Grangues Memorial

On June 6 1944, the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches to deliver Europe from German occupation. Tasked with protecting the eastern flank of the offensive against a possible counterattack, the British 6th Airborne Division was given the crucial mission of holding the region east of the Orne in the hours leading up to the landings. In the early hours of June 6, two Stirling aircraft engaged in this operation and carrying men from the Parachute Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps and Royal Engineers were shot down near the Château de Grangues. Shortly afterwards, two Horsa gliders carrying members of the General Staff and men on a naval spotting and observation mission crashed in the grounds of the Château. 44 soldiers, sailors and airmen were killed or mortally wounded. 8 survivors were captured and later shot in the woods. These young men were all volunteers, deeply committed to the cause of freedom, and ready to sacrifice their lives in the accomplishment of this dangerous mission. May the memory of their names live on in these peaceful surroundings.

On June 6 1944, the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches to deliver Europe from German occupation. Tasked with protecting the eastern flank of the offensive against a possible counterattack, the British 6th Airborne Division was given the crucial mission of holding the region east of the Orne in the hours leading up to the landings. In the early hours of June 6, two Stirling aircraft engaged in this operation and carrying men from the Parachute Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps and Royal Engineers were shot down near the Château de Grangues. Shortly afterwards, two Horsa gliders carrying members of the General Staff and men on a naval spotting and observation mission crashed in the grounds of the Château. 44 soldiers, sailors and airmen were killed or mortally wounded. 8 survivors were captured and later shot in the woods. These young men were all volunteers, deeply committed to the cause of freedom, and ready to sacrifice their lives in the accomplishment of this dangerous mission. May the memory of their names live on in these peaceful surroundings.