Spurred on by the BBC 'Dunkirk' programme I may make a return trip to the Wormhoudt Massacre site when I am next in the area. I have not visited since Autumn 2000 when the future of this atmospheric site was in doubt. It was reportedly saved by the Daily Mail et al, but can any contributors confirm what state it is in? (It's not actually at Wormhoudt, of course)
As you probably know, the original barn hasn't been in existance there for years, but there is a monument to the massacre roughly 100 metres away at the end of the lane. The pond is still there as are the row of trees (stumps?). The last of these trees stood next to the barn and is used as the place that wreaths, etc are placed at remembrance occassions.
That is the condition the site was in when I visited in 2000. At that time there was a threat that the landowner was going to cut down the remains of the trees and fill in the pond (Where Captain Lynn Allen was shot during the massacre).
I received a weird message about 'flood control' and then the same message was posted twice. Unfortunately I can't delete it, so have edited the second copy thus.
Originally posted by Mark Hone@Feb 23 2004, 01:35 AM That is the condition the site was in when I visited in 2000. At that time there was a threat that the landowner was going to cut down the remains of the trees and fill in the pond (Where Captain Lynn Allen was shot during the massacre). Last time I was there was approx. 6months ago. It was still as described then, so I take it that the site has been saved. (Nothing changed in 3 years, so it looks like it anyway). I seem to remember, quite a few years ago being on the site when there was a part of the barn (just part of an upright) still there. As you know, this has now gone (unless the bottom of it still remains in the soil, that is - might be worth a look?)
Mark. Is it just the Wormhoudt site that you are interested in, or have you also visited the site of the 2/Norfolks massacre by elements of the 3/SS-VT "Totenkopf" at Le Paradis?
I have not visited Le Paradis, but would like to do so. I have a local/family connection with the Warwicks, so have always been interested in that incident particularly. (I hasten to add that none of my relatives were involved at Wormhoudt)
Coincidentally I have just seen a photo of the Wormhoudt (more accurately Escquelbec) site as it is now. A replica of the fateful barn has recently been constructed in the actual location.
Originally posted by Mark Hone@Feb 26 2004, 01:32 AM Coincidentally I have just seen a photo of the Wormhoudt (more accurately Escquelbec) site as it is now. A replica of the fateful barn has recently been constructed in the actual location. Excellent . I think that this goes to prove that the site has been saved, don't you? How does it look? B.
Very authentic from the photo I've seen. A chap I was talking to the other day (an experienced tour guide who isn't our own Paul Reed) says that he finds it one of the moving sites he visits. My colleague who helps me with our school battlefeields tours often talks about Wormhoudt (pre reconstructed barn) as one of the three most atmospheric places we have been to in eleven years of tours.
Very authentic from the photo I've seen. A chap I was talking to the other day (an experienced tour guide who isn't our own Paul Reed) says that he finds it one of the moving sites he visits. My colleague who helps me with our school battlefeields tours often talks about Wormhoudt (pre reconstructed barn) as one of the three most atmospheric places we have been to in eleven years of tours.
Hi, I visited the site yesterday, Monday 15th March 2004, and have posted a couple of photos and some text about the site under a different thread on this forum in the War in Europe group. Hope this helps. Incidently its the News of the screws that seems to get the credit for saving the site, at least that what a plaque says. Regards Ali
Thanks for posting the photos Ali, If anyone else wants to see them they are on this thread - http://wwiiforum.com/index.php?showtopic=147&hl= I shall make a point of visiting here when we do the Bray Dunes later this year hopefully. Ryan
