The texts on this website belong to the art exhibition «Narvik in France», which can be experienced at Narvik Museum. The exhibition is created by Per Heimly, an acclaimed Norwegian photographer and artist, and explores Narvik’s role in French history, particularly connected to the Battles of Narvik during the Second World War. Through photographs and stories, the exhibition shows how the events in Narvik left a mark in France and continue to be part of the French historical narrative.
Aix-en-Provence
With historical reenactors from the association Forty Four Memories in 9th DIC uniform, a unit of the Free French Forces that took part in the liberation of the region in 1944.
Aix: Film / Inauguration of Place de Narvik, May 4, 1969.
Albertville
With the mayor of Albertville, the Association of Former Members of the Foreign Legion, their local flag, and four Alpine Chasseurs from the 13th Battalion of Alpine Chasseurs. Although this battalion was not at Narvik, it was part of the Scandinavian Expeditionary Corps and fought earlier at Namsos during the first engagements on Norwegian soil.
Until last September, the 13th BCA had the honor of guarding the “Flag of the Chasseurs.” Since the creation of the Corps of Chasseurs à Pied and the first flag presented in 1841, tradition has dictated that only one flag exists for all battalions, passed from one to another each year during the traditional Sidi Brahim celebration.
Because of this tradition, the flag does not bear the inscription “Narvik 1940” (as does the flag of the 13th DBLE), but “Norvège 1940,” since three battalions fought at Narvik and three others fought at Namsos.
Albertville: Photos / The Chasseurs’ flag under the guard of the 13th BCA.
Annecy
With historical reenactors from the association Histoire et Mémoire Militaire Alpine, dressed as Alpine Chasseurs who joined the Maquis.
When the 27th BCA was dissolved in 1942, most of its officers joined the secret army and became essential elements of the armed resistance until the liberation of Annecy on August 19, 1944.
Surrounded by the Resistance, the German garrison surrendered—largely because it believed a false report broadcast by Swiss radio claiming that the maquis numbered 15,000 fighters, which was of course not the case.
Haute-Savoie is the only department in France that was entirely liberated by the FFI (French Forces of the Interior)alone.
Annecy: Film / The Chasseur maquis fighters and the liberation of Annecy.
Beaucaire
With historical reenactors from the association ETO 30 wearing different uniforms of the units that liberated the region in 1944.
There is a special story in Beaucaire, since the Allée de Narvik, inaugurated in 1969, is no longer listed or identified on maps, where a new name now appears – that of the hotel to which it leads. In 1969, the lane was clearly located in a much busier area, next to a railway line that has since disappeared, which no doubt explains the change. Even so, the past is still present, as the magnificent plaque of this Allée de Narvik is still there in its original place.
Beauvezer
In this small municipality, mayor Brice Garnier, a former officer of the French Army, is particularly attached to our history and to the duty of remembrance. I know him well, and when I spoke to him a few months ago about our project “Narvik in France,” he immediately felt he could contribute to bringing this glorious page of our military history back into the light.
Beauvezer is a small village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and the Alps were at the heart of the Norwegian campaign through the creation of the High Mountain Brigade, which included six battalions of Alpine Chasseurs from across the region.
Almost 80 years after the first “Rue de Narvik” in Grenoble, the circle closes again in our mountains.
On February 7, 2026, we gathered to inaugurate the symbolic “Passage de Narvik” in Beauvezer. Rune Edvardsen, mayor of Narvik, made the trip, highlighting how strong the ties between Narvik and France remain—even 85 years later. He was accompanied by his Director of Culture and members of the Vinterfestuka team.
On the French side, local officials and residents were present, but the memory of the Alpine troops was also represented by historical reenactors from the association AHVAE (Association d’Histoire Vivante et d’Archéologie Expérimentale) in Narvik 1940 Alpine Chasseur uniforms, as well as the FRESM (Federation for the Outreach and Mutual Support of Mountain Soldiers), led by its president, General Vincent Pons.
At the end of the ceremony, Alain Fine, one of our reenactors, told us about Jean Dulla, a young soldier of the 14th BCA, killed on May 17, 1940, and buried in Narvik.
Originally from the small village of Peira Cava in the hills behind Nice, Alain discovered a memorial plaque there that had been placed by members of his motorcycle club. After contacting Dulla’s family, he honored him at that memorial together with the village mayor.
