Free French Memorial

The Free French Memorial Cross stands on Lyle Hill, the high ground above the western end of Greenock, and is one of the more moving Second World War memorials in Scotland. Erected in 1966 to commemorate the French sailors of the Free French Naval Forces who were based in Greenock during the war, it takes the form of the Cross of Lorraine — the symbol of the Free French — set against a backdrop of the Firth of Clyde stretching towards the open Atlantic.

The hill is reached by a steep walk from the town (about 30 minutes) or by car. The views from the top are the best in the area — on a clear day you can see across the Clyde to the hills of Argyll, down the Firth towards Arran, and on exceptional days as far as the peak of Goatfell. Lyle Hill itself is a good spot for birdwatching, and the surrounding grassland has wildflowers in spring.

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A story
Greenock was a major assembly point for the Free French Naval Forces during the Second World War. Hundreds of Free French sailors were stationed here, and many are buried in the local cemetery. General de Gaulle visited Greenock in July 1940, just weeks after the fall of France, to inspect the ships and men that would form the core of the naval forces fighting under his command. The cross on Lyle Hill was erected to honour those who did not return.

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