévoilée le 11 août 2011 et se lit comme suit : "La plaque commémorative a été dévoilée le 11 août 2011.En mémoire du pompier auxiliaire Sidney Alfred Holder décédé des suites de blessures causées par l'effondrement d'un mur alors qu'il luttait contre le feu sur ce site pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, dans la nuit du 29 au 30 décembre 1940, lors du Blitz.L'œuvre d'art "The Falling Wall, Shoe Lane" peut être consultée ici, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296">https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/23296</a>

 Porte-pompier auxiliaire Aux Fireman Holder

With the Reich Court Martial and two large military prisons, Torgau was the most important centre of military justice during the Second World War. Among the tens of thousands of Wehrmacht prisoners in Torgau were German soldiers, many of them sentenced as deserters. Members of the resistance in Germany and Europe were also among the prisoners. Hundreds of convicts were executed, including directly in Torgau.The meeting of American and Soviet soldiers on the Elbe on 25 April 1945 put an end to the injustice of military justice in Torgau during the Second World War. After 1945, two Soviet occupation internment camps were set up in Torgau one after the other. One of the two was a collection camp from which German and Soviet convicts were deported to the penal and labour camps in the Soviet Union (Gulag). Finally, in 1950, the SED (Socialist Unity Party of Germany, German: Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) dictatorship set up a prison for men in Fort Zinna. There was also a youth prison for 25 years.In Torgau's Hartenfels Castle, the Torgau Memorial tells the story of how military justice and the penal system were used during National Socialism, the Soviet occupation and the communist dictatorship in East Germany to silence political opponents and establish the dictatorship by force. The exhibition ‘Courage and Powerlessness’ provides information in particular about the fates of those persecuted and imprisoned in prisons and camps in Torgau during the Second World War and after 1945. It shows the conditions of imprisonment, sheds light on the perpetrators and spans the arc to the present day. The exhibition includes moving interviews with former prisoners and family members, impressive objects, media stations, photos and documents. The Torgau Memorial Centre offers guided tours of the exhibition and Fort Zinna as well as project days and training courses. At Fort Zinna, the most important historical place of detention in Torgau, a memorial by the Saxon Memorials Foundation commemorates those who were persecuted.

The Documentation and Information Centre (DIZ) Torgau, part of the Saxon Memorial Foundation, confronts the history of Torgau as a major hub of the National Socialist military judiciary during the Second World War as well as the personal stories of the inmates of Soviet special camps and East German prisons (including a youth detention centre) after 1945.

With the Reich Military Court and two large Wehrmacht prisons, Torgau represented the most important centre of the German military judiciary in the Second World War. Tens of thousands of the Wehrmacht inmates included German soldiers, who were convicted as deserters, as well as members of the European resistance. With executions numbering in the hundreds, the reign of terror did not end until the Americans and Soviets arrived on 25 April 1945.

After the war, the Soviet Army of occupation set up two internment camps in Torgau. One of the two was the central transit camp in the entire Soviet occupation zone from which German and Soviet convicts were deported to the penal and labour camps (gulags) in the Soviet Union.

Located in Torgau’s Hartenfels Castle, the Documentation and Information Centre (DIZ) Torgau recounts the ways in which the military judiciary and penal system were used to silence political opponents and forcible establish the dictatorship during National Socialism, the Soviet occupation and the East German Communist dictatorship.

In its exhibition “Traces of Injustice” DIZ Torgau follows the fates of the persecuted who were held in the prisons and camps in Torgau during the Second World War and after 1945. Documents, photos, reports and video interviews present their moving stories.

DIZ Torgau also offers guided tours and project days including special exhibitions and events as well as tours of Fort Zinna. It was the most important of the former military prisons located in Torgau and today includes a memorial commemorating the victims established by the Saxon Memorial Foundation.

Exhibition covering the Soviet special camps and the East German prison in Torgau.

