The mass grave in Villeneuve-Loubet, full details

[birdie]

Where was the photo of franz taken?

It would be extremely interesting to know where that photo of Franz G, Obergefreiter was taken and if someone could take a modern photo of the location...

[Jean-Loup]

Dont worry, I am working on that, but since there has been so much construction since the war in southern France, I am not sure the house still exists. I have no way of knowing exactely where it was taken, tough it is clearly somewhere on the french riviera.
The photo with the "elephant house" was printed in the local paper saying that I would like to find the house, but I got no replies...
I am still looking though.

JL

[Bradley Smith]

I'm new to these forums, but I had to start with this thread.
Jean-Loup, what you've done and are still doing is remarkable. I commend you sir, and offer my sincerest thanks. Keep going.

Brad.

[ThuleGesellschaft1919]

Franz G in 1944, and some of his items found in 2006.

Just unbelievable..
Thanks for sharing Jean Loup !

[herrzark]

unbelievabel post....

[all1knew]

They were also young and alive once.

Well said.

William Kramer

[tehnotezak]

Unbelivable thread! just yesterday found it.
Jean-Loup, thank You for sharing this amazing discovery
with us.Keep it going!
All the best!

Peter , Croatia

[Swordjumper]

Fascinating thread, I found it extreemly moving.

Seeing those shattered helmets really brings to life the full horror and tragedy of war. I am pleased these men will now be given a dignified resting place.

Excellent work, thank you for sharing this !

[FLiPSiDE]

This is a wonderful thread Jean-Loup and you are a true historian! You did a great service to these men and their families while at the same time providing a piece of the historical puzzle which would have otherwise been lost to time. I admire your enthusiasm, dedication, and your extremely respectful treatment of this very delicate part of history! Keep up the good work, thanks for your help with my own research, and hopefully I will meet you in person some day.

Also keep us informed about the book (you can put me on your pre-order list if you have one)!

[-Ray-]

Jean-Loup:

I honor you with admirable gratitude for your selfless service. I'm just stirred to the depths with the proffesionalism and perception of your research and personal time, rescources and genuine concern you have demonstrated for the honor of these and representation of all Soldiers. You have performed a paramount and homage task in the execution of this chapter in history.

As a former member of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Ft. Lewis Washington from 2000-2003, Iv'e had the great honor to meet with WWII 1st FSSF veterans during our annual "Menton Day Cermonies" they still visit every year. Perhaps they could have been amongst the Soldiers involved in this series of events in Villeneuve-Loubet? Menton France is where the unit officially deactivated. The current 1st Special Forces Group claims it's affiliated origins that absorbed and traces unit lineage to the 1st FSSF that has now morphed (reactivated) as the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). This unit is still and has been engaged in combat to date in Philliphines-Afganistan-Iraq. Was once a proud memeber of the 509th PIR (Pathfinder) in 1985 in FT. Rucker AL. that had seen service in the area as well.

Furthermore, I had the historical and honorable opportunity to serve with and alongside your brave country men During Desert Storm when we went in Iraq and Bosnia in Sarajevo

I had recently placed a thread concerning My German wife's family that were KIA/MIA. My mother in-law told us that they just never came home and don't know if they even have a grave? Your discovery is an example to emulate.

http://wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/s...d.php?t=379805

Vive La France!!!

[Jean-Loup]

Hi CIB

Thanks for your kind comments. If you met up with a delegation of FSSF veterans in 2000-2003, the presidents at that time may have been Bill Story, or Thomas Obrien. Both of them were involved at Villeneuve. If you remember some names of the FSSF men you met, I may be able to tell you if they were involved or not.
In fact, the FSSF wasnt disbanded at Menton as is sometimes said, it was disbanded at Villeneuve-Loubet as well. Some photos of the disbanding ceremony show th Villeneuve castle in the background; the same castle the forcemen had used as a forteress to beat back German counter attacks on August 26th 1944.
Concerning your German familly, the research should be pretty easy, as long as you can find their date of birth. If you can just find out the years of birth, it will already be a big help. The German war graves commission, called Volksbund, has an online search you can use.
See you and best of luck during your deployments.

JL

[Lee Luke]

Great thread! Last year I met Mr. Merle Mcmorrow in Fargo, ND. He wrote a book of his experiences jumping into southern France, the Bulge and Gernmany. I see that he included a few pictures of you and the gravesite.

[ELECTRIC]

Thanks

Jean-Loup, First off thank you for sharing this remarkable story and your extremely hard work in not only the dig and preservation of the artifacts, but with this thread. I also found it very cool that there is a Luftwaffe lantern hanging from the tree in post #54. Thanks again for everything your doing. Tim

[perce621]

Hi

Have spent the last half hour absorbing this thread-truly outstanding thread- fantastic job

Perce

[airtrooper]

JL,

I'm sure that all of us ex-serviceman appreciate guys like you taking the time and interest to research and actively identify these poor souls.

Good on you mate and well done.

And to the subjects involved in this thread..........
.............. Rest In Peace lads.