SAS Paratroopers Museum and Memorial Plumelec

This mill in La Grée, which was once a German observation post, now houses a small museum showcasing the history of the French SAS paratroopers who were active in this area during Operation Dingson in 1944. The aim of this operation by the French section of the SAS was to arm and organise the resistance in Brittany after D-Day and to work together behind enemy lines to thwart the Germans as much as possible and disrupt their response to the invasion.

On the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, Captain Pierre Marienne's nine-man SAS team was accidentally dropped near Plumelec. They landed about 800 metres from the La Grée mill, where, as mentioned, there was a German observation post. Corporal Émile Bouétard was killed during the ensuing battle. He is widely regarded as the first casualty of Operation Overlord.

The French SAS soldiers suffered heavy losses during this operation, which lasted well into August. Next to the museum is the monument commemorating those who died. Among them was Captain Pierre Marienne, who, along with six other paratroopers, was captured by the Germans and shot on 12 July 1944, together with eleven French resistance fighters and farmers.

On 6 August, the first American Sherman tanks passed through Lumelec and the village was liberated.

For current visiting hours, please contact the museum.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Rónán Gallagher
• - https://www.calameo.com/read/004685112ff8971d86eb3