In June 1944 the notorious 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich got orders to head at full speed to Normandy to repel the allied invasion. Their journey north was plagued by problems, not least repeated attacks by the French resistance. In reprisal they committed a series of horrific war crimes which ultimately led to the destruction of almost the entire population of Oradour-Sur-Glane. This is that story.

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Written Sources:

• Michael Williams’ Oradour website. An excellent resource covering events in great details: https://oradour.info/
• Centre De La Memoire (Official Oradour Website): https://www.oradour.org/
• R. Hebras, Oradour-Sur-Glane, the Tragedy Hour by Hour (1994)
• G. Pauchou & D. Masfrand, Oradour-Sur-Glane, A Vision of Horror (1970)
• R. Pike, Silent Village, Life and Death in Occupied France (2021)
• H.Watts, One Day at Oradour (2014)
• G. Mouret, Oradour: Li Crime, L Proces (French Language) (2019 Edition)
• J. Lucas, Das Reich, The Military Role of the 2nd SS Division (1999)

Video Sources:

• Interview with R. Hebras (2023) (French Language)    • Robert Hébras raconte  
• Interview with J.M. Darthout (2020) (French Language) https://mon-e-college.loiret.fr/POD/v...
• Interview with M. Rouffranche (1969) (French Language) https://www.ina.fr/ina-eclaire-actu/v...

General Archive Sources:

• Imperial War Museum Archives (IWMA)
• US National Archives (NARA)
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)
• Bundesarchiv (German National Archives)
• National Archives NextGen Catalog
• L’Agence France Presse

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Credits:

• Research/Script & Narration: Dan Hill
• Editor: Shane Greer
• Thumbnail Design: Linus Klassen
• 3D Mapping: Clear Breeze Consulting: https://www.clearbreezeconsulting.com/
• Music & Sound Effects: Envato Elements