The Landing of Provence

This stele was erected in 1970 by the association of the French Remembrance on the site of the first divisional cemetery created after the liberation of La Londe les Maures. On August 17th, 1944, the first American soldiers arrived by this road. They will be followed by the African commandos. An American destroyer tank was stopped by the German artillery in front of the castle of the Tour Saint Honoré. From the top of the destroyed turret, Sergeant Stanley BENDER fixed enemy shootings and attacked the bridge before liberating the village. This bridge now bears his name. The Marquis de LORDAT, who owned the land, acceded to the request of General Diégo BROSSET, who commanded the 1st DFL (1st Free French Division). He demanded to bury the 117 bodies out of the 298 officers, sub-officers and soldiers of his unit who had perished between La Londe and Le Pradet. The graves were maintained by the children of the Jean Jaurès school for many years after the end of the war. General de LATTRE de TASSIGNY, commander of the 1st French Army, Rhine and Danube, comes to pay tribute to the disappeared after the Liberation of Toulon. General O'DANIEL, commander of the 3rd American Infantry Division (3rd DI.U.S.), stopped there before visiting the huge field hospital installed on the VALROSE site. General de GAULLE came to pray there after the end of the War. He is welcomed by the mayor Mr. François de LEUSSE. This officer of the Foreign Legion integrated into the commandos of Africa under the name of Captain de Montgraham, landed on the beach of Le Canadel and liberated Cap Bénat and Fort de Brégançon. In November 1944, during the liberation of Belfort, at the head of the 3rd African Commando, he was one of the few survivors of this decimated unit at the Bois d'Arsot in Offemont where a crossroads bears his name. Most of the bodies of the soldiers of the 1st DFL were returned to their families after the opening of the national necropolis of BOULOURIS near Saint Raphael, inaugurated on August 15th, 1964 by General De Gaulle. On May 8th, 1981, the first flag was presented there to the French Remembrance local committee, created on May 2nd, 1980 on the initiative of M. PONEL, director of the Jean Jaurès school during the occupation and president of the French Remembrance of Hyères.

3rd American Infantry Division - 3rd DIUS - Company E October 31, 1909 – June 22, 1994 The highest distinction of the United States of America "The Medal of Honor" was awarded to him in 1984 for the 40th anniversary of the landing in Provence. On August 17th, 1944 at La Londe les Maures (France), he performed an act of bravery. One says that he "deliberately advanced 40 metres in open ground, visible to German soldiers, under a rain of allied and enemy fires to a first machine gun, which he put out of action in a single, short burst. He opened a path up through the heart of the fighting zone despite the explosions of grenades, towards a second machine gun 25 metres away. While the two servants who operated it swept the area and fired two times in its direction, he bravely continued under fire and reached the top of the site, neutralizing the device. Instructing his men to occupy the holes left by shell fire, he travelled another 35 metres to kill a enemy sniper. He leads his group to the destruction of 8 enemy strong points. His boldness impressed the rest of the company so much that the men left their positions to charge, while screaming, to submerge the enemy’s roadblock and infiltrate the city. They destroyed two anti-tank guns in the process, killed 37 Germans and captured 26 others. He led his men through an attack that overwhelmed the enemy, destroyed a roadblock, took a town, seized the bridge over the Maravenne River and captured the sector command.” (The sector covered the area of Val Rose, Saint Honoré and la Pabourette) He will wait for the arrival of the US tanks with his section and on the morning of August 18th he will cross the liberated city. Sergeant Stanley BENDER died on June 22nd 1994 at the age of 85. He is buried in the High Lawn Cemetery (Town of Fayette) in West Virginia, United States (location "Section A - Lot 360). A bridge and a museum bearing his name are dedicated to him.

