War Memorial Belfort

This monument is a reminder of the Franco-Prussian war. Due to the determination of the French army, under the command of Colonel Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau, and the citizens of Belfort, the city was not captured. This created the Territoire de Belfort, the part of Alsace that was not transferred to Germany, with the peace of Frankfurt.
The following text (translated) is on the plaque of the monument:

DENFERT-ROCHEREAU
1823-1878
COLONEL OF THE MILITARY ENGINEERING
DEFENDANT OF BELFORT
INVESTMENT 1870-1871

To the enemy who summoned him to surrender, the Colonel answered:

"WE KNOW THE INTEREST OF OUR TASKS AGAINST FRANCE AND THE REPUBLIC AND WE HAVE DECIDED TO COMPLETE THESE".

The garrison and the inhabitants kept their given word flawless.

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Source

• Text: Dick de Bruijne
• Photos: Dick de Bruijne