© irene waters 2014
We had headed for Alsace Lorraine as it was the originating area of German Shepherd Dogs. These dogs are also known as Alsations. There is no difference although many people believe they are different they are the same breed. Their name was changed from German Shepherd as a result of World War II as all things German were not welcome in the countries which opposed the regime.
Alsace Lorraine is situated on France’s Eastern border on the west bank of the Rhine River adjacent to Switzerland and Germany. Historically the region has gone backwards and forwards between Germany and France and is very important politically as it is the home of many international organisations and the European Union. The language Alsation is spoken by almost half the adult population and only 17 percent of children as French is now the official language of the region. At the end of the Franco Prussian War Alsace was annexed to Germany and a little later obtained some autonomy. During WWI many of the men served in the navy to avoid fighting against their own brothers. With the abdication of the Kaiser Alsace declared itself a Republic but were soon taken over by the French.
Alsace Lorraine was occupied by Germany in 1940 and considered by the Germans to be part of Germany being incorporated into Baden (Alsace) and Saarland (Lorraine). During the war 130,000 Alsations were forced to fight for the Germans in the war in both the army and the Waffen SS. These conscripts did not see themselves as German and many were sent to the Russian Front where they starved. Many did not come back.
This monument is a monument to these young men. It is a monument I saw eight years ago that I have never been able to remove from my thoughts. It made me feel the agony of the men dragged from their homes, forced to fight as Germans which they did not consider themselves to be and dying cold and starving in the icy conditions of a Russian winter.
Today Alsace-Lorraine is again part of France but with its own laws which are significantly different and Alsation is again being taught in the schools as an elective subject in the schools as one of the regional languages of France.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/monument/
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
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Thank you, Irene, for sharing this information with us. I didn’t know any of this. Like you, I can only imagine the horror of being forced to fight for something you don’t believe in. It was a terrible time.
We had a white shepherd years ago and he was a pure-bred Alsation. Some thought he was albino because he was white but it was his breed. He was an intelligent and noble pet and very much loved. 🙂
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Pat I think it is not a well known fact as War creates so many atrocities that many just aren’t heard of. I would still not know of it had we not come across this monument by pure chance.
I’m not surprised you still have wonderful memories of your German Shepherd. They are a fabulous breed that are much maligned but thanks to Inspector Rex this is lessening. Where I live there is every breed of dog and I have seen one white GSD and several full black ones. Talking of which it is time to walk mine now. Cheers Irene 🙂
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I agree, Irene — I don’t think it’s a well known fact of the war and those who had to fight against their will.
The breed, Alsation, is magnificent and a blessing. We sure enjoyed Buck. We got him as a puppy and his paws and nose were bigger than the rest of him for a shepherd. Before he grew into his ears, he looked like rabbit. (Photo below).
Thank you for helping me remember. Hope you have a nice walk, Irene.
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He is beautiful.So typically german shepherd. I’m glad I helped you remember. They are so delightful at all ages. Walk was great. Cheers Irene 🙂
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Thank you, Irene. He was beautiful and a gentleman with a commanding presence. But, then again, German Shepherds tend to be that way. I’m glad you had a great walk. 🙂
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Hope it’s okay — here’s another one of Buck with his buddy as a mature shepherd.
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Pat it’s more than okay. I love photos. He looks wonderful. What kind of dog is Sabor? We have just got a rescue cocker spaniel to keep our GSD Zack company in his old age. It is lovely to see them playing together. One so big and the other small.
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Me too, Irene, love photos. Sabor was a retriever mix and the leader of the two. Funny, though she was smaller, she could put Buck in his place. We got her from a farmer when we lived in Virginia.
I’ll bet your cocker spaniel is cute and a perfect match for Zack. I know it’s fun watching them play taking turns who is going to be in charge. Have fun enjoying them and hope you have a great weekend. 🙂
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Thanks Pat. I have always found German Shepherds to be gentle giants preferring to walk away from confrontation – unless their human was threatened.
A good weekend is indeed in the air. Hope yours is also. Cheers Irene
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I like “gentle giants” – they truly are that. Good weekend in the air here, too. Though it’s snowing, the air is sweet and refreshing. 🙂
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We’ve got the rain from the tail end of a cyclone since Sunday morning and I don’t think it will let up for awhile. Good writing weather. 🙂
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It is, Irene, good writing weather. 🙂
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Goodness Irene, what a powerful history lesson this is. I grew up calling these dogs Alsatians and it wasn’t until I moved to the States that I heard them called German Shepherds but I always thought they were the same breed. My dad had one called Bilbo Baggins in the 70s! What I didn’t know was that there is a language called Alsatian and what terrible suffering the young Alsatian men went through. Absolutely no idea to my great shame and I can see why this monument has never left you. So moving. Thank you for bringing this to light. I’ll never forget it either.
Have a lovely weekend my friend and enjoy your little dog :-).
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Sherri, Perhaps the name was only changed in Australia where we went from the English Alsation to the American German Shepherd. Some more research on my part will be needed but it doesn’t really matter. We were very anti anything german during the war and my father’s mothers family being German had a hard time with some of them being interned for the duration of the war.
Yes it is a very powerful monument.
Have a good week end also Sherri. Plan on getting around to do a walk with you a bit later. Cheers Irene
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It was the same here in the war Irene, very anti-German. That must have been very hard for your father’s family to have gone through that.
Catching up myself now so the weekend has been and gone but thanks, yes, it was a good one and hope for you too! Glad you got to come on the walk and I look forward to taking a few more with you in the coming week, which let’s hope is a good one for us both!
Cheers! 🙂
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Yes its going to be a good week Sherri. Lots of good walks and this week I know where I’m going. Takes such a load off the mind. Hope you have a good one also. Cheers Irene
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Thanks Irene, that sounds great 🙂
Cheers to you too my friend 🙂
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Well done, Irene ! – well done, Irene’s files !!!
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Thanks M-R. Cheers Irene
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Really interesting post and a very powerful memorial. So much sadness related to war, so many stories
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Thanks Tina. Yes it is a totally futile activity for anybody and these men were forced into it and hated by all. Very sad. Thanks for commenting
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