Oradour

Soldiers of Shame

Roy Haines

$62.95 $53.85

Hardback

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English

The Choir Press
16 August 2025

On June 10, 1944, just four days after the Allied landings in Normandy, SS troops surrounded the peaceful French village of Oradour-sur-Glane. Within hours, 642 men, women and children were systematically murdered, and the entire village was burned to the ground. It was the worst atrocity against civilians by ground troops in Western Europe during World War II.

In this meticulously researched account, Roy Haines examines not only what happened on that fateful day but asks the more difficult question: why? Drawing on his background as both a soldier and police officer, Haines brings a unique perspective to understanding the mindset of the perpetrators and the extraordinary courage of those few who survived.

From the experiences of young mechanic Robert Hébras and grandmother Marguerite Rouffanche who miraculously escaped the church where hundreds of women and children perished, to the controversial post-war trials where justice proved elusive. The book examines the human stories behind the statistics.

General de Gaulle ordered the ruins preserved as a memorial, declaring that Oradour’s tragedy should never be forgotten. Decades later, the abandoned streets and buildings stand as a powerful testament to the atrocities of war.

Part history, part personal reflection, Oradour: Soldiers of Shame asks us to confront uncomfortable questions about military obedience, collective responsibility, and how ordinary people can commit extraordinary acts of cruelty when peace breaks down.

By: Roy Haines
Imprint: The Choir Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 127mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 355g
ISBN: 9781789635652
ISBN 10: 1789635659
Pages: 168
Publication Date: 16 August 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Roy Haines served as a soldier for six years, operating landing craft and fast launches on military deployments throughout Europe and the Middle East. He views his brief military service as a significant foundation to his long and eventful policing career. As a Ministry of Defence police inspector, Roy was involved in hundreds of criminal enquiries and policing operations throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. During the final years of his service he was temporarily promoted to chief inspector and was responsible for planning major maritime and firearms operations. Roy is now retired and is a keen history buff. Roy and his wife Elaine live on the south coast of England.

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Oradour

Soldiers of Shame

Roy Haines

$62.95 $53.85

Hardback

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