Soldatenfriedhof Hautecourt, German military cemetery near Étain, France
Soldatenfriedhof Hautecourt is a German military cemetery near Étain containing approximately 7,885 graves of World War I casualties. The burial sites consist of individual graves alongside three large communal graves, all accessible through stone stairs and a forged iron gate.
French military authorities established this cemetery in February 1920, consolidating smaller German burial grounds from the Verdun battlefield region. The city of Essen assumed patronage in 1933, which led to the discovery and identification of additional fallen soldiers.
Twelve graves of Jewish soldiers feature natural stone steles with Hebrew inscriptions rather than crosses, honoring religious traditions. These distinctive burial markers allow visitors to recognize the diversity among the fallen.
The cemetery is maintained by the German War Graves Commission and sits in a location close to the town, making it easily reachable. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the stone stairs and surrounding paths can become slippery, particularly during wet weather.
This site became an important place for German-French reconciliation following World War I. Today it serves as a symbol of remembrance and peace between two nations that were once bitter enemies.
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