Roclincourt a name which still rings tragically in many Gers families
A particularly tragic day
Led by Colonel Mahéas, an exemplary leader and a true family man for his men, the 88th RI, whose soldiers were, for the most part, Gersois, bravely mounted the assault on the enemy lines to the sound of La Marseillaise on Sunday May 9, 1915.
It was in Roclincourt, on the Artois Front, during the Great War.
Alas, despite his determination, despite his bravery and despite the investment of a few trenches, quickly recaptured by the Germans, for lack of means and reinforcements, he was destroyed in a few hours by an enemy much superior in number and weaponry and today Today, many of our Grandfathers or Great-grandfathers still rest in Roclincourt or in the surrounding necropolises.
A memorial journey to 2025
It is also not impossible that one or more of a possible reader are also there; this is why, through the press, we saw fit to inform as many people as possible of the following project for next year: “As part of the Duty of Memory, the Association of the descendants and friends of these valiant Soldiers , the Association of the 88th RI, 288th RI and 135th RIT is organizing a trip in a grand tourer coach to Roclincourt, and the immediate surroundings, from May 6 to 11 2025 to commemorate the 110th anniversary of this heroic day of May 9, 1915.
Places are still available and anyone interested can find out more and possibly register for this memorial trip by contacting our secretary, Madame Lamarque, until November 30, 2024, whose contact details are:
At the same time, and thanking in advance, we would be very grateful to anyone who would like to lend us one or more period photos of these Soldiers (in civilian clothes or in uniform preferably) in order to put names and faces within this event, it being understood that they will be returned to their owners upon our return from our trip.
Marcelle Taffonneau and Claude Béros Corresponding Co-Presidents of the Amicale