He then gave us a small amount of soil from Jean Dulla’s birthplace, so that we could symbolically place it on his grave in Narvik. We will do so as soon as the snow that covers his gravestone each winter has melted.
Beauvezer: Photos / Jean Dulla.
Bellevue / Coëtquidan
With second lieutenants from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr and the École Militaire Interarmes.
Each year, the new classes of the two main French officer academies choose a patron name. This name may refer to a major event in French military history or, more often, to a distinguished officer. One class took the name Narvik, another General Béthouart, and nine others were named after officers, non-commissioned officers or soldiers (who later became officers) who fought at Narvik in 1940.
Before becoming, after the war, the site of the French officer academies, the Coëtquidan camp welcomed, from the end of 1939, Polish volunteers living in France as well as soldiers who had fled their country after the German invasion in September. The Polish government in exile in France formed and trained there the troops of a reconstituted army of more than 80,000 men, including those who would form the Podhale Rifle Brigade, which later fought at Narvik within the Franco-Polish Expeditionary Corps.
Coëtquidan 1: Document / Classes whose patron fought at Narvik.
Coëtquidan 2: Photos / The Coëtquidan camp, Polish training camp, early 1940
Belley / Chazey-Bons / Virieu-le-Grand
With historical reenactors from Cristal 7 – From the Ain Maquis to the 6th BCA, dressed as FFI resistance fighters and Alpine Chasseurs of the 6th BCA.
Also present at the ceremony in Chazey were the sub-prefect of Belley, the mayors of Chazey-Bons and Virieu-le-Grand, the representative of the ONM, former mayors of Chazey, the president of the National Association of Veterans of the 8th BCP and the Diables Bleus of Lyon, flag bearers from alpine units and patriotic associations.
These three neighboring municipalities are linked through their common connection to Narvik. In the Bugey region, the entire 1940 Expeditionary Corps gathered, trained and acclimatized before departing for Brest and embarking for Norway.
In early February, battalions of the new BHM (High Mountain Brigade) arrived around Belley. At the end of March, the newly formed 13th DBMLE joined them, and the area became known to the troops as the refreshment zone.
The units later departed successively for the port of Brest, many leaving from Virieu station, whose square was later named Place de Narvik.
On February 28, 1940, at Chazey-Bons, Colonel Béthouart gathered the six battalions of the BHM for the first time and presented them to the Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces, General Gamelin.
It was here that the municipality and the associations of former Alpine Chasseurs built a monument commemorating the BHM and the victory at Narvik.
Belley / Chazey-Bons / Virieu-le-Grand 1: Photos / Alpine Chasseurs in the Bugey before departure for Norway.
Belley / Chazey-Bons / Virieu-le-Grand 2: Photos / The monument and its inauguration in 1990.
Béziers
With historical reenactors from the association Maquisards Reconstitutions in maquis / FFI uniform.
On August 22, 1944, the city of Béziers was liberated thanks to the action of the French Forces of the Interior, composed of maquis groups present throughout the country and often led by former career soldiers, including many Alpine Chasseurs who had fought at Narvik in 1940.
Béziers: Photos / Liberation of Béziers.
Briançon
With historical reenactors from the association Souvenir Sauvegarde et Histoire Militaire du Briançonnais, and during the ceremony at the war memorial, patriotic associations and their flags, Mrs. Barnéoud (deputy mayor of Briançon), as well as children from Carlhian-Rippert School accompanied by their headmistress.
Briançon claims the title of the highest city in Europe, and in these Alpine mountains the Chasseurs once again played a key role in history.
The historic regiment here was the 159th Alpine Infantry Regiment (159 RIA), also known as 15/9, which was stationed there for nearly 200 years. During the Second World War it fought both against the Germans in northern and eastern France and against the Italians locally.
At the end of the war, together with the Free French Forces, and including veterans of Narvik in its ranks, it advanced into Austria under the command of General Béthouart.
The Square de Narvik in Briançon was inaugurated on May 3, 1974, in the presence of the Norwegian ambassador, during the annual congress of the Narvik veterans’ association. As we symbolically did again this year, they also held a ceremony at the city’s war memorial.
Briançon: Film / Inauguration of Square de Narvik in 1964.
Chasse-sur-Rhône
With historical reenactors from Dragoon 69, dressed as soldiers of the 1st RFM (Marine Fusiliers Regiment) of the Free French Forces.