General Paul DUCOURNAU -1910 – 1985 The 1st African commando under the orders of Captain DUCOURNAU seized the Cap Nègre on the night of August 14th-15th, 1944, after destroying the German batteries. The commandos liberated Le Lavandou on the 16th, Bormes on the 17th and reached La Londe in the evening of August 17th alongside the soldiers of the 3rd American Infantry Division. On August 18th, 1944, the group of African commandos crossed the Pansard, invaded the Château de la Pascalette, the seat of the Kommandantur abandoned by the Germans, and reached the level crossing where the American tanks were first fired from the 15-cm batteries of the KRIEGSMARINE of the Mauvanne battery. The 1st commando was sent for reconnaissance by Colonel BOUVET. Captain DUCOURNAU and his commandos seized the blockhouses in a heroic manner but with heavy casualties. Of the 60 commandos, 5 were killed and 25 wounded. 50 enemies were wounded or killed. The 100 survivors were taken prisoner. Corporal Jackie BOISDRON, 20 years old young Frenchman from North Africa, first killed in Mauvanne, rests in the municipal cemetery of La Londe. Decorated in the Ile d'Elbe, he was the youngest military medalist in France. The wounded French and German soldiers and prisoners were gathered at the cooperative cellar before being evacuated to the fort of Brégançon and Lavandou and then to Italy. The same day, the young man from Longe signed Joseph SPADA's commitment to the commandos. He was killed on November 20th during the attack on Mont Salbert at the place known as La Forêt in the commune of Châlonvillars (70) near the village of Cravanche (90). From La Londe to the evening of August 19th, 1944, the African commandos joined Cuers in the vehicles of the 1st DFL. They have just received the order to seize the Fort du Coudon which they will take on August 21st at 5 p.m. and open the road to the French troops for the Liberation of Toulon. In one week, Captain DUCOURNAU at the head of his commandos will have carried out three major actions. In his diary, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny described the capture of Mauvanne as a fantastic achievement. After the Alsace campaign where he was wounded, surrounded and narrowly escaped certain death, Captain Paul DUCOURNAU entered Germany crossing the Rhine at Village Neuf. As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the 3rd Colonial Parachute Battalion in Indochina (Lang Son), then the 25th Parachute Division in Algeria (Constantinois) during Operation Turquoise. In 1967, as Lieutenant General, Military Governor of Metz, he was seriously wounded during an inspection, a helicopter blade accidentally ended an exemplary military career. He died in 1985.

Eugène OSWALD was born on August 14th, 1925 in La Londe. His father, Jacques, is the village doctor. To escape the STO (forced labour department) he fled and joined the famous and glorious maquis of Ain. During an ambush on the occupying army from the top of a hill, he and three other Maquis were spotted by the Nazis overlooking their position. The method to punish the Maquis is strictly respected. After shooting them in the legs, the Nazis rushed to finish them off. Eugène OSWALD and two of his comrades from Haute Savoie were killed. The fourth one from the Ain dragged himself to a nearby wood and survived his injuries. A stele bearing the name of Eugène OSWALD and his two comrades’ is erected on the place where they perished in the commune of SONGIEU (01). Shot dead on July 13th, 1944 he was to be 19 years old. Pierre RIVAULT was born on May 6th, 1920 in Tours. Worker at the Bormettes factory, he left the village by jumping out of a truck and joined the maquis to escape the STO (forced labour department). Taken prisoner by the Nazis with nine other FTPFs (Maverick and French partisan), he was tortured, horribly mutilated, then shot dead with his comrades on the banks of the Asse de Blieux, a small stream located at the place called La Tuilière in the commune of SENEZ in the Alpes de Haute Provence on July 20th, 1944 at the age of 24. His body, found in a mass grave, was not identified until 1945 and his name was transcribed into the civil status registers of this small town. A square in the Bormettes district bears his name. Louis BUSSONE was born on July 30th, 1919 in La Londe. Maverick and French partisan (F.T.P.F). On the announcement of the arrival of the American and French soldiers who had landed on August 15th, 1944 on the Provençal coast, he sabotaged the firing system of the Pont du Maravenne. He then attempted a new sabotage of the device that the German soldiers had installed to destroy the Pansard bridge during their withdrawal. Surprised by an enemy patrol, he was shot near the cooperative cellar on August 17th, 1944 at the age of 25, as the first American and French soldiers approached the village.

On August 17, 44, 2 days after the Landing of Provence, the 3rd commando of Africa finds Fort de Brégançon on its route. 80 German soldiers are still present behind the walls of the fortress. The Captain of LEUSSE, at the head of the commando of Africa, tries a blow of bluff. He passes the message of his superiority in man and material, giving them only a few minutes to decide before the assault of the commandos who will not make any prisoner. The subterfuge works. The enemy surrendered without a fight, after eliminating the non-commissioned officers who did not want to surrender and "fight until the last cartridge", according to the received order.  

From this position which dominates the village of Bormes and the plain, one can watch for kilometers any terrestrial or maritime movement. The defenses are organized around the Chapel of ND of Constance. In 1943, this point was occupied by four Italian howitzers of the 48th Division "Fanteria" "Taro" of General Gino PEDRAZZOLI, then by artillerymen attached to the 917th grenadier regiment. Troops and ranks occupy the subway which one of the guts gives access to a window of fire. The place was abandoned without a fight, certainly in the night of August 16 to 17, 1944.

