Monument des fusillés de Tavannes, War memorial in Vaux-devant-Damloup, France
The Monument des fusilles de Tavannes stands near the Bois de la Laufee ravine and marks where 16 resistance fighters were executed during World War II. The memorial sits in a remote location, accessible from National Road 913a, which leads to a descent toward the ravine entrance near Fort Vaux.
In December 1944, railroad worker M. Scherrer discovered a mass grave holding the remains of 15 French and one Belgian, all shot by the Gestapo. This discovery led to the creation of the memorial to honor the victims of these war crimes.
The memorial displays a plaque bearing the names of those executed, including two local priests who resisted German occupation. These names connect visitors to individuals who gave their lives for their beliefs.
Visiting the memorial requires a walk from the parking area, with the path leading downward to the remote site. The visit is best undertaken in sturdy footwear, as the ground can be uneven and wet.
Among the identified victims was Francois De Kinder, a Belgian resistance hero arrested in Paris and brought to Verdun before execution. His story shows how the resistance network extended across national borders.
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