In Chasse, Étienne Langlois, who served for many years as first deputy mayor, was a Narvik veteran. He passed away in 2002, and in his memory the name Allée de Narvik was given to a street in the municipality.
Chasse-sur-Rhône: Photos / The Allée de Narvik before its creation.
Brest
You will notice that Rue de Narvik is written both in French and in Breton (a preserved regional language), much like in our region where signs appear in Norwegian and Sami.
Here we are with historical reenactors from the association Brest 44, dressed as Alpine Chasseurs – Narvik 1940, ready to embark for Norway.
Rue de Narvik, which leads to the port from which all the troops departed for Norway in 1940, was inaugurated on April 12, 1970, during the annual congress of the Narvik veterans’ association.
All the forces that fought victoriously at Narvik departed from the Port of Brest in April 1940.
Brest 1: Film / Embarkation of the expeditionary corps.
Brest 2: Film / Inauguration of Rue de Narvik.
Clermont-Ferrand
With historical reenactors from the association Corps Franc d’Auvergne, dressed as French soldiers of the 4th SAS Regiment (British Special Air Service) / 2nd RCP (Parachute Chasseur Regiment).
In this regiment served Lieutenant Louis Mairet, who had been a sergeant in the 12th BCA at Narvik in 1940. He later became a Companion of the Liberation, and the 2nd RCP was among the rare units to receive the Cross of the Liberation. He also gave his name to a class of officers at the École Militaire Interarmes.
Clermont-Ferrand: Film / Lieutenant Mairet and the 2nd RCP (SAS).
Evian
With historical reenactors from Passion Patrimoine Gessien, dressed as soldiers of the 179th Alpine Fortress Battalion.
This unit was part of the Army of the Alps, which — like the expeditionary corps in Norway — could claim not to have been defeated in 1940.
The 179th distinguished itself particularly in the defense of Fort l’Ecluse against the Wehrmacht in June 1940, surrendering only on orders well after the armistice had been signed.
Rue de Narvik was inaugurated on May 20, 1973, during the annual congress of the Narvik Veterans Association, many of whose members were from Savoy.
Gap
With the commanding officer and soldiers of the 6th Mountain Training Group. This unit, based in Gap, has taken over the traditions and the pennant of the 6th Battalion of Alpine Chasseurs, which distinguished itself at Narvik in 1940.
On this pennant you can see the inscription Narvik, testifying to its participation in the first victory against Nazi Germany.
Gap: Film / Inauguration of Rue de Narvik, May 22, 1976.
Grenoble
With historical reenactors from the association Les Conflits de l’Oubli, dressed as Alpine Chasseurs of the 6th BCA, along with two former Alpine Chasseur officers from the Federation for the Outreach and Mutual Support of Mountain Soldiers.
Grenoble is a key city in the history of the Alpine troops and was among the first to give the name Narvik to one of its streets, in 1948.
Grenoble: Photos / From 1940 to 2026 – the 6th BCA and the Chasseurs’ flag.
Gueugnon
With historical reenactors from the association Historic, wearing various uniforms including Alpine Chasseur 6th BCA 1940, 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade 1944, armored units and colonial infantry of the 1st French Army that took part in the liberation of the region in September 1944.
Gueugnon: Film / «Making of» Per Heimly
La Ciotat
With historical reenactors from the association Forty Four Memories in 1944 13th DBLE uniform.
Boulevard de Narvik was inaugurated in early June 1955, in the presence of the mayor and a delegation of Norwegian veterans of Narvik.
La Ciotat: Photos / Then and now.
La Verpillière
With historical reenactors from the association Isère 39-45, wearing various US Liberation and French Parachute Chasseur Regiment uniforms.
Two Narvik veterans once lived in this village: Auguste Ménard, who died in 1997, and Clément Matton, who died in 1999. After the latter’s death, the city renamed a street Rue de Narvik on November 17, 1999.
La Verpillière: Film / Making of Per Heimly.
Lançon-Provence
With historical reenactors from the association Forty Four Memories in colonial infantry uniforms from 1940 and 1944.
In Lançon, we meet the children of Mr. Antoine Toran, mayor of the city from 1965 to 1995 and a former combatant, Alpine Chasseur at Narvik.
Lançon: Photos / Antoine Toran, former mayor and Alpine Chasseur at Narvik.
