Free French Resistance
Location
The Hill 60 memorial park at Zillebeke is easily reached from Ieper or the French border.
From Ieper come out of the Rijselpoort and continue straight across at the roundabout onto the N365 following the signs for Rijsel (Flemish for Lille).
Within a short distance you will come to a railway crossing with a Belgian Military Barracks and the road to Mont Kemmel on your right. This crossroads was known as Shrapnel Corner during the war and was under constant bombardment.
Immediately before the railway line is a road off to the left, alongside the railway, and signposted to a number of CWGC Cemeteries.
Take this road and continue towards Zillebeke passing Railway Dugouts Cemetery on your right. You cross over the railway and continue on for two kilometres until you see a sign for Hill 60 directing you off to the left and back over the railway.
From France via either Bailleul/Kemmel or Armentières/Ploegsteert follow the directions for Ieper. Near Voormezele you will reach the Barracks and see the Railway crossing. Coming from Ploegsteert you have to cross the railway and turn immediately right.
14th (Light) Division Memorial at the car park
Just over the bridge there is parking space immediately in front of the Light Division Memorial. The entrance to the Hill 60 Memorial Park is further along to the left.
Just alongside the railway bridge is this small memorial to members of the French Resistance who were shot here on the 2nd October 1944.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.823815 | 2.927559 | Map |
Background
Pierre Marchant and Lucien Olivier had been taken prisoner by the SS near their home close to Lille. They were put on board a train bound for Belgium which stopped near the bridge waiting for a locomotive to arrive from Ieper. What took place here is not certain. They may have attempted to escape or were perhaps simply executed by bored guards.
Whatever transpired, their two bodies were discovered on the embankment by locals the following day. Originally buried at Zillebeke they were later returned to their home town.
The Memorial
This monument was completely renovated for Armistice 2004 and was re-dedicated in the presence of the sister and brother of the deceased.
Alongside an explanatory panel explains the circumstances of their capture.