#Monument
Free French Naval memorial at Kingswear
The 23rd Flotilla of the Free French Navy was stationed in Kingswear, Dartmouth, between January 1943 and September 1944. These eight ships carried out 451 patrols in the English Channel, sinking eight ships. This memorial commemorates their service during the Second World War.
Though France fell quickly in May 1940, some French soldiers decided to continue the fight against the Axis. These soldiers rallied behind the Free French, led by Charles De Gaulle, who’s impassioned cries for France to fight on were heard by many French soldiers who fled to Britain. One of the most powerful forces in the Free French was the navy. Kingswear hosted the 23rd M.T.B (Motor Torpedo Boat) Flotilla, a fully French fleet of eight boats.
Crews underwent training on the ship HMS Bee before being dispatched to Kingswear in January 1943. First combat success was achieved on 10 March 1943 when the flotilla raided a German vessel that was being escorted. As M.T.B 96 created a diversion, M.T.B 94 attacked from the opposite side with its torpedoes, sinking the German ship.
On 26 December 1943, two German E boats were damaged by British Royal Navy cruisers and were heading for Brest, France. The 23rd MTB were ordered to intercept them. They waited until morning, however they were note able to spot the E boats and so had to return to Kingswear under the cover of Royal Air Force Spitfires. The crew had been at action stations for 26 hours.
However, the presence of these coastal forces brought an expected response from German forces. Escorts increased and the firepower of all German vessels was upgraded. By the end of 1943 it was increasingly difficult to raid convoys. On 31 January 1944, the 23rd M.T.B attacked a German convoy, but the rapid gunfire made it difficult for them to use their torpedoes. Fortunately, no boat was damaged.
During the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944, the Flotilla covered the western flank, enforcing a blockade of Brest and the first Allied ships to enter there. De Gaulle ‘s son, Philippe de Gaulle, served with the flotilla and was injured on 10 June 1944. The 23rd Flotilla returned to Kingswear for the last time on 25 September 1944. Two days later, the flotilla left Kingswear, waving the Cross of Lorraine with all boats firing rockets and flares as a gesture of thanks. In total, the 23rd M.T.BFlotilla carried out 451 patrols and sank five German ships.