Never forget

August 1, 1944 - the Germans were approaching the forest around Mussy and nearby Grancey. They were aware of the Maquis of Montcalm, but did not know it’s true size and determination, or position. Locals, becoming aware of the German build up, had got word to the Maquis to warn them that the Germans were approaching and deploying their troops so as to surround the forest. It was a long night for the young men of the Maquis in anticipation of what was to come.

August 2 - The Réveillon farm, lofted in the heart of the forest, served as a meeting point for the volunteers, and there a planned approach for repelling the attack was shared. The Maquis took position at the nearby crossroads, ready to meet their enemy. The fighting lasted throughout the day, with the Germans weakened in their attack by lack of knowledge of the forest. They needed to bring in reinforcements, determined not to lose the battle and committed to eradicating the Maquis. However Montcalm made the tactical decision to withdraw. The Maquis was needed to support the liberation of Troyes, so a plan to leave the forest via Villers-Patras and cross the Seine at Pothières was hastily developed and the Maquis mobilised. They joined another maquis at Chaource and made their way together to help liberate Troyes.

“Never forget”, General de Gaulle said, “the flame of resistance does not go out”. There is now a very worthy and fitting monument located at the crossroads between Mussy, Essoyes and Grancey at the place where 49 young men lost their lives in the fight to free France that day.