Memorial 1st Special Service Brigade

This memorial is in honor of the 1st Special Service (Commando) Brigade. The text reads:

The 1st Special Service (Commando) Brigade, comprising 4 British commando units and French contingent, was in the first waves of troops to land by sea, west of Ouistreham, on D-Day. It fought its way forward to come under command of the Airborne Division, clearing Ouistreham and destroying anti-tank battery on the way.
After crossing the Canal and Orne bridges No.3 Commando was held in reserve in th Ranville Wea to support, if needed, the 12 Parachute Battalion wich hard-pressed. was bein

The unit was released during the night, br the earlier diversion had curtailed th Commando Brigade's penetration into are towards Cabourg. The Brigade doggedly he on to its positions on the northern part of t Ridge, between Breville and Francevi Plage. It fought tenaciously, supported guns from Royal Navy ships offshore, a gave no ground. They suffered sev casualties, including having Lord Lov himself, badly wounded.

This brigade was joined by the 4th (Rc Marine) Commando Brigade in the middle June.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Koos Winkelman