Oradour-sur-Glane, France

The date was 10th June 1944, just 4 days after the allied D-day landings and a german division whilst heading north and after hearing rumours of a kidnapped German officer, attacked and destroyed the french town of Oradour-sur-Glane.
They initially rounded up the inhabitants of the town and then took the men to be shot and burned, many of them whilst still alive.
Following this (or around the same time), the women and children who had been assembled in the town church were brutally murdered in a hail of gunfire, followed by the troops piling firewood on top of them and setting it alight.

The town still stands as it was left as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives that day. It's a poignant reminder to all about the depravities of war and is a very sombre place to visit. However, if you are ever in that region of France, I urge you to do so - it will stay with you for life!

If you do decide to visit, then the best time is early morning (especially weekdays) as the memorial opens as it is much quieter and allows you to take in the true nature of the place.

To read a more detailed account of that day in 1944 and the events leading up to it - follow this link to https://www.oradour.info.