The Oradour Massacre 1944
James Porter SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: £70 includes travel expenses.
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 28th July 2025
- Tagged:
- 1939-45 | Ss Massacre | Military History | France
In June 1944the world's attention was fixed on the beaches of Normandy as the Allies fought their way onto French soil. As part of the German response to the invasion, the 2nd SS Panzer Division 'Das Reich' was ordered to move up from southern France to the Normandy theatre of operations. On the way, in response to attacks by partisans, the SS carried out a number of brutal reprisals. At Oradour-Sur-Glanes over 600 civilians were murdered and the burnt-out remains of the town have been left as a symbol of this barbarity. The talk covers the military situation in June 1944, the story of the Das Reich Division's move, and the dreadful events that resulted.
Views: 19 | Enquiries: 0About James Porter
I am a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. I retired in 2011 after 41 years' service. I attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, received a BA (Hons) at Lancaster University, attended the Army Staff College, Camberley. I have commanded an infantry platoon, company and battalion, and served several tours of duty in Northern Ireland. I also served in West Germany, Berlin and the Falkland Islands. I am originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I live in North Dorset. I offer more than 30 different Military History talks, which may be given face-to-face or via Zoom.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by James Porter
- The German Occupation of the Channel Islands in WW2
- The Battle of Bosworth Field 1485
- The U-Boat War 1939-1945
- First Clash of the Ironclads - MONITOR and MERRIMACK
- Disaster at Isandlwana 1879
- The Battle of Crecy 1346
- The Battle of Cannae 216 BC
- The Final Flight of Lancaster PB 848
- The Battle of Poitiers 1356
- Batterie MIRUS
- The Lochnagar Mine 1916
- Camouflage and Deception in War
- Gallipoli 1915
- Attacks on the Vichy French Fleet in North Africa
Send a message to the speaker
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: