Monument to the Allied Forces

51st (Highland) Division Memorial, 51st (Highland) Division Monument Stone

France, Saint-Valery-en-Caux

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Categories: Story Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Streets, squares, viewpoints Saint-Valery-en-Caux, monuments and memorials Saint-Valery-en-Caux

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Monument to the Allied Forces

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GPS: 49.8689, 0.71819

Monument to the Allied Forces

51st (Highland) Division Memorial, 51st (Highland) Division Monument Stone

France, Saint-Valery-en-Caux

This is the site of one of the worst defeats of the Allied forces at the beginning of World War II.
After the evacuation of the main forces of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk, units of the British 51st Mountain Infantry Division remained in the Saint-Valery-en-Caux area. She fought as part of the 9th French Army, performing the task of containing the German army along the Maginot Line.
The division consisted of English units and a battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. It was joined by a number of French units.
During the retreat from the advancing German troops, the division reached the small port of Saint-Valery-en-Caux in the hope of an orderly evacuation.
But the German 5th and 7th Panzer Divisions under Rommel overtook this grouping on the coast and sought to prevent another Dunkirk.
On June 11 and 12, 1940, a battle took place here.
From the top of the rocks, German tank divisions fired on the entire coastal zone.
The evacuation British fleet did not arrive.
The British position has become hopeless and further sacrifices are meaningless. Therefore, the decision was made to surrender.
A few soldiers west of the city managed to escape, and some made it to Le Havre on foot and were evacuated. Others made their way to Spain, Gibraltar, before finally sailing home.
For most, escape was impossible. Over 1,000 people were killed and 4,000 wounded. 8,000 men were sent to Germany and Poland to spend the rest of the war working in the fields, factories, and salt mines of Thuringia alongside Nazi concentration camp inmates.
The defeat of the 51st Mountain Division ended British resistance in the Battle of France. On June 22, France and Germany signed a truce, Normandy was occupied.
On September 2, 1944, the 51st Mountain Division returned to Saint-Valery-en-Caux. They were met by the mayor and a cheering crowd.
The little seaside town was free again.

REVIEWS

All reviews (1)

Mademoisele

Traveled 1 year ago

Rating 7

Beautiful view of the coast

A monument to fallen soldiers was erected above the city on alabaster rocks. For two days on June 10-12.1940, heavy fighting took place here between French and Scottish troops and Rommel's 7th Armored Division. The allied troops did not have time to go to England, and the survivors were forced to surrender. During the fighting, the city was badly damaged by German artillery. This place offers a beautiful view of the city and the coast. There is a steep staircase almost from the embankment, so think about whether you can withstand such a physical load.→

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