Memorial War Victims La Roche

Combined monuments situated at the bridge. The first plaque high up on the monument is dedicated to the war victims of the First World War. The other monuments are for the victims of the Second World War.

The following information can be found in the museum in La Roche:

9 September, 1944, a young Frenchman, Michel Prioux died during the first liberation of the city of La Roche-en-Ardenne.
During the first liberation on September 8th, 1944 the Germans destroyed the two bridges of the city.

The next morning the artillery starts its barrage. After a few hours of battle the Americans under the command of Colonel Sibert enter the city. The Germans count 12 dead and the Americans one, Michel Prioux, the young Frenchman who accompanied the Americans with his unit.
His company did not really participate in the battle for La Roche but found itself in the vicinity of the Americans.
All residents gathered at the day of his funeral on 12 September, 1944. On his coffin the French tricolor was spread.

The theme of the holy mass was: "His death was a symbol for us."
The mayor Jean Orban of Xivry emphasized in his speech: "As the only victim of the 9th of September, 1944, your unanimous witness proves that we adopt him as it was for us that he died in La Roche"and in writing: "Dear Prioux, today La Roche prays for a pious memorization, irrevocable from now on."

Jean Michel Bodelet.

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Source

• Text: Mia van den Berg
• Photos: Lennard Bolijn