The first WWII memorial in Normandy

The monument in Amfreville was one of two monuments that would be unveiled on 14 July. Men of No. 4 Commando inaugurated their own momument in Hauger on the same day, making these the oldest memorials dedicated to the Battle of Normandy.

Amfreville was captured on 6 June after the D-day landings. In the following weeks the village would become part of the Allied front line and saw a lot of fighting. The town was held by British forces supported by French commandos and men from the Kieffer Commando.

On 14 July the British forces erected a monument dedicated to officers and men of the 1st Special Service Brigade who lost their lives in Normandy between June and July 1944. The monument not only served as a memorial for these men but also as a challenge to the German forces who were established no more than 300 metres away. The flag of the commando forces was defiantly flown alongside the Union Jack and French tricolour.

 On 6 June 2019 a bronze bust of Philippe Kieffer was added to the monument in honour of the French troops under his command who fought at Amfreville.