The Pont ar Roz viaduct,built between 1861 and 1863, is one of the most important elements of the Paris-Brest railway line .
Relating the communes of St-Thégonnec and Guimiliau, it is 150m long and 33m high. During the Fight of the Liberation, this viaduct was vital to American troops for the future Battle of Brest.
The US Army organized a parachute drop of GIs to support French Resistance fighters to take and hold it and thus prevent its destruction by the Germans.
In 2005 two American GI's Maurice L. Burke and Robert Reppenhagen returned to the scene and were able to see their comrade-in-arms Louis Bourlès again.
Kerizella commemorative plaque: Hanging on the wall of the main house in the hamlet of Kerizella, recalls the operation.
Photo credit and contribution Philippe Boudot.
The Pont ar Roz viaduct,built between 1861 and 1863, is one of the most important elements of the Paris-Brest railway line . Relating the communes of St-Thégonnec and Guimiliau, it is 150m long and 33m high. During the Fight of the Liberation, this viaduct was vital to American troops for the future Battle of Brest.The US Army organized a parachute drop of GIs to support French Resistance fighters to take and hold it and thus prevent its destruction by the Germans.In 2005 two American GI's Maurice L. Burke and Robert Reppenhagen returned to the scene and were able to see their comrade-in-arms Louis Bourlès again. Kerizella commemorative plaque: Hanging on the wall of the main house in the hamlet of Kerizella, recalls the operation.Photo credit and contribution Philippe Boudot.
