TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

French War Grave Walcourt

On May 16, 1940, 27 French soldiers were killed during a hopeless mission in Walcourt. The battle took place between the German 8th Infantry Division and the French 9th Army.
The French set up their headquarters in the town hall, while the hospital of the 1st Line occupied the church.
Then the 125th Infantry Regiment was ordered to cover the retreat of the 9th Army ...
No civilians were killed, but the French army paid a heavy toll.

A tomb of honor has been erected in the courtyard of the monastery, which is reserved for the priests. Only the remains of aspirant V. Dauchez are buried there.

There are, as it were, 2 tombstones:
Left :
In memory of the twenty-seven French soldiers who died on the field of honor of Walcourt.
This is where aspirant rests
Vincent DAUCHEZ
of the 30th group, grateful
decorated with the Military
Medal and Cross of the
War. Killed
by the enemy
on May 16, 1940 "

In addition, 2 small memorial plaques:
The 125 R.I. - to his dead "
"Souvenir of the 30th G.R.D.I. "

Right :
"50th birthday
125th R.I. 30th G.R.D.I.
Warriors from Walcourt
1940 May 1990 "

"The resistors
To their French comrades "

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

  • Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
  • Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck

Related books

Grebbelinie 1940
Blitzkrieg in the West
Military Operations of the Dutch Army 10th-17th May 1940
The Second World War: Europe and the Mediterranean
Luchtgevaar
Germany's Lightning War