Amidst the tranquil setting of Kervegant Beach in Plouhinec, Morbihan, remnants of a different era whisper tales of wartime resilience. Discovered recently, the old railway tracks offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they reveal secrets about the construction of a strategic German submarine base in Lorient during World War II.
Unearthing History
This recent discovery invites us into a world where Plouhinec was more than just a peaceful village. These iron tracks and wooden sleepers, though rusted, narrate a story of intense wartime activity. For residents like Pierre Larboulette, these remnants are not just artifacts; they awaken vivid memories of a period marked by military urgency and local involvement.
A Glimpse into the Past
- Transport Network: The operation was a logistical feat. Sand extracted from Erdeven’s beaches was shipped to Etel and then ferried across the ria by barge. It’s a testament to the ingenuity in supply chains under pressure.
- Railway Logistics: From there, mini locomotives and mining carts navigated the dunes. This rail line was pivotal, carrying not only sand but also additional gravel collected along the way, crucial for constructing the submarine base.
- Nostalgic Recollections: Pierre’s shared memories are poignant, offering a child’s perspective during an adult’s war, emphasizing the area’s transformation during these pivotal years.
| Location | Function | Historial Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Erdeven | Source of Sand | Major extraction area for construction materials |
| Etel | Barge Departure | Heart of goods transport across the ria |
| Magouër Port | Railway Loading Point | Initial loading area for rail transport to Lorient |
The Curious Railway Route
This railway line wasn’t just sand and steel; it was a lifeline. Originally constructed for the Gâvres arsenal, it adeptly adapted to wartime needs. Imagine a line snaking through the dunes, collecting both sand and gravel to fortify Lorient’s defenses, before disappearing into the landscape where human need met nature’s challenges.
Occasional Revelations
Mostly hidden under layers of sand, these rails are like ghosts of the past that occasionally rise from their sandy graves. Strong storms play the role of unintentional archaeologists, revealing these secrets to unsuspecting beachgoers and historians alike. It’s a reminder of how history can suddenly rematerialize when we least expect it.
Community and Heritage
The Mémoires de Plouhinec association, born from this rediscovered curiosity, aims to keep these stories alive. It’s a community-driven effort to preserve not just material remnants but also the collective memory associated with them. As these rails testify, stories of sacrifice and innovation are intertwined in these sands.
So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply savor your seaside walks, Kervegant Beach’s hidden railway tracks offer more than a historical footnote. They invite you into a layered narrative of human endeavor, community spirit, and wartime challenges that shaped the coastal landscape as we know it today.
