Réveil was part of the Resistance escort moving north-east with their captives, taking mountain paths to avoid German patrols. After three days walking, on 12 June, the commander radioed to headquarters for orders. This was when he was told to have the prisoners shot. Some Czechoslovakian and Polish nationals were spared.

Following the killing, the 30 or so Resistance fighters swore never to mention it again. Réveil says that he did not personally take part in the killing, but as the last witness still alive, he felt he had to speak out.

“It needs to be told. It’s been a secret long enough.”

Strangely enough, the area was excavated in 1967, and 11 bodies were found. However, the dig was stopped suddenly, and all official records of the incident had been ‘expunged’. The likely reason could be that former members of the Resistance – who were still influential in French politics – did not wish to resurrect something that could destroy the heroic image of the French Resistance.

“The guardians of the memory of the Resistance were fearful it would harm their name. But today no-one wants to cast judgment. People understand that in war all acts become possible.”

Réveil believes that it’s time to tell the truth. “You can be on the side of the righteous, and still carry out what is morally wrong.”