Oradour-sur-Glane: The Abandoned French Village Frozen in Time
On June 10, 1944, just days after D-Day, the Nazi SS Das Reich regiment surrounded the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane and committed a brutal massacre. The event began at 2 pm, where women and children were herded into a church and men into various barns. At 4 pm, SS soldiers opened fire, killing many villagers, while others perished in burning barns. The church was also set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of all women and children inside. In total, 642 villagers were killed, and the entire village was torched.
Before the war, Oradour-sur-Glane was a quiet, rural community in central France. Today, its ruins stand as a somber reminder of Nazi atrocities. Remnants such as crumbling walls and untouched household items have remained in place for decades, attracting tourists and historians alike.
The National World War II Museum describes the village as a haunting testament to the impact of Nazi oppression on civilian populations. Visitors to Oradour-sur-Glane often share their emotional experiences, noting the eerie and powerful atmosphere of the site.
The ruins now serve not only as a historical site but also as a chilling reminder of the dangers of war and the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians during World War II.