WWII & WWI Sites in Gironde: New Archaeological Mapping Project

The department and coastline of Gironde, France, bear the enduring marks of the World Wars. A comprehensive effort is now underway to meticulously document and map these vestiges, preserving a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of the region’s history.

A Region Shaped by Conflict

During the First World War, Bordeaux evolved into a key logistical hub supporting the Western Front. The city’s infrastructure expanded significantly with the entry of the United States into the conflict in 1917. Later, during the Second World War, Gironde experienced five years of German occupation. In the final months of the war, the region became a battleground, with land and air operations unfolding on either side of the estuary.

Annual Archaeological Surveys

recognising the historical significance and collective memory associated with these sites, annual archaeological surveys began in 2023. These surveys are conducted under the direction of the French Ministry of Culture and with the support of Hadès, the Bordeaux Métropole Archaeology Service, and the Ausonius laboratory.

Did You Know? Bordeaux became a major logistical support point for the Western Front during the First World War.

Building an Exhaustive Database

The project’s methodology centers on two key principles. First, researchers are working to identify and document all remnants of the conflicts, creating an exhaustive database. This database draws on archaeological, historical, and visual sources, encompassing everything from simple inscriptions to substantial concrete structures.

Mapping the Past

Second, this data is integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). This system organizes and structures the archaeological and historical information, allowing researchers to cross-reference data and create a detailed map of the region’s wartime heritage. Each site or monument is documented with a dedicated fiche, including illustrations and archival references.

Expert Insight: The systematic mapping and documentation of these sites represents a proactive approach to preserving a vulnerable historical record, acknowledging the importance of understanding past conflicts to inform the present.

A Collaborative Preservation Effort

This work fosters collaboration between institutions like Ausonius, the Drac (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs), Drassm (Department of Underwater Archaeological Research), archaeological operators, and historical societies. This collective effort aims to safeguard these vulnerable sites and traces, which are threatened by both natural processes and human activity.

The work is being led by Quentin Baril, an archaeologist at Hadès and a research associate at the Ausonius Institute, in collaboration with Jérémy Bonnenfant, an archaeologist at the Bordeaux Métropole Archaeology Service, also a research associate at the Ausonius Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the archaeological surveys?

The primary goal is to identify and document the vestiges of the two World Wars in the Gironde department, creating a comprehensive record of the region’s wartime heritage.

Who is involved in this project?

The project involves the French Ministry of Culture, Hadès, the Bordeaux Métropole Archaeology Service, the Ausonius laboratory, the Drac, Drassm, archaeological operators, and historical societies.

How is the information being organised?

The information is being organised through an exhaustive database and a Geographic Information System (GIS), which allows for the creation of a detailed map of the region’s wartime heritage.

As these efforts continue to uncover and document the physical remnants of past conflicts, what responsibilities do communities have in preserving and interpreting these often-fragile historical sites?