Marville

Canada has played an integral role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since the signing on 4 April 1949. Canada's commitment to have four fighter wings in Europe resulted in the creation of the 1 Canadian Air Division with its Headquarters in Metz, France and the following Wings located in France and Germany:
- 1 (F) Wing at Marville, France;
- 2 (F) Wing at Grostenquin, France;
- 3 (F) Wing at Zweibrücken, Germany; and
- 4 (F) Wing at Baden-Söllingen, Germany.

Logistical support for the Division was provided by 30 AMB in Langar, England.

High on a hill overlooking the village of Marville is St. Hillaire’s Cemetery. In the middle of the cemetery there is a chapel dating to the 12th century A.D. Surrounding the chapel are many older grave markers. France declared this section as a National Historic Site in 1931. As well as the historic section, there is a “new” section where more recent burials took place.

Forty-one Canadian dependants were buried at Marville – some in the historic section. The grave markers, in the form of crosses were in need of repair or replacement. Some graves had been lost.

In 2003, Canada negotiated a 50-year lease with the Commune of Marville for the cemetery plots. Crosses were replaced, other tombstones cleaned and a Memorial Cairn installed showing the names of those whose graves were lost. A dedication ceremony was held in August 2003.

Background Information on these sites has been extracted from: the Pinetree Line Web Site; the 2 (F) Wing RCAF Grostenquin, France Information Booklet (1957); publication 4 CMBG Canada's NATO Brigade, 1983, Moritz Schauenburg Gmbh & Co. KG.

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