Exhibition covering the Soviet special camps and the East German prison in Torgau

The exhibition provides an insight into the link-up of American and Soviet troops in Torgau on 25 April 1945

The exhibition tells the stories of those persecuted by the National Socialist military judiciary

View of the exhibition section on the military judiciary in the exhibition “Courage and helplessness”

Memorial Site Torgau

Mit dem Reichskriegsgericht und zwei großen Militärgefängnissen stellte Torgau das wichtigste Zentrum der Militärjustiz im Zweiten Weltkrieg dar. Unter den Zehntausenden Häftlingen der Wehrmacht in Torgau befanden sich deutsche Soldaten, viele von ihnen als Deserteure verurteilt. Ebenso waren Angehörige des Widerstands in Deutschland und in Europa unter den Inhaftierten. Hunderte Verurteilte wurden hingerichtet, auch direkt in Torgau.Das Zusammentreffen von amerikanischen und sowjetischen Soldaten am 25. April 1945 an der Elbe setzte dem Unrecht der Militärjustiz im Zweiten Weltkrieg in Torgau ein Ende. Nach 1945 bestanden in Torgau nacheinander zwei Internierungslager der sowjetischen Besatzungsmacht. Eines der beiden war ein Sammellager, von dem aus deutsche und sowjetische Verurteilte in die Straf- und Arbeitslager in der Sowjetunion (Gulag) deportiert wurden. Schließlich richtete 1950 die SED-Diktatur im Fort Zinna ein Gefängnis für Männer ein. Zusätzlich existierte 25 Jahre lang ein Jugendgefängnis.Im Torgauer Schloss Hartenfels erzählt der Erinnerungsort Torgau, wie Militärjustiz und Strafvollzug während des Nationalsozialismus, der sowjetischen Besatzungszeit und der kommunistischen Diktatur in Ostdeutschland genutzt wurden, um politische Gegner zum Schweigen zu bringen und die Diktatur gewaltsam zu errichten. Die Ausstellung „Mut und Ohnmacht“ informiert insbesondere über die Schicksale der Verfolgten, die im Zweiten Weltkrieg und nach 1945 in Torgau in den Gefängnissen und Lagern inhaftiert waren. Sie zeigt die Bedingungen der Haft, beleuchtet die Täter und spannt den Bogen in die Gegenwart. Zur Ausstellung gehören berührende Interviews mit ehemaligen Häftlingen und Familienangehörigen, eindrückliche Objekte, Medienstationen, Fotos und Dokumente.Der Erinnerungsort Torgau bietet Führungen durch die Ausstellung und am Fort Zinna sowie Projekttage und Fortbildungen an. Am Fort Zinna als wichtigstem historischem Haftort in Torgau erinnert ein Denkmal der Stiftung Sächsische Gedenkstätten an die Verfolgten. With the Reich Court Martial and two large military prisons, Torgau was the most important centre of military justice during the Second World War. Among the tens of thousands of Wehrmacht prisoners in Torgau were German soldiers, many of them sentenced as deserters. Members of the resistance in Germany and Europe were also among the prisoners. Hundreds of convicts were executed, including directly in Torgau.The meeting of American and Soviet soldiers on the Elbe on 25 April 1945 put an end to the injustice of military justice in Torgau during the Second World War. After 1945, two Soviet occupation internment camps were set up in Torgau one after the other. One of the two was a collection camp from which German and Soviet convicts were deported to the penal and labour camps in the Soviet Union (Gulag). Finally, in 1950, the SED (Socialist Unity Party of Germany, German: Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) dictatorship set up a prison for men in Fort Zinna. There was also a youth prison for 25 years.In Torgau's Hartenfels Castle, the Torgau Memorial tells the story of how military justice and the penal system were used during National Socialism, the Soviet occupation and the communist dictatorship in East Germany to silence political opponents and establish the dictatorship by force. The exhibition ‘Courage and Powerlessness’ provides information in particular about the fates of those persecuted and imprisoned in prisons and camps in Torgau during the Second World War and after 1945. It shows the conditions of imprisonment, sheds light on the perpetrators and spans the arc to the present day. The exhibition includes moving interviews with former prisoners and family members, impressive objects, media stations, photos and documents.The Torgau Memorial Centre offers guided tours of the exhibition and Fort Zinna as well as project days and training courses. At Fort Zinna, the most important historical place of detention in Torgau, a memorial by the Saxon Memorials Foundation commemorates