The Flame Monument
About The Flame Monument
La Flamme is a war memorial overlooking Sword Beach, honoring the 177 French commandos who landed on June 6, 1944 under Commander Philippe Kieffer. The memorial was created by local artist Yvonne Guégan and inaugurated on June 6, 1984 by President François Mitterrand. The distinctive metal flame sculpture sits atop a German bunker from the Atlantic Wall, which was neutralized by French forces on D-Day. The names of all 177 soldiers are engraved on the flame's metal surface. Ten stone stelae surrounding the monument bear the names of commandos who fell between Colleville-Montgomery and Ouistreham. The seven steps leading to the monument represent seven soldiers who died between the beach and the Ouistreham Casino. Two statues complement the site: a bronze of Lord Lovat (added 2014) and a granite statue of Commander Kieffer (added 2019), positioned facing each other to symbolize Franco-British cooperation.
Interesting Facts
The base of the monument is a German firing dome (coupole de tir) that was recovered from the Maginot Line and placed on top of a German bunker from the Atlantic Wall. This creates a powerful symbolism: a French symbol of liberation rising from captured enemy fortifications.
Lord Lovat, whose bronze statue stands at the memorial, famously ordered his personal bagpiper Bill Millin to play 'Highland Laddie' as British Commandos landed on Sword Beach. This scene was immortalized in the 1962 film 'The Longest Day'. German soldiers later said they didn't shoot Millin because they thought he was crazy.
Of the 177 French commandos who landed on D-Day, only 10 were killed on June 6, 1944 itself. These men were the only French soldiers to participate in the D-Day landings on Norman soil, making their contribution especially symbolic for France.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Boulevard Aristide Briand, 14150 Ouistreham, France
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