Denkmal am Lyle Hill, Greenock

Armagnac, on November 10, 2007, said:

do you know what kind of symbol is it ?

e.m.r., on November 10, 2007, said:

i've read, that it is called 'french cross', and it has been put there, because the french navy helped in greenock during world war II. that's all the information i could find.

Armagnac, on November 10, 2007, said:

that's what I thought as well, it's the "croix de Lorraine" which was used by de Gaulle's free french fighters during WW2, but I didn't know they did something up there. thanks for your answer, and many greetings.

Albanaich, on April 5, 2008, said:

It the Cross of Lorraine in the form of an anchor to commemorate the sailors of the Free French navy lost as sea in WW2.

Although its not mentioned on the monument Greenock was choosen because of the terrible incident of the Maillé Brézé which was deliberately sunk of the Tail of the Bank in Greenock. Many of the crew were trapped below decks. There is a description of them being given lethal injections of morphine in the book 'A River goes to War' as the magazine was flooded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_destroyer_Maill%C3%A9_Br%C3%A9z%C3%A9_(1933)

e.m.r., on April 5, 2008, said:

Thanks a lot for such good information! I couldn't find it anywhere on the net!

A you seem to know the place very well: In '98 and '99 there still was this quite remarkable large building 'The Bay' - afaik an old hotel, that was torn down in the 2000's. Where was it? I have some photos, but no idea whre to map them.

Albanaich, on April 6, 2008, said:

The Bay Hotel was on Kempock street where the Railway Station carpark now is

Albanaich, on April 6, 2008, said:

That's Gourock railway station. . . .

e.m.r., on April 6, 2008, said:

Thanks a lot for the info, maybe I'll scan and upload some!

John MacDonald, on May 25, 2008, said:

http://www.hmsfiredrake.co.uk/firedrake18.htm