Mémorial des Commandos d'Afrique, War memorial in Le Lavandou, France
The Mémorial des Commandos d'Afrique is a war memorial at La Fossette point dedicated to African soldiers who fought in World War II. The site houses a hall displaying exhibitions and items that document the experience and sacrifice of these troops.
The African Commandos unit was formed in September 1943 and played a key role in the Allied operations, landing on the Provence coast near Le Lavandou on August 15, 1944. This operation was part of the broader campaign to free France from occupation.
The exhibition displays military uniforms, weapons, and personal objects from African soldiers who fought during the war. These items come from private collections and give a sense of how these fighters lived and worked.
The site sits on a coastal cliff with views of the sea, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing as you walk around. The memorial and exhibition spaces are located at this exposed point with direct views toward the water.
A sculpture at the site depicts Georges Bonnet climbing the cliff during the 1944 operations, frozen in a moment captured by a wartime photograph. Nearby are the graves of Captain Thorel and soldier Ben M'Bark, honoring those who fell at this exact location.
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