TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

French Monument

French monument

The cemetery at Klooster Frenswegen.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 - 1871, the Frenswegen monastery served as a prison camp. Between 450 and 600 French prisoners of war were interned here.

During the internment, a smallpox epidemic broke out among the prisoners. Seven prisoners died of the disease. The dead were buried in a small cemetery next to the monastery.

For every deceased Frenchman there was originally a cross on the grave with his name on it. Because they were weathered, they were removed in the 1960s. At the same time, the small cemetery was surrounded by a hedge and the interior has since been accessed through a gate.

In the center is a sandstone base with a cross, erected by fellow French prisoners. The names of the deceased are written on the base. On the front and back you read:

A la Mémoire des soldiers de France in 1870-1871 R.I.P.
Erige par leurs Compatriotes - (In memory of the French soldiers who died between 1870 and 1871. May they rest in peace. Erected by their countrymen.)

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

  • Text: Traces of war
  • Photos: Willem Visser