Memorial Airborn Operation 15 August 1944

This site is also known as the "Mémorial de Mitan," named after the hamlet where General Frederick established his Command Post.

On 15 August 1944, at 4:30 a.m., the second major airborne landing in France, Operation "Dragoon," took place here. The objective was to neutralize the southern Draguignan region and clear the path for troops landing on the Var beaches.
In the early morning of 17 August, contact was made with the 36th US Infantry Division.

The monument to the airborne landing in Provence consists of a trapezoidal stele on which various plaques were placed commemorating the participating units. It is adorned with a parachute and a wing representing gliders. It was inaugurated on August 15, 1988

Since its unveiling in 1998, seven bronze plaques have been placed on the stele by various units. At the front of the stele itself is one for the Glider Pilots Association.

On the right pedestal, one for the 509th and the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, and on top, to the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion.

On the left pedestal, one for the British 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade (consisting of paratroopers and glider pilots), one for the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, and on top, the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion, Company D.

To the left and right are two more commemorative plaques for officers who participated in the fighting and later died. The first is for Captain Holtam of the 2nd British Parachute Squadron, and the second for French Colonel René Boffy, who served as a liaison officer with General Frederick.
TracesofWar

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Francky de Rous