British Army Executions Mazingarbe, France, Part B

In my ongoing research with the Canadian soldiers that were Shot at Dawn, I came across the story of Charles Welsh who was executed at the abattoir in Mazingarbe, France on March 06, 1918 in an article from the Toronto Star.

As Mazingarbe was not a far drive from where I'm staying in France, I knew that I had to find this place where these condemned soldiers spent their last moments in life.

In reaching Mazingarbe, I was amazed at such a beautiful little town that holds such a dark moment from its history during World War I.

Today the abattoir is the towns maintenance storage and repair area along with a private home near the front gate. In speaking with the homeowner, he knew of its past history. Afterwards I was guided to the outer wall on the west side of his home.

Rounding the corner, we came to an area where a tall flagpole stands bearing the flag of France. 

Situated on the wall are two memorial plaques that mark the area where the executions took place.

As I've seen in the past, France never seems to hide anything from its history.

Quo Officium Compellit

"Where Duty Calls"