those who were persecuted. Avec la Cour martiale du Reich et deux grandes prisons militaires, Torgau était le centre le plus important de la justice militaire pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Parmi les dizaines de milliers de prisonniers de la Wehrmacht à Torgau se trouvaient des soldats allemands, souvent condamnés pour désertion. Des membres de la résistance en Allemagne et en Europe figuraient également parmi les prisonniers. Des centaines de condamnés ont été exécutés, y compris directement à Torgau.La rencontre de soldats américains et soviétiques sur l'Elbe, le 25 avril 1945, a mis fin à l'injustice de la justice militaire à Torgau pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Après 1945, deux camps d'internement de l'occupation soviétique ont été installés l'un après l'autre à Torgau. L'un d'eux était un camp de collecte d'où les condamnés allemands et soviétiques étaient déportés vers les camps pénitentiaires et de travail de l'Union soviétique (Goulag). Enfin, en 1950, la dictature du SED (Parti de l'unité socialiste d'Allemagne, allemand : Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) a créé une prison pour hommes à Fort Zinna. Il y avait également une prison pour jeunes de 25 ans.Dans le château Hartenfels de Torgau, le Mémorial de Torgau raconte comment la justice militaire et le système pénal ont été utilisés pendant le national-socialisme, l'occupation soviétique et la dictature communiste en Allemagne de l'Est pour faire taire les opposants politiques et établir la dictature par la force. L'exposition "Courage et impuissance" fournit des informations en particulier sur le sort des personnes persécutées et emprisonnées dans les prisons et les camps de Torgau pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale et après 1945. Elle montre les conditions d'emprisonnement, fait la lumière sur les coupables et couvre la période jusqu'à aujourd'hui. L'exposition comprend des interviews émouvantes d'anciens prisonniers et de membres de leurs familles, des objets impressionnants, des stations médias, des photos et des documents. Le Centre commémoratif de Torgau propose des visites guidées de l'exposition et du Fort Zinna, ainsi que des journées de projet et des cours de formation. Au Fort Zinna, le lieu de détention historique le plus important de Torgau, un mémorial de la Fondation des mémoriaux saxons commémore les persécutés. Met de Krijgsraad van het Rijk en twee grote militaire gevangenissen was Torgau het belangrijkste centrum van militaire rechtspraak tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Onder de tienduizenden Wehrmacht-gevangenen in Torgau bevonden zich Duitse soldaten, velen van hen veroordeeld als deserteurs. Ook leden van het verzet in Duitsland en Europa behoorden tot de gevangenen. Honderden veroordeelden werden geëxecuteerd, waaronder direct in Torgau.De ontmoeting van Amerikaanse en Sovjetsoldaten aan de Elbe op 25 april 1945 maakte een einde aan het onrecht van de militaire rechtspraak in Torgau tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Na 1945 werden in Torgau de ene na de andere Sovjet-interneringskamp opgericht. Een van de twee was een verzamelkamp van waaruit Duitse en Sovjet veroordeelden werden gedeporteerd naar de straf- en werkkampen in de Sovjet-Unie (Goelag). Ten slotte richtte de dictatuur van de SED (Socialistische Eenheidspartij van Duitsland, Duits: Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) in 1950 een mannengevangenis op in Fort Zinna. Er was ook een jeugdgevangenis voor 25 jaar.In kasteel Hartenfels in Torgau vertelt het Torgau Memorial hoe militaire rechtspraak en het strafsysteem tijdens het nationaalsocialisme, de Sovjetbezetting en de communistische dictatuur in Oost-Duitsland werden gebruikt om politieke tegenstanders het zwijgen op te leggen en de dictatuur met geweld te vestigen. De tentoonstelling 'Moed en onmacht' geeft vooral informatie over het lot van de vervolgden en gevangenen in gevangenissen en kampen in Torgau tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en na 1945. De tentoonstelling laat de omstandigheden van de gevangenschap zien, werpt licht op de daders en bestrijkt de periode tot nu. De tentoonstelling bevat ontroerende interviews met voormalige gevangenen en familieleden, indrukwekkende voorwerpen, mediastations, foto's en documenten. Het Herinneringscentrum Torgau biedt rondleidingen door de tentoonstelling en Fort Zinna, evenals projectdagen en cursussen. Op Fort Zinna, de belangrijkste historische gevangenis in Torgau, herdenkt een gedenkteken van de Saxon Memorials Foundation de vervolgden. Ze względu na Sąd Wojenny Rzeszy i dwa duże więzienia wojskowe, Torgau było najważniejszym ośrodkiem sądownictwa wojskowego podczas II wojny światowej. Wśród dziesiątek tysięcy więźniów Wehrmachtu w Torgau znajdowali się niemieccy żołnierze, wielu z nich skazanych za dezercję. Wśród więźniów byli także członkowie ruchu oporu w Niemczech i Europie. Setki skazańców zostało straconych, w tym bezpośrednio w Torgau.Spotkanie amerykańskich i radzieckich żołnierzy na Łabie 25 kwietnia 1945 r. położyło kres niesprawiedliwości wojskowego wymiaru sprawiedliwości w Torgau podczas II wojny światowej. Po 1945 r. w Torgau utworzono dwa sowieckie okupacyjne obozy internowania, jeden po drugim. Jeden z nich był obozem zbiorczym, z którego niemieccy i radzieccy skazańcy byli deportowani do obozów karnych i obozów pracy w Związku Radzieckim (System Gułag). W 1950 r. dyktatura SED (Socjalistyczna Partia Jedności Niemiec, niem. Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) utworzyła w Forcie Zinna więzienie dla mężczyzn. Przez 25 lat istniało tam również więzienie dla młodzieży.Miejsce Pamięci Torgau w zamku Hartenfels w Torgau opowiada o tym, jak wojskowy wymiar sprawiedliwości i system karny były wykorzystywane podczas narodowego socjalizmu, okupacji sowieckiej i dyktatury komunistycznej w Niemczech Wschodnich do uciszania przeciwników politycznych i ustanawiania dyktatury siłą. Wystawa „Odwaga i bezsilność” dostarcza informacji w szczególności o losach osób prześladowanych i więzionych w więzieniach i obozach w Torgau podczas II wojny światowej i po 1945 roku. Pokazuje warunki więzienia, rzuca światło na sprawców i obejmuje okres od początku wojny do dnia dzisiejszego. Wystawa prezentuje poruszające wywiady z byłymi więźniami i członkami ich rodzin, niezwykłe eksponaty, stacje multimedialne, zdjęcia i dokumenty.Centrum Pamięci Torgau oferuje zwiedzanie wystawy i Fortu Zinna z przewodnikiem, a także dni poświęcone projektom i szkolenia. W Forcie Zinna, najważniejszym historycznym miejscu przetrzymywania w Torgau, znajduje się pomnik wystawiony przez Saksońską Fundację Miejsc Pamięci, upamiętniający prześladowanych. Costituito dalla Corte Marziale del Reich e da due grandi prigioni militari, Torgau fu il centro più importante della giustizia militare durante la Seconda guerra mondiale. Tra le decine di migliaia di prigionieri della Wehrmacht a Torgau c'erano soldati tedeschi, molti dei quali condannati come disertori. Oltre ad essi, trai i prigionieri si trovavano anche membri della resistenza tedesca ed europea. Centinaia di detenuti furono giustiziati, anche direttamente a Torgau.L'incontro tra soldati americani e sovietici all'Elba, il 25 aprile 1945, pose fine all'iniquità della giustizia militare a Torgau durante la Seconda guerra mondiale. Dopo il 1945, a Torgau furono istituiti due campi d'internamento dell'occupazione sovietica. Uno dei due aveva funzione di campo di raccolta da cui i detenuti tedeschi e sovietici venivano poi deportati nei campi penali e di lavoro dell'Unione Sovietica (Gulag). Infine, nel 1950, la dittatura del SED (Partito di Unità Socialista della Germania, in tedesco: Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands) istituì un carcere maschile a Fort Zinna. Per 25 anni vi fu anche un carcere giovanile. Il Memoriale di Torgau nel castello di Hartenfels, a Torgau, racconta la storia di come la giustizia militare e il sistema penale siano stati utilizzati durante il nazionalsocialismo, l'occupazione sovietica e la dittatura comunista nella Germania orientale per mettere a tacere gli oppositori politici e instaurare la dittatura con la forza. La mostra "Coraggio e impotenza" fornisce informazioni sul destino delle persone perseguitate e imprigionate nelle prigioni e nei campi di Torgau durante la Seconda guerra mondiale e dopo il 1945. Mostra le condizioni di prigionia, fa luce sui responsabili e copre un arco temporale che arriva fino ai giorni nostri. La mostra comprende interviste toccanti con ex prigionieri e familiari, oggetti impressionanti, stazioni multimediali, foto e documenti. Il Centro della Memoria di Torgau offre visite guidate alla mostra e al Forte Zinna, nonché giornate di progetto e corsi di formazione. Il memoriale della Saxon Memorials Foundation al Forte Zinna, il più importante luogo storico di detenzione di Torgau, ricorda tutti perseguitati.