The crossroads of '' Gratteloup '' was the scene of a fight between the German troops of the 917th grenadier regiment of Colonel LANGE, and the 1st and 2nd battalion of the 7th infantry regiment, 3rd Division Us. The small blockhouse of the crossroads supported a machine gun who controlled the current D98, coming from Cogolin by La Mole. The American troops, landed on August 15 on Red Beach in Cavalaire, separate to follow one, the coastal road and the other, the forest of Dom. The 1st and 2nd battalions overtake the Mole at the dusk of August 16th. Then on the heights of the pass where the Germans are ambushed in a network of trenches, they are shot. The tanks of the 756th Battalion fought back and the "B" company, assisted by the local Resistance, took the enemy position by the North. The commandos of Africa on the ridges and in the South, the Americans on their heels, the enemy retired at the end of the night. The company "F", sent to Bormes, discovered in the morning of August 17 a desert village and Lavandourains hostages left by their guardians.

These blockhouses are part of a strong network of fortifications, built in 43 by Italian troops, then taken over and densified by the German occupiers. They closed the bay of Bormes, with the eastern end, Villa Bourguet, at the end of the port of Le Lavandou. Between the two, and in the center of the beach, have been built a huge blockhouse with cannon, an anti-tank trench excavated in the dunes, minefields, barbed wire and concrete pyramids as underwater obstacles, some of which are trapped by Tellermine of contact. After being shot by destroyers positioned offshore, the defenders will surrender without a fight to the passage of the 3rd commando of Africa.

Built in the 19th century, this bridge quickly became the main crossing point of the Real Collobrier as evidenced by the request for classification by the Municipal Council of February 25, 1877 "as a continuation of the road No. 14". During the Liberation, a truck broke the rail and it is only in 1955 that it will be repaired and expanded. It is now called Roger ROSSI, hero of the resistance died on August 18, 1944 in the Vercors. A commemorative plaque pays tribute to him there.

It plays a central role in Collobrières. It is circled by the Town Hall built in 1861 and Boulevard Lazare Carnot, real Provencal course bordered by the beautiful homes of industrial cork. On the day of the Liberation, August 15, 1944, all the villagers gathered there to express their joy. On August 20, the General de LATTRE DE TASSIGNY addresses the population of (from) the balcony of the Mairie after his troops have released Collobrières. To celebrate the release and impoundment of the village, a big party is organized every year on the Sunday closest to August 15th. A giant aioli is served and the rosé wine flows into the fountain for the occasion.

This is where the Germans built Station 37 Telemach Y Geräte Jägermess Stellung, occupied by the 20th Luftwaffe Ln-Rgt52 company. This station of control and guidance of the friendly hunt consisted of: - The concentration of the 3 Freya radars, 150 to 200m apart from each other to the west, - Devices constituting the 3 Y lines in the eastern part, - 3 casemates which contained the operators and the apparatus necessary for the operation of the "Heinrich Towers" (direction-finders), - 3 casemates implementing the "Hans pylons", transmitters implementing the IFF system embedded in the devices of the friendly hunt, - A Heinrich tower and a Hans pylon which constitute a Y-Linien (Y-lines). This system made it possible to follow and guide several "friendly" hunting formations (several Y Lines) towards their objectives. On August 16, 1944, VALLIER and his men, accompanied by the villagers, attack the radar but the enemy was already gone. This resort seems to have never been in service.

Square du Plessis de Grenadan: On August 16, 2018, a new stele was inaugurated, in memory of 3 American pilots who fell during an aerial combat on January 27, 1944 on the heights of Pierrefeu du Var, whose remains were discovered by a Pierrefeu inhabitant. After a long and tedious research work, the families of the 3 pilots were found Place Urbain Sénés: A plaque also commemorates the 3rd US Division which liberated Pierrefeu on August 16, 1944.

