Free French Commando commemorative plaque at Criccieth

I am writing to advise members of the CVA that, together with my sisters, I have launched a private initiative to place a commemorative plaque to the Free French Commandos in Criccieth, where they were based from July 1942 to end May 1943. Discussions are being held with Criccieth Council regarding the location and format of the plaque, but it it hoped that it will be situated just a few yards from the house on the Esplanade "Llety" which was Kieffer's HQ.

My father was one of the first "Kieffer Commandos", and was billeted in Criccieth from July 1942 to May 1943. Criccieth also has a personal significance, in that my parents first met in Criccieth.

Hello Noel

A fantastic and fitting initiative. I hope all goes well with this project.

Perhaps you can keep the CVA up to date with your progress via this forum.

Very best regards

John M

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 06/06/2015 22:26:47

Here is Noel's father Raymond

I would hope that the CVA would put its full support behind this remembering my Dad's French comrades.

Best wishes.

Bill

Noel,
Good luck with the project, I look forward to visiting the memorial. 9 Commando were also billeted in Criccieth in 1941.
Guy

Hello,
I send an email at webmaster of the french navy rifle men museum on facebook. I think, he can help you.
regards
julien

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/06/2015 12:35:02

Hi Guy

A very good point about No 9 Commando also being billeted there in 1941. Do you know for how long?

See also this forum message http://forum.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/1909.page

Pete

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/06/2015 18:55:06

Pete,
Unfortunately no. All I know is that 9 Commando were there in March 1941, their arrival may pre-date this?
I wonder if any one has access to their war diary?
Guy

No.9 Cdo's movements Sep 40 - Jun 41

18 Sep 40 - moved from Chester to Stackpole, Pembrokeshire.
4 Apr 40 - moved to Chester.
9 Nov 40 - moved to Isle of Arran [This is the last entry in the 1940 War Diary]

5 Mar 41 - moved to Criccieth [First entry in 1941 War Diary]
3 May 41 - moved to Inverary.
12 May - 2 Jun 41 at HMS Queen EMMS
6 Jun 41 - moved to Greenock then onto Castle Douglas & Kirkcudbright.

Nick

Nick,
Interesting, less than two months. Does it list any training in the area for that period?
Many thanks
Guy

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 17/06/2015 15:28:33

Guy,

Yes, but I'll start a new thread and transcribe details later today...

The date given (March 41) was immediately after the re-organisation of the Commando, hence, presumably, the gap from Nov 1940 - March 41.
From research I can say that Commando Units never settled in one particular town very long before moving on; however, quite often another Commando would take their place.

Incidently, the HQ must have been in Criccieth High Street but I don't know the specific address yet!

Nick

Some years ago I left contact details for information regarding the French Commando with a retired Dr? who was the son of one of the Commandos whol lived not far away from the George Hotel in Criccieth, which I believed was their HQ during their training, the George was under new management and had no idea about the war time connection, also had no response from the said Dr. so I left it at that.
Kevin

Further to my original message of 6th June, I can now advise that Criccieth Town Council has agreed to the placing of a commemorative plaque in Criccieth. The plaque will be placed on the wall alongside the pavement of the Esplanade, immediately below the large house "Llety", where was located the Kieffer commando HQ during the war. The plaque will be of polished black Welsh slate, inscribed with a Cross of Lorraine, and an inscription in Welsh, French and English.

Excellent news Noel, well done & thanks.

Nick

good news