BEARING WITNESS TO WAFFEN-SS TERROR
During 2024 and 2025, sixteen courageous individuals shared their stories. Often, these were painful and for many, brought back uncomfortable memories.
For some, this was the continuation of a journey towards a shared remembrance and the need to educate the current generation. For others, this was the first time these memories and emotions had been shared so publicly.
Many towns and villages across France were subjected to a reign of terror inflicted by the
Waffen-SS; only a few have been able to be shared here.
For each location highlighted, there is a general account of the events surrounding the tragedy as well as up to four personal accounts recorded either on film or audio.
Sixteen Courageous Individuals Share Their Stories
All of the stories were facilitated by a psychotherapist trained in trauma and were recorded and transcribed in both French and later translated into English.
In almost every case, a need to share and learn from the tragedy was expressed. Some of the individuals actively educate within their communities, providing lectures at local schools, writing articles and sharing their stories within local martyr committees where present.
Many have expressed the complex emotions that surround these tragedies. Enforced silences and feelings of shame and guilt often accompany the pain of loss.
It is hoped that this project will go some way to helping bring together these disparate stories of tragedy.