This monument is a bronze commemorative plaque set into a large rock. It pays tribute to the actions of the 71st Engineer Regiment during the Liberation of France in August 1944, more specifically in and around Sanary-sur-Mer.
Located in Sanary-sur-Mer, this monument commemorates the heroic commitment of the 71st Engineer Regiment during the Liberation of Provence in August 1944. Mounted on an imposing rock, a bronze plaque pays tribute to the sappers who risked their lives to clear the beaches and jetties and secure the port.
A decisive act of bravery
The 71st Engineers landed at Cavalaire, crossed Cap Gapeau under enemy fire, took part in the capture of Fort d'Artigues and cleared the Mourillon beaches of mines. From August 27, 1944, the 2nd company was engaged at Sanary to defuse tellermines fixed to piles at sea, and aircraft torpedoes buried in jetties. Thanks to their intervention, almost 150,000 kg of explosives were neutralized.
“Thanks to the courage of our sappers, the port of Sanary was saved.
A monument inaugurated in 1997
The memorial was inaugurated on February 15, 1997 by Dr. Ferdinand Bernhard, mayor of Sanary-sur-Mer, and Colonel François Vernoux, commanding officer of the 71st RG. It symbolizes the commitment and sacrifice of the engineers who saved the port and ensured the safety of the local population.
The Genie anchor and pot on the monument are a reminder of the regiment's insignia.
Environment
- In centre of town
- Town location
- Close to pleasure port
- Pedestrian area
- Sea within 300 m
- In the historic centre
- Cycle track/route within 500 m
