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All the United Kingdom Scotland Greenock Free French Memorial Cross
AO Edited

Free French Memorial Cross

A war memorial dedicated to the Free French Naval forces of World War II.

Greenock, Scotland

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Graham Walker
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Free French Memorial with views across Greenock and Inverclyde Royal Hospital.   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
Free French Memorial with English inscription.   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
Free French Memorial with the Clyde and hills in the background.   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
  ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
  ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
Outstanding views from the memorial   ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
English inscription (French inscription is on other side).   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Free French Memorial monument sits less than 100 meters from the summit of Lyle Hill in Greenock with a viewpoint accessible by car. 

During World War II, France was under Nazi occupation. However, several French troops were evacuated from the country and wanted to still contribute to the war effort. These troops were known as the Free French Forces and continued to fight against the Axis powers after the fall of France. During the war, there was a large Free French Naval Forces base located at Greenock.

To commemorate their effort and loss of life, this memorial was unveiled in 1946. The memorial is in the shape of the Cross of Lorraine with an anchor at the bottom. 

The viewpoint at Lyle Hill also boasts a magnificent view across Scotland. Visitors can also see right across Greenock and Gourock, as well as across the river Clyde to Helensburgh, Kilcreggan, and Dunoon. 

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Monuments Memorials World War Ii War History Military

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There is ample parking between the Free French Memorial and Lyle Hill summit.

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grahamstewartwalker

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  • ssm67alba

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March 3, 2021

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Free French Memorial Cross
154 Lyle Rd
Greenock, Scotland, PA16 7QT
United Kingdom
55.954192, -4.795357
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