The Musée du Commando N°4 in Ouistreham, France offers a fascinating glimpse into an important chapter of D-Day history. This museum preserves the memory of the brave French commandos who fought alongside British forces during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. You’ll find a thoughtful collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the only French commando unit that participated in the D-Day landings.
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When you visit this museum, you’ll discover the remarkable story of Commander Philippe Kieffer‘s 1st Battalion of Naval Fusiliers and their role in capturing Ouistreham casino. The museum includes an impressive 3.6m x 1.10m scale model showing the landing site and battle details. Founded by veterans themselves, this modest but meaningful museum ensures that the contributions of these French heroes are remembered for generations to come.
Museum Commando No. 4
Museum Commando No. 4 in Ouistreham, France honors the brave men of the French Commandos who landed on D-Day. The museum focuses on the 177 French commandos led by Commander Philippe Kieffer who were part of Britain’s Royal Marine Commandos.
You’ll find a treasure trove of authentic artifacts here. All items on display are originals – the uniforms were worn and the weapons were used by these brave soldiers. The museum houses personal items, weapons, and equipment that tell the story of these courageous men.
One highlight is the preserved testimony of Léon Gautier, badge number 98, one of the commandos who landed that fateful day. Through a video created by the museum, you can hear his firsthand account of June 6, 1944. His memories bring to life the struggles and bravery of these soldiers.
Though small in size, the museum delivers a powerful experience. Created through donations from soldiers’ families, it provides an intimate look at the French contribution to the D-Day landings and the liberation of their homeland.
Rating: 4.5 (895 reviews)
Location: Pl. Alfred Thomas, 14150 Ouistreham, France
Contact: +33 2 31 96 63 10
Website: Visit Website
History of Musée du Commando N°4
The Musée du Commando N°4 stands as a tribute to the brave French commandos who fought alongside British forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy. This museum preserves an important chapter of Franco-British cooperation during World War II.
Origins and Founding
The museum was established by veterans who wanted to ensure that the remarkable story of the 1st Battalion of Naval Fusiliers would never be forgotten. This special commando unit was created and led by Commander Philippe Kieffer during World War II. These veterans felt a duty to preserve their legacy for future generations.
You’ll find the museum appropriately located in Ouistreham, where these commandos landed on June 6, 1944. The founders carefully collected artifacts, photographs, and personal items that tell the story of the 177 French commandos who fought alongside British forces on Sword Beach.
Their goal was simple but powerful: create a place where visitors could learn about these brave men and their contribution to the liberation of France.
Key Events and Milestones
The museum has become an essential stop for those interested in D-Day history. Its collection has grown over the years to include impressive models, authentic weapons, original uniforms, and personal articles that bring the commandos’ story to life.
One significant milestone was the development of the self-guided tour that takes you through the events of June 6, 1944. This allows you to follow the journey of these brave commandos at your own pace.
The museum works in tandem with the Monument of the Flame, which stands nearby as another tribute to these heroes. Together, they create a moving memorial experience.
Recent years have seen enhanced exhibits that highlight the unique Franco-British cooperation that was vital to the success of the D-Day operations. The museum continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of honoring the memory of the 4th Commando.
Exhibits and Collections
The Musée du Commando N°4 houses an impressive array of authentic artifacts from the D-Day landings. Most items come from veterans’ donations, creating a personal connection to this historic event.
Notable Artifacts
The museum proudly displays original uniforms worn by the French commandos during the June 6, 1944 landings. You’ll see the distinctive berets and insignia that identified these brave soldiers as part of Commander Philippe Kieffer’s unit.
The collection includes personal items carried by commandos during the assault on Ouistreham, giving you a glimpse into their daily lives. Letters home, identification papers, and military ration packs help tell the human story behind the battle.
Weapons and equipment used during the operation are carefully preserved and displayed with informative plaques. The details of these items show how the commandos were prepared for their dangerous mission.
Don’t miss the rare photographs showing the commandos in action, many donated by the veterans themselves.
Interactive Displays
The museum brings history to life through detailed dioramas. These recreate key moments of the Ouistreham landing. These scenes help you visualize exactly how the assault unfolded on that historic day.
Interactive maps show the commandos’ route from the beach to their objectives. Touch screens let you follow their progress step by step through the town.
Audio stations feature recorded testimonies from actual veterans of the N°4 Commando unit. Hearing their voices describe the events in their own words creates a powerful connection to history.
The museum also offers a short film documenting the Franco-British operation. This helps put the artifacts in context and gives you a comprehensive understanding of this crucial D-Day mission.
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Other WW2 Museums in Normandy:
1944 Radar Museum
Airborne Museum Sainte-Merè-Église
Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema
Batterie d’Azeville
Batterie de Crisbecq
Bayeux Museum of the Battle of Normandy
Big Red One Assault Museum
D-Day Experience (Dead Man’s Corner)
Juno Beach Centre
Le Mémorial de Falaise – Les Civils dans la Guerre
Liberators Museum – Normandy 1944
Maisy Battery
Marcouf 44
Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum)
Mémorial de Montormel
Mémorial Pegasus (Pegasus Bridge Museum)
Musée 44 La Percée du Bocage
Musée America Gold Beach (America-Gold Beach Museum)
Musée D-Day Omaha (D-Day Omaha Museum) Vierville-sur-Mer
Musée de la Bataille de Tilly-sur-Seulles
Musee de la Batterie de Merville
Musée de la Libération (Liberation Museum) Cherbourg
Musée des Epaves Sous-Marines
Musée du Débarquement (D-Day Museum) – Arromanches-les-Bains
Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach (Utah Beach Museum)
Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique
Musée Juin 44 L’Aigle
Museum Commando No. 4
Normandy Victory Museum
Omaha Beach Memorial Museum (Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach) Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Overlord Museum
World War II Museum Quinéville
