Stèle des Commandos d'Afrique, War memorial in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, France.
The Stèle des Commandos d'Afrique is a war memorial located in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer on the French Mediterranean coast. The structure displays two marble plaques set into schist stone, engraved with the unit emblem and a map of France decorated with naval symbols.
The memorial was built to honor the landing of the African Commandos on Provençal shores, which opened the path for the liberation of southern France. This military operation proved to be a turning point in the regional campaign to drive out occupying forces.
The memorial displays symbols connected to the African Commandos through carved stars and sailing vessels that tell a story of shared struggle. These visual elements remain visible today and reflect how this group was remembered by those who came after.
The memorial stands beside departmental road D559 and welcomes visitors throughout the year without restrictions. The location is easy to reach on foot and offers straightforward access to pay respects at any time.
A secondary plaque on the memorial recognizes the African Commandos as the first troops to arrive on French soil during this campaign. This special acknowledgment sets the location apart and highlights the significance of these initial steps toward liberation.
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