Denkmal

Royal Engineers Memorial

Frankreich

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The Memorial is dedicated to the Royal Engineers (engineering arm of the British Army) who were key to the construction of the Mulberry Harbour, an artificial port, that was located here at Arromanches-les-Bains.

​​​The Royal Engineers lead the construction programme of the Mulberry Harbour, whilst the Royal Navy assisted in its coordination, planning, deployment and assembly. 

Brigadier Bruce White was the Royal Engineer who led the construction of the harbour. He was a veteran of the First World War and also an engineer by trade and had been appointed the Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport by the war office. He oversaw the construction of components around the UK at secret locations and ensured the tight security of what was being constructed. 

In May 1944, there was concern around the top-secret security of the harbour due to a broadcast on German radio where traitor, William Joyce, stated they knew what the Allies were doing with the caissons and that the Germans would help sink them when they were brought across the channel. 

Hundreds of Royal Engineers, alongside the Royal Navy, constructed the harbour in position when it reached the shore of Arromanches-les-Bains. The great storm in late June caused significant damage, but it was repaired and put back into action by the Engineers. 

By 19 June 1944, more than a million men had landed. Between 15 to 18 June, nearly 19,000 Americans and 16,000 British soldiers were brought ashore. The daily average disembarkation of supplies to the artificial harbour was at 25,000 tonnes and 2,000 vehicles. 

The Engineers kept the port operational until late 1944. 

Adresse

Rue du Calvaire, 14117, Arromanches-les-Bains