Lyon
With historical reenactors from the association Dragoon 69, dressed as French soldiers of the 1st RFM (Marine Fusiliers Regiment) of the Free French Forces and legionnaires of the 13th DBMLE, which had fought at Narvik in 1940. These two units actively participated in the liberation of Lyon on September 3, 1944. Both the 1st RFM and the 13th DBMLE received the Cross of the Liberation.
Lyon: Film / Liberation of Lyon.
Lyon 2: Le Roi Harald au congrès des combattants de Narvik à Lyon en 1975.
Malestroit
With historical reenactors from the associations FDABCCC29 (Departmental Federation of Armored Cavalry – Combat Tanks – of Finistère) and LBMG (Les Bunkers Mémoire de Guerre), dressed in Polish and French uniforms from 1940.
On Rue de Narvik stands the monument commemorating the Polish Podhale Rifle Brigade, which was formed in this village before departing to fight in Norway alongside French forces within the Expeditionary Corps.
After the invasion of September 1939, the Polish government took refuge in France along with 32,000 soldiers. By early 1940, with the addition of 50,000 immigrants of first, second or third generation, an army of more than 80,000 men was reconstituted in France. One of the first brigades to be reformed would take part in the liberation of Narvik.
Malestroit: Film / On April 10, 1940, at the site of the current monument, the brigade received its flag and the soldiers swore an oath to the President of the Polish Republic in exile in France.
Marseille
With historical reenactors from the association Forty Four Memories in 13th DBLE uniform.
The city of Marseille is linked to Narvik 1940 because the 13th DBMLE, which would fight there, was created in North Africa from several Foreign Legion regiments and arrived for the first time in metropolitan France at the port of Marseille before going on to the Larzac, then the Ain, and finally the port of Brest to embark for Norway.
The day after Toulon, Marseille was liberated on August 28, 1944. After the Provence landings on August 15, the 1st French Army was tasked with taking the cities of Toulon and Marseille and therefore launched simultaneous offensives on both objectives.
Finally, Marseille was the city of André Roux, the last surviving veteran of Narvik. He died there in July 2017 at the age of 99.
Marseille 1: Film / A battalion of the new 13th DBMLE leaves Sidi Bel Abbès to reach the port of Oran.
Marseille 2: Film / The new 13th DBMLE, regrouped in Oran, parades before departure and embarks for Marseille.
Marseille 3: Photos / André Roux, last French veteran of Narvik.
Martigues / Laveira
A particular story awaits us in this town and in this photo, where you can see no Rue de Narvik. Yet it was here, on July 3, 1965, in the presence of Narvik veterans, that a beautiful Place de Narvik was inaugurated in front of the Hôtel des Gens de Mer, which at the time hosted many Norwegian sailors manning tankers coming from Norway.
Unfortunately, over time, changes in the oil port and the development of safety measures made the hotel unusable because it was located in a high-risk industrial zone. It disappeared, and Place de Narvik disappeared with it. This area, turned into wasteland, was eventually sold to a petrochemical company and became an industrial site in its own right.
In the photo, Ms. Sophie Bertran de Balanda, architect and urban planner, tells us this very special story, about which she has written a book (HOT… le jardin des gens de mer, histoire d’une disparition).
Martigues / Laveira: Film / Inauguration of Place de Narvik in 1965.
Moulins
With historical reenactors from the association Historic, wearing various uniforms including Alpine Chasseur 6th BCA 1940, 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade 1944, armored units and colonial infantry of the 1st French Army that took part in the liberation of the region in September 1944.
The city of Moulins held an important and sensitive position as it was located on the demarcation line that divided France into two parts between the occupied zone and the so-called free zone until November 1942, when after the Allied landings in North Africa, Hitler began to fear a landing in southern France.
Moulins: Photos / Moulins – from the demarcation line to liberation.
Nice
Ceremony at the stela dedicated to the expeditionary corps and the victory of Narvik, in the presence of numerous patriotic associations (including veterans of the Alpine Chasseurs), representatives of the city of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes department, the Honorary Consul and Vice-Consul of Norway in Nice, representatives of the French Navy and the departmental military delegate, as well as historical reenactors from the association AHVAE dressed as Alpine Chasseurs of Narvik 1940.
The city of Nice was historically a garrison town for Alpine Chasseurs, notably the 6th BCA, which fought at Narvik in 1940. The Narvik veterans’ association, which had a strong local section in Nice, initiated the construction of this stela, