A border to defend

Since ancient times, the Petit Saint-Bernard pass (2188 m) has been an important crossing point. Located on the Via Alpis Graia, the Roman road built on the order of Julius Caesar, it connects Milan to Vienne (Isère). At the Petit Saint-Bernard pass, the border will evolve over time. In 1902, on the site of the time, Pierre Chanoux, rector of the Hospice, had a statue dedicated to Saint-Bernard built. In 1947, the Treaty of Paris chose the watershed between the Reclus torrent and the Doire du Verney. It currently passes through the center of the “cromlech”. The latter, a circle of approximately 75 meters in diameter formed of 46 stones, was undoubtedly made in the Neolithic era, but its dating remains delicate. Meeting place for people from both sides, place of ceremonies, burial enclosures? Despite numerous archaeological excavations, its function still remains unknown.

JUNE 1940: THE ATTACK ON THE COL DU PETIT SAINT-BERNARD

Italy's entry into the war alongside Germany led to the Italian attack on June 21, 1940. The defense was based on the fort of La Redoute Ruinée, occupied by a section of the 70th BAF (Alpine Fortress Battalion) and in outpost by the 215th RI (Infantry Regiment) and the 164th RAP (Positional Artillery Regiment). After a bombardment by artillery and from the air, the Italian soldiers emerge through the border passes. But they find themselves blocked by the fort of La Redoute Ruinée. Several violent attacks were repelled during the days of June 21 and 22. Despite everything, the Italians managed to progress towards the Isère valley. The armistice puts an end to military operations, the undefeated garrison leaves La Redoute Ruinée on July 2, 1940.

THE FIGHTS OF 1944

Following the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, elite German mountain units “Gebirgsjäger” occupied the Petit Saint Bernard Pass. This position is essential for them to allow the withdrawal of their troops in the face of the advancing allied armies. In the fall of 1944, the Bulle battalion and the 3rd Algerian Tirailleurs Regiment launched attacks on the right bank of the Reclus torrent, but the enemy firmly held the ridges. On March 9, 1945, the 7th, 13th and 27th BCA (Alpine Hunters Battalion) were given the mission to reconquer the pass, from the Pointe de Belleface to the Redoute Ruinée. Captain Desserteaux, who had defended it so brilliantly in June 1940, participated in its recovery. Following multiple bloody assaults, the occupants were not definitively driven out until the end of April 1945.