“To 8300 warriors of the Polish Army fallen at the battlefields of France for their liberty and ours.” This inscription stands as a testament to the diverse sacrifices made during times of war near the War Memorial of Lille.
The War Memorial of Lille stands as a solemn reminder of the residents of Lille who perished in the First and Second World Wars. It is a place where the echoes of history resonate. It is a place where the spirit of remembrance endures.
Lille was occupied by the Germans during both World Wars. The first time was from August 27 to September 5 1914. The second time was from October 12 1914. It remained in their hands until October 17 1918. The city itself remained undamaged by Allied artillery.
The Southern Cemetery in Lille transformed into a space utilized by the Germans during much of the First World War. After the Armistice the 39th Stationary Hospital and the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station also used it.
During the Second World War the 50th Division was stationed near Lille in March 1940. Later in May 1940, No.10 Casualty Clearing Station operated within the cemetery from the 16th to the 25th of the month.
Today, Lille Southern Cemetery stands as the final resting place for over 600 casualties from the First World War and nearly 300 from the Second World War. Among these a small number from the First World War remain unidentified. A special memorial honors a soldier from the United Kingdom known to be buried among them. Nearly 40 casualties from the Second World War are also unidentified.
Within Lille Southern Cemetery various plots hold significance. Plot I is known as V.2. Plot II is V.4. Plot III contains British prisoners of war and is designated J.1. Graves from the Second World War are located in French Plot 82.
Among those commemorated at Lille Southern Cemetery are individuals from various nations and military units. These include 321 soldiers from the UK seven from Australia and ten from New Zealand.
One notable individual buried here is Michael Alfred Raymond Trotobas. He was a captain in the Manchester Regiment attached to the French Resistance Movement. He was also part of the Special Operations Executive. Trotobas was killed in action on November 27 1943. He was 29 years old. His headstone bears the inscription “In Loving Memory Of My Son ‘Capitaine Michel’ Killed In Action With The French Resistance.”
Another soldier resting here is Frederic Joscelyn Colless. He was a sergeant in the 32nd Battalion of the Australian Infantry. He died on July 23 1916, at the age of 37. Colless was initially listed as missing at Fleurbaix on July 20 1916. He was later confirmed as a prisoner of war who died at Kriegslz Part 1 in Lille. He succumbed to sepsis caused by grenade splinters in his legs. The Germans buried him at Lille Southern Cemetery.
Reflect on the inscription dedicated to the Polish soldiers. Remember their contribution to the liberation of France. Consider the personal stories of soldiers like Trotobas and Colless. Their sacrifices shaped the course of history. Let the War Memorial of Lille serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of conflict.