 Erinnerungsort Torgau Memorial Site Torgau Miejsce pamięci Torgau Site commémoratif de Torgau Il sito commemorativo di Torgau Herdenkingsplaats Torgau

On the night of 3 to 4 July 1941, seven aircraft and crews of the Polish 301 Squadron took part in an attack on targets in Bremen. Vickers Wellington R1492 took off with a crew of six from Syerston air base at 22:53. The 44-year-old Group Captain Boleslaw Feliks Stachoń was the special co-pilot of the aircraft. In the First World War and the Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Bolshevik wars that followed, he served in the Polish army. In the 1920s he learned to fly and functions in that field followed. At the outbreak of the Second World War he commanded the air defence and air component of the Pomeranian army of the Polish armed forces. He fled to England via Romania and France, where he fulfilled various functions and in July 1941 commanded both the Polish 300 and 301 Squadrons. Indications from a radar position led the German Messerschmitt Bf 110 night fighter, flown by the experienced Oberleutnant Helmut Lent, through the dark night to the Wellington. Around 00:30 he got the aircraft in his sights and managed to shoot the left wing on fire with one salvo. Stachoń was most likely also hit by this salvo. The five other crew members managed to get out of the stricken aircraft and descended with their parachutes and landed at Vlagtwedde and 2e Exloërmond.Flying Officer WacławButkiewicz, Flying Officer Julian Stefan Palka, Sergeant Antoni KazimierzDydo, SergeantZbigniewIdzikowski and Sergeant Zdzisław Dzięgiel were immediately taken prisoner.The Wellington crashed in flames in 1e Exloërmond. Stachoń's body was recovered from the wreck and subsequently buried in 2e Exloërmond. In 1962 he was reburied in the Polish military cemetery in Breda. The stone that had covered his grave is now left as a monument in the former mortuary at the cemetery.The remaining five crew members survived almost four years in German captivity and returned to England in 1945, where they stayed and built their lives. None of them returned to their homeland, where the communists were in power.

