Murder in Normandy

Murder in Normandy lays out the events of a little-known brutal war crime committed by the infamous SS Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) against Canadian Prisoners of War during the Battle of Normandy.

This is the story of how a total of 145 young soliders were murdered and why Canada's first ever war crimes trial did so little to redress those deaths. The program examines exactly what type of heinous behaviour is condoned during the heat of battle and poses the larger and more universal question of whether or not guilt in the matter of war crimes is determined by the victor.

Documentary filmmaker David Paperny stated "So few Canadians today know about these murdered POW's, but also so few know the outcome of a trial that seemed to be a mockery of justice. The interviews were extraordinary, being in the locations where the murders took place was intensely emotinal for me".

Narrated by journalist Ann Medina, Murder in Normandy places the events along with emotional conversations with the families of the murdered men. Insights from historians and war veterans are intercut throughout.

A thought-provoking film, necessary in today’s schools and libraries.

School Copyright Version, 45 minutes
Public Library Version, 120 minutes