Why did this horrific massacre happen?
Several reasons have been given by the Germans...
One ~ Oradour-sur-Vayres was the real target because it was an important center of resistance. The German detachment made a mistake by attacking Oradour-sur-Glane.
Two ~ Arms were spotted in a garage in Oradour-sur-Glane by the SS. They decided to return in force to eradicate the village.
Three ~ An altercation occurred between the German and French underground movement resulting in the death of two German soldiers.
Four ~ Some French patriots ambushed and fired upon the SS column upon its arrival in the region.
Five ~ A few days earlier, a private German car was attacked near Oradour resulting in the deaths of two officers.
In all reality, nobody knows for sure what provoked the massacre in Oradour-sur-Glane....