European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 13, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse The altar Walls Bear the scratches of the dying. A sign asks for prayers for the 642 baptismal cover was untouched by the Blaze. And brought to trial. A tribunal sentenced two to death and the other 19 to lengthy prison terms. Especially galling to the French was that fact that most of the men in the unit a including those on trial a were French nationals residents of the Alsace Region who had been conscripted by the nazis. Shortly after the convictions the French National Assembly announced an amnesty for the alsatian except for one no who was described As the Only Frenchman to have volunteered for the is duty. His death sentence was commuted to life in prison. The other Soldier sentenced to die a a German a was executed. French investigators never came up with a conclusive reason for the massacre although the testimony of participants has led Many historians to conclude the killings were in retribution for activities of the French resistance. If so said the French Bradour sur glane was mistaken for a town called Bradour sur Ayres. Which was known for its underground activities. According to Hans Umbreit an expert with the German military historical research Institute in Freiburg the massacre was earned out on the orders of a battalion commander a it. Col. Dittmann. Quot the order Given to combat support of the underground was considered in the German army and is As totally wrong because such orders were Only Given on the Eastern front Quot Umbreit said. Quot it is also True that the is Panzer division known As Das Reich a was fresh from the Eastern front i Here Are stories that Dittmann was so dishonoured by the order and massacre that he sought death on the Normandy front. In any Case he was killed there during the fighting Quot today the Village stands in silent testimony to Tine events of june 10, 1944. It has been left untouched As a memorial to the innocent French citizens who died there it is not meant As an accusation it is not a Call for revenge. Or Adoure a simple message is posted on signs throughout the Village remember. Micholls Gienow is a ire Lonco writer living in Italy facts about Bradour Bradour sur glane and its memorial am maintained by the French government and a foundation organized by the survivors and their families. L association drs i anal los or martyrs d Bradour a Wall now surrounds much of the Village it s Gates am open from Sunrise to Sunset every Day of tie year them is no Entrance fee at the West Entrance on the Toad to the town of Javer Dat is an office with information and books which Are available in English about Bradour. I he caretaker is pleasant and helpful but Speaks Only i much Bradour s Story is Best understood by picking up a guide for about $7 at tie office before exploring the ruins the easiest Way to get to Bradour is via the City of Limoges which can be reached by train i Tower a Bradour is difficult to visit without a car the Village is 15 Miles North of Limoges take mule n 141 to route d-9 and follow the signs. Two buses a Day run from Limoges leaving from the place Des gha rentes and arriving in Bradour 40 minutes later i he fare is 15 francs one Way about $3�? Michelle Gienow sign Marks the gathering spot for the car of the Village physician or. Jacques de Courteaux sits where he left it 48 years ago. Photos by Michelle Gienow saturday june 13, 1992 the stars and stripes a Page 15
