Sunday 24 March 2024

Reims 2024 - Resistance / Deportation Memorial

 The Resistance / Deportation Memorial is dedicated to  to the martyrs of the resistance and deportation who were victims of Nazi repression during the Second World War.  It was inaugurated on May 8, 1955 on the 10th anniversary of the Allied victory.

Resistance / Deportation Memorial Reims

Central to the monument is a granite slab 9 metres by 6.5 metres inscribed  "To the Resistance". 

Resistance / Deportation Memorial Reims

In an alcove is an urn containing ashes from the crematoria in the Mauthausen, Flossenbürg, Bergen-Belsen and Neuengamme concentration camps. 

Concentration Camp Ashes

On the grass embankments either side of the memorial are stone slabs bearing the names of those who were killed. 

The slab on the right is inscribed "They fought, they suffered, they died for the same ideal" and records the names of the resistance fighters and deportees who were shot, killed in battle, died under torture or during deportation.

French Resistance Memorial

On the left the slab is inscribed "Civilian Victims of Nazi Repression", the names recorded being almost all victims of the Holocaust.

Civilian Victims Memorial