War Memorial Ochamps

Massive monument to the 2 world wars.
At the top is a very beautiful Piéta in white marble.

In front: the coat of arms of Belgium with the lion 1914 and 1918 on the left and right.
Below a white marble slab with 5 names under 1914 (DAUBY Ali - FRANCOIS Alfred - MARSON Constant - FOUCHER Joseph - LISMAN August) and 4 names under 1940 (HARDY Theophile - TERDEUR Evence - TALLIER Henri - LEJEUNE Maurice).
On the plinth:
Ochamps to his children
died for the fatherland "

On the side left:
"In our prayers, we remember our civilian victims of the wars 1914-1918 and 1940-1945", followed by 6 names
(JEROUVILLE Alphonse - ANSIAUX Marie - HARDY Joseph - TOUSSAINT Jules - GUILLAUME Jb - TOUSSAINT Jules)

On the side right:
"We remember the dedication
of the 321 French soldiers
fallen on the territory of Ochamps
on August 22, 1914

On August 22, 1914, Colonel Detrie Bertrix's column leaves. They travel through the forest of Luchy, to the northern edge of the forest, where they try to cross in the direction of Ochamps. But the Germans, who have occupied the village and the surrounding area, prevented them. Under the fierce fire of the enemy, the ranks of the French Battalion, which cannot possibly move forward, are quickly becoming thin.
Moreover, they are surprised by a German attack, a real ambush in the forest, forcing them to retreat in the direction of Herbeumont.
321 French soldiers died on the battlefield in Ochamps, including their Colonel Henry Detrie.

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Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck