How accurate is Robin Macknesss book, Oradour Massacre and Aftermath?
This book is in two main intertwined parts with a third, shorter tail-piece. The first part deals with Robin Mackness’s experiences at the hands of the French customs and I have absolutely no query or criticism whatever about this section. The second part, explains the massacre at Oradour in terms of the SS going to the town, in order to recover about a half-ton of gold taken from them by a man Mr. Mackness called Raoul. This explanation was given to Mr. Mackness by Raoul himself and to put it quite simply, I do not believe it. I am not accusing, or even suggesting that Mr. Mackness is lying. I can believe that he has recounted accurately the explanation that Raoul gave him, but I do not believe Raoul’s story. Read Chapter 7 of In a Ruined State if you need further detail. The third part of the book, has Mr. Mackness travelling round France visiting various locations and meeting several people mentioned in the text. Two of these incidents are, firstly, visiting Helmut Kmpfe’s grave and
