One means of dealing with human remains that seems bizarre today is the ossuary- the disinterment, collection, and often decorative display, of human bones. The macabre practice might seem bizarre to the modern world, but it is surprisingly common throughout history, occurring on multiple continents and in multiple cultures from prehistory to surprisingly modern times.
By September of 1944, the Western Allies had broken out of the Normandy beachehead, and suddenly and quickly moved across northern France . By September 7th, the 90th division was stretched across the northern sector on Patton’s Third Army’s left, advancing slowly northeast. As they did so the German defenders made a risky attack in an effort to spoil the allied advance, cutting through Allied lines in a surprise action at the small town of Mairy-Mannville.