This stele reminds us that at this place, the "TURCOS" regiments of Algerian Sharshooters, have made a halt, having landed in Provence on the beaches of Dramont as they were led by Colonel de LINARES himself under the General de LATTRE DE TASSIGNY orders. Then, they went through Montrieux, the plateau de Signes and Revest in order to deliver Toulon. The first army, which was commanded by General de LATTRE DE TASSIGNY, landed in Provence to liberate the territories that were occupied by the Germans right before going back to Berlin to sign the German surrender. In this first army, which was called "The French Expeditionary Force", there were regiments composed mainly of fighters of North African origin (between 230,000 and 250,000 men). Some regiments were composed of Moroccans, who were called "Tabors" or "Goums". Some others, who were called "TURCOS", had Algerian origins and were part of the 3rd AID (Algerian infantry division). The Algerian and Tunisian sharpshooters’ regiments were with the Zouaves among the most decorated of the French army. But why were they called « TURCOS »? This nickname was given to Algerian riflemen by Russian troops during the Crimean War (1853-1856). Indeed, they fought so heroically that the Russians fled before them shouting "Turcos" because the Turks had the reputation of being formidable warriors.

This stele has been inaugurated on September 14, 1941 by General LAURE, General Secretary of the Head of State, passing through CUERS, to preside at various patriotic ceremonies, with handing of a pennant to the Legion section. It is located district bridge of Pignans, place where was felled the plane of the chief warrant officer André HOURCADE June 15, 1940. It is a marble stele on which is fixed a metal palm. At the top of the stele, wings, symbolizing aviation, are carved and form a body with the cross.

In 1964, the association RHIN & DANUBE, at the national level and in agreement with the government, suggested to affix a marble plate in all the cities and cities crossed by the armies of the Liberation, which would thus remind the future generations, the date of the Liberation of each. The plate of Cuers inaugurated on August 17, 1964 carries the following engraving: «THE FIRST FRENCH ARMY COMMANDED BY THE GENERAL OF LATTER OF TASSIGNY, FORGED IN AFRICA AND ITALY, DEBARQUEE IN PROVENCE, GROSSIE OF THE FRENCH FORCES OF THE INTERIOR, TO LEAVE CUERS, ON AUGUST 17, 1944, IN HIS VICTORIOUS MARKET IN RHINE AND DANUBE »

It is a large composition of 5 m high, with various symbols referring to the prosperity and folklore of the region. Two horns of plenty overflowing with fleshy fruits and blooming flowers, frame the communal coat of arms. The central relief is a Victory crowned with olive tree, offering the crown and the palm. The coronation is a trophy, taking up the armor and the crest helmet of the Roman soldiers. These representations are not without evoking the Roman origin of the village. Three shells and two Howitzers surround the majestic building. The Cannes architect Charles SEASAL realized this monument inaugurated on November 1st, 1916. It will be enriched in 1919. Then, plates will be added in order to pay homage to the "Dead for the Fatherland" of the two world wars and that making the places of the combats where the valiant Cuersois perished.  

At the precise spot where the first African commandos landed, at the head of the "Romeo Force", climbing the cliffs of Cape Negro at night, a lava stone commemorative plaque (representing the insignia of the commandos) has been affixed in memory of this glorious episode and in tribute to the first liberators of Le Lavandou. Only visible from the sea, this stele was fixed on the rocks where 35 men took foot shortly after midnight and from where they climbed the steep walls silently to reach the location of the enemy guns which was hundred meters higher. This detachment was led by Captain DUCOURNAU and, first of all, a mountain guide, Sergeant DABOUSSY. Their mission was to establish a bridgehead that will neutralize the coastal batteries and allow the Allied armada, seven hours later, to land in force on the beaches of Provence

For diving and war planes enthusiasts, this wreck located 200 m north-west of the Fourmigue islet is to be discovered by 53 m of depth. 882 Royal Navy Squadron was equipped with WILDCAT V in service on the "HMS Searcher" (escort carrier) present during the Landing of Provence. Thanks to the American archives, we know that this aircraft which was on reconnaissance mission crashed on August 15, 1944 and that its pilot had been recovered.

At the head of the second commando shock composed of Moroccans, Captain THOREL is killed in action at the Fossette August 17, 1944 while participating in the liberation of Le Lavandou. His Moroccan prescription Ben BARK is also fatally injured. The necropolis of La Fossette pays homage to theme, not far from where they both fell.

The night of November 6, 1942, the small beach of La Fossette is the scene of a secret operation that will play a role in the history of the Second World War two years before the landing of Provence. Escaped a few months earlier from the German fortress of Königstein, General GIRAUD embarks on a point with the help of the patron saint Lavandourain Jules CREST and local resistance fighters. Less than 1 mile from Pointe de la Fossette, a British submarine "Seraph" is waiting to take him to Gibraltar from where he will join the French army in North Africa to participate in Torch Operation, which will be a turning moment of the conflict on the Western Front.