Chemins de Mémoire 14-18 Baranzy

Saturday 22 August 1914 and the days that followed

The tocsin bell announcing the mobilisation was followed by a few days of waiting. But extraordinary news announced that German or French patrols were on the move. The battles commenced early in the morning on 22 August 1914. Baranzy was completely destroyed by the German troops. The Germans set fire to the houses of the village, starting with the Grand'Rue, 86 houses out of 106 were burned down.

Many residents of Baranzy fled to Musson but some of them were taken back to Baranzy. 74 men were deported to Germany, 5 of whom died in captivity. In addition, 30 civilians, including 24 from Baranzy, were executed by the Germans.
After the intervention of the pastor of Musson, the captured women and children were released on August 28.

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Source

• Text: Luc Van Waeyenberge
• Photos: Luc Van Waeyenberge
• Infobord