Former German War Cemetery Overrepen

The Butsstraat is the connecting road between Overrepen and Neerepen.
This temporary cemetery on the Butsstraat (section A43m of 1 ha 54 a, at the time belonging to farmer Jozef Lambrix, Lerestraat 13) between Overrepen and Neerrepen was recently set up by the 608th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company (XIX Corps.). A total of 189 German soldiers were buried here. After the war, these bodies were transferred to the German Cemetery in Lommel.

Nothing remains of this temporary cemetery, only the road where it was located.

An eyewitness account.
We were able to speak with Jean Vanhaeren born on February 16, 1936 and raised in Overrepen. He still remembers the presence of the temporary German Military Cemetery as if it were yesterday.
We go out with Jean.
We pass the house Lerestraat 13, the house of Jozef Lambrix. Jozef Lambrix owned the plot that was used as a temporary cemetery. After the war, the intention was to keep the cemetery there permanently, but there was protest because then agricultural land would be lost. With a lot of tug-of-war it was then decided not to keep the cemetery there and to transfer the bodies to the German Military Cemetery in Lommel.
At the intersection of the Lerestraat with the Butsstraat is the Wilmots farm on the left. This farm was used as HQ by the American soldiers present.
In the meadow behind the farm the administrative processing of the fallen German soldiers took place. Identification, determination of injuries and collection of personal items.
Opposite this meadow were the tents and barracks of the American soldiers, along with the logistic support.
Further on in Butsstraat, just before the sharp bend to the right towards Neerrepen, on the left is the plot that was used as a temporary cemetery. The plot is currently enclosed by a wild hedge and is hidden from view. The plot can be accessed via two access points. Nothing remains of the cemetery.

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Source

• Text: Rudi Triki
• Photos: Rudi Triki