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Villy-La-Ferté National Cemetery

La nécropole nationale de Villy-La-Ferté. © ECPAD

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Villy-la-Ferté National Cemetery is the final resting place of 107 soldiers who died for France during the Second World War. Forming the garrison at the Ouvrage de la Ferté fortifications, these men were killed during the violent battles that took place from 16 to 18 May 1940. Several weeks after this enemy attack, the bodies of these defenders were recovered by a German disciplinary battalion. Thirteen were hastily buried in shell holes. The exact location of their graves was never revealed, much to the distress of their families. It was not until 1973 that, thanks to information given by a German war veteran, their graves were found, thus revealing precious details of the sacrifice made by the Burgundian lieutenant and his men.

La nécropole nationale de Villy-La-Ferté. © ECPAD

Soldats français construisant des fortifications de béton afin de renforcer la ligne Maginot, février 1940. © ECPAD

Soldats français se reposant dans une chambrée de l'ouvrage du Hackenberg, hiver 1939-1940. © ECPAD

Lieutenant Maurice Bourguignon. Né en 1907 à Montmédy, cet officier issu du rang est affecté en avril 1939 au 155e régiment d'infanterie de forteresse (RIF). Commandant le petit ouvrage n°15 de Villy-la-Ferté, il est mort pour la France en mai 1940 aux côtés de ses hommes. © Collection particulière - JEB - DR