France - WWII
History…up close and in person
History was always my favourite subject throughout secondary school and in particular I found learning about World War II fascinating. A trip to France with an ex-partner, who had a shared interest in this period of history, saw us seeking out historical locations and places of interest. This included a dedicated trip to Oradour-sur-Glane. A fully preserved, ruined village that was subject to a Nazi massacre of its civilians. Six hundred and 42 people, including 247 children, were shot or burnt alive on 10 June 1944.
I saw this as a chance to actually to take a trip back in time, to learn and to capture with my camera, such a unique and rare opportunity. I decided to shoot the majority of the photographs in black and white, to try and keep that sense of history. To be able to walk the pavements and picture the town how it might have been and how people lived; it was a trip that will always stay with me - mentally and emotionally.
This shot wasn't planned. I'd sat on the pavement, taking in everything around me. I put my camera beside me and took a photo. How it turned out was beyond what I expected and is my favourite image from that day. I've always referred to this image as 'Death of a Town' and I was proud to win a competition with it.
The town square with a vehicle left parked on the grass where it had been since the massacre. This literally was a snapshot in time.
A view up the street along the tram lines to the tram station. You can still see the overhead cables as well.
Cars parked in yard within the town
Inside the church where the women and children were gathered by the Nazi's. It was said that one woman attempted to escape through one of the windows behind the alter.
A wooden door hanging on its hinges.
Fuel pump still standing, almost waiting
Patterned pavement. It was a bizarre experience to be walking down the same pavements as the people of the town and soldiers who may have been in the town. Truly walking in the footsteps of history.
The local Post Office
A old sewing machine, in pieces in one of the houses