Dziegiel Zdzislaw

Zbigniew Idzikowski

Antoni Kazimierz Dydo

Waclaw Butkiewicz

Julian Stefan Palka

Wellington 301 Squadron

Boleslaw Feliks Stachon

Crashed after one salvo

On the night of 3 to 4 July 1941, seven aircraft and crews of the Polish 301 Squadron took part in an attack on targets in Bremen. Vickers Wellington R1492 took off with a crew of six from Syerston air base (England) at 22:53. The 44-year-old Group Captain Boleslaw Feliks Stachoń was the special co-pilot of the aircraft. In the First World War and the Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Bolshevik wars that followed, he served in the Polish army. In the 1920s he learned to fly and functions in that field followed. At the outbreak of the Second World War he commanded the air defence and air component of the Pomeranian army of the Polish armed forces. He fled to England via Romania and France, where he fulfilled various functions and in July 1941 commanded both the Polish 300 and 301 Squadrons. Indications from a radar position led the German Messerschmitt Bf 110 night fighter, flown by the experienced Oberleutnant Helmut Lent, through the dark night to the Wellington. Around 00:30 Lent got the aircraft in his sights and managed to shoot the left wing on fire with one salvo. Stachoń was most likely also hit by this salvo. The five other crew members managed to get out of the stricken aircraft and descended with their parachutes and landed at Vlagtwedde and 2e Exloërmond.Flying Officer Wacław Butkiewicz, Flying Officer Julian Stefan Palka, and Sergeants Antoni Kazimierz Dydo, Zbigniew Idzikowski and Zdzisław Dzięgiel were immediately taken prisoner.The Wellington crashed in flames in 1e Exloërmond. Stachoń's body was recovered from the wreck and subsequently buried in 2e Exloërmond. In 1962 he was reburied in the Polish military cemetery in Breda. The stone that had covered his grave is now left as a monument in the former mortuary at the cemetery.The remaining five crew members survived almost four years in German captivity and returned to England in 1945, where they stayed and built their lives. None of them returned to their homeland, where the communists had come to power. In der Nacht vom 3. auf den 4. Juli 1941 nahmen sieben Flugzeuge und Besatzungen des polnischen 301. Jagdgeschwaders an einem Angriff auf Ziele in der deutschen Stadt Bremen teil. Die Vickers Wellington R1492 startete mit einer sechsköpfigen Besatzung um 22:53 Uhr vom Flugplatz Syerston in England. Der 44-jährige Gruppenführer Boleslaw Feliks Stachoń war der spezielle Co-Pilot des Flugzeugs. Im Ersten Weltkrieg und den darauf folgenden polnisch-ukrainischen und polnisch-bolschewistischen Kriegen diente er in der polnischen Armee. In den 1920er Jahren erlernte er das Fliegen, und es folgten verschiedene Funktionen in diesem Bereich. Bei Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs befehligte er die Luftabwehr und die Luftkomponente der pommerschen Armee der polnischen Streitkräfte. Er floh über Rumänien und Frankreich nach England, wo er verschiedene Funktionen ausübte und im Juli 1941 die polnischen Geschwader 300 und 301 befehligte. Hinweise von einer Radarposition führten den deutschen Messerschmitt Bf 110 Nachtjäger, geflogen von dem erfahrenen Oberleutnant Helmut Lent, durch die dunkle Nacht zur Wellington-Maschine. Gegen 00:30 Uhr hatte Lent das Flugzeug im Visier und schaffte es, mit einer Salve die linke Tragfläche in Brand zu schießen. Wahrscheinlich wurde auch Stachoń von dieser Salve getroffen. Den fünf anderen Besatzungsmitgliedern gelang es, sich aus dem angeschlagenen Flugzeug zu befreien und mit ihren Fallschirmen abzuspringen, so dass sie in Vlagtwedde und 2e Exloërmond landeten.Oberleutnant Wacław Butkiewicz, Oberleutnant Julian Stefan Palka und die Feldwebel Antoni Kazimierz Dydo, Zbigniew Idzikowski und Zdzisław Dzięgiel wurden sofort gefangen genommen.Die Wellington stürzte in Flammen in 1e Exloërmond ab. Stachońs Leiche wurde aus dem Wrack geborgen und anschließend in 2e Exloërmond beigesetzt. Im Jahr 1962 wurde er auf dem polnischen Soldatenfriedhof in Breda beigesetzt. Der Stein, der sein Grab bedeckt hatte, steht heute als Denkmal in der ehemaligen Leichenhalle des Friedhofs.Die übrigen fünf Besatzungsmitglieder überlebten fast vier Jahre in deutscher Gefangenschaft und kehrten 1945 nach England zurück, wo sie blieben und sich ein Leben aufbauten. Keiner von ihnen kehrte in sein Heimatland zurück, wo die Kommunisten an die Macht gekommen waren. In de nacht van 3 op 4 juli 1941 namen zeven toestellen en bemanningen van het Poolse 301 Squadron deel aan een aanval op doelen in Bremen. Vickers Wellington R1492 vertrok met een zeskoppige bemanning om 22.53 uur van de vliegbasis Syerston. De 44-jarige Group Captain Boleslaw Feliks Stachoń was de bijzondere copiloot van het toestel. In de Eerste Wereldoorlog en de kort daarop volgende Poolse-Oekraïense en Pools-Bolsjewistische oorlogen diende hij in het Poolse landmacht.&nbsp; In de jaren 20 leerde hij vliegen en er volgden functies in dat domein. Bij het uitbreken van de Tweede Wereldoorlog commandeerde hij de luchtverdediging en luchtcomponent van het Pommerse leger van de Poolse strijdkrachten. Hij week via Roemenië en Frankrijk naar Engeland uit, waar hij diverse functies vervulde en in juli 1941 zowel het Poolse 300 als 301 Squadron commandeerde.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aanwijzingen vanuit een radarstelling leidde de Duitse Messerschmitt Bf 110 nachtjager, gevlogen door de ervaren Oberleutnant Helmut Lent, door de donkere nacht naar de Wellington. Rond 00.30 uur kreeg hij het toestel in het vizier en slaagde erin om met één salvo de linkervleugel in brand te schieten. Hoogstwaarschijnlijk werd ook Stachoń door dit salvo geraakt. De vijf andere bemanningsleden slaagden erin om uit het aangeschoten toestel te komen en daalden aan hun parachutes en landden bij Vlagtwedde en 2e Exloërmond.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flying Officer Wacław Butkiewicz, Flying Officer Julian Stefan Palka, Sergeant Antoni Kazimierz Dydo, Sergeant Zbigniew Idzikowski en sergeant Zdzisław Dzięgiel werden direct krijgsgevangen gemaakt.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;De Wellington stortte brandend in 1e Exloërmond neer. Uit het wrak werd het lichaam van Stachoń geborgen en vervolgens in 2e Exloërmond begraven. In 1962 werd hij herbegraven op het Poolse militaire ereveld in Breda. De steen die zijn graf had bedekt is nu als monument achtergebleven in het voormalige lijkenhuisje op de begraafplaats.&nbsp;&nbsp;De overige vijf bemanningsleden overleefden bijna vier jaar in Duitse krijgsgevangenschap en keerden in 1945 naar Engeland terug, waar zij bleven en hun levens opbouwden. Geen van hen keerde terug naar hun vaderland, waar de communisten aan de macht waren.&nbsp; W nocy z 3 na 4 lipca 1941 r. siedem samolotów i załóg polskiego 301 Dywizjonu wzięło udział w ataku na cele w Bremie. Vickers Wellington R1492 wystartował z sześcioosobową załogą z bazy lotniczej Syerston o godzinie 22:53. Specjalnym drugim pilotem samolotu był 44-letni kapitan grupy Bolesław Feliks Stachoń. W czasie I wojny światowej oraz późniejszych wojen polsko-ukraińskiej i polsko-bolszewickiej służył w polskiej armii. W latach 20. nauczył się latać i pełnił funkcje w tej dziedzinie. W chwili wybuchu II wojny światowej dowodził obroną przeciwlotniczą i komponentem lotniczym Armii Pomorze polskich sił zbrojnych. Przez Rumunię i Francję przedostał się do Anglii, gdzie pełnił różne funkcje, a w lipcu 1941 r. dowodził polskimi dywizjonami 300 i 301. Wskazania radaru doprowadziły niemiecki nocny myśliwiec Messerschmitt Bf 110, pilotowany przez doświadczonego Oberleutnanta Helmuta Lenta, przez ciemną noc do Wellingtona. Około 00:30 udało mu się namierzyć samolot i jedną salwą podpalić jego lewe skrzydło. Stachoń najprawdopodobniej również został trafiony tą salwą. Pięciu pozostałych członków załogi zdołało wydostać się z uszkodzonego samolotu i opadło na spadochronach, lądując w Vlagtwedde i 2e Exloërmond.Podporucznik Wacław Butkiewicz, podporucznik Julian Stefan Palka, sierżant Antoni Kazimierz Dydo, sierżant Zbigniew Idzikowski i sierżant Zdzisław Dzięgiel zostali natychmiast wzięci do niewoli.Wellington rozbił się w płomieniach w 1e Exloërmond. Ciało Stachonia wydobyto z wraku, a następnie pochowano w 2e Exloërmond. W 1962 r. został ponownie pochowany na polskim cmentarzu wojskowym w Bredzie. Kamień, który zakrywał jego grób, jest obecnie pomnikiem w dawnej kostnicy na cmentarzu.Pozostałych pięciu członków załogi przeżyło prawie cztery lata w niemieckiej niewoli i powróciło do Anglii w 1945 roku, gdzie pozostali i zbudowali swoje życie. Żaden z nich nie wrócił do ojczyzny, gdzie władzę sprawowali komuniści.