ClareEighty-two years ago, my namesake along with his comrades in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, and thousands of other allied soldiers, landed on the beaches of Normandy. He fought his way inland and two days later he was dead. Taken prisoner at Putot-en-Besin, he along with 34 others, were murdered by elements of the 12th Panzer Hitlerjugend. Forty men ordered killed by Gen Mohnke. Sat down in a field near Fontenay-le-Pesnel and machine gunned. Five escaped. #FuckNazis
cobalt@cobalt123 Kurt Meyer was for another group of executions by the 12th Panzer. They were responsible for something like 157. Mohnke never was despite being implicated in something like three separate incidents. British soldiers during the Dunkirk rear guard, Canadians (and a couple Brits) in Normandy, and Americans in the Battle of the Bulge.
There is an excellent book on the Normandy murders called Conduct Unbecoming by Howard Margolian
@NunavutBirder Drat. At least he got 10 years in a Soviet prison. It’s really something remarkable to know how your LO died and who was responsible in a war. I doubt I could bear to read the book. You know I think often there will be similar books written about this WH personal SS. About Mohnke:
“He was investigated after the war for war crimes, which included allegations that he was responsible for the killing of prisoners in France in 1940, Normandy in June 1944 and Belgium in December 1944. Although Mohnke served 10 years in Soviet custody, he was never charged with any crimes, and died in 2001, aged 90.”
“He was investigated after the war for war crimes, which included allegations that he was responsible for the killing of prisoners in France in 1940, Normandy in June 1944 and Belgium in December 1944. Although Mohnke served 10 years in Soviet custody, he was never charged with any crimes, and died in 2001, aged 90.”
@cobalt123 In Clare’s incident they were at a forward 12th Panzer HQ when Mohnke called, livid that prisoners were being sent back and told them no more prisoners. The officer there sent them back regardless. At the road to Caan they met up with a column. A staff officer who was probably Mohnke stopped and berated the escorts. Then machine pistols were handed out one of them said in English “and now you die”. And the shooting started. Five managed to run and hide in the wheat. They were later captured but by other units. After the end of the war they led investigators to the site and the mass grave.
At one point I had a tape with the old Sgt Major interviewing one of the escapees long after. But I no longer know when it is.
@NunavutBirder Horrifying. Not enough evidence, ay? Just think it was not really that long ago several times when you and I were younger, that investigations were re-opened. At yet this Nazi lived to sell small trailers and trucks. I hope it was true he suffered often for his chronic pain. And I don’t often wish ill on people. Except for Nazis.
@cobalt123 Meyer was sentenced to death for his roles in the executions. But it was commuted to 14 years and he served less than 9. He became the spokesperson for HIAG an SS denialist organization.