In 1944 in Mauvanne, the successful coup de force of the Commandos d’Afrique

In August 1944, it is the coup de force of Mauvanne that best summarizes the bitterness of the final battles. After this feat of arms in capturing the blockhouses on August 18, 1944, the episode would later be described as a 'fantastic exploit' by General de Lattre de Tassigny. In the afternoon of August 18, Colonel Bouvet gave the order to charge with the 1st Commando toward La Londe-les-Maures, while the other Commandos followed the coastline via Cap-Bénat and the Fort de Brégançon. The following day around 11 a.m., the Commandos took the road to Hyères. And, they met up with the American battalion, with its tanks, which signaled to Captain Ducournau that 500 meters away, a strong position was blocking all progress. Despite this obstacle, the Commandos advanced through the woods and vineyards via the Vieux-Pin farm, Pin-Neuf, and Galoupet (...). And, 60 men attacked the first blockhouse. After several assaults, including hand-to-hand combat, the Germans finally surrendered. But, Captain Ducournau discovered two other well-camouflaged blockhouses. The assault was again very deadly. However, the ardour of the Commandos was such that the last Germans surrendered at 5 p.m. The garrison consisted of 150 men of the Kriegsmarine. About a hundred men were taken prisoner, the others died, including the commander. Among the Commandos, 80 men were engaged, 15 died, and 30 were wounded.

In the presence of:

François de CANSON, vice-president of the Région, Francis ROUX, deputy mayor of the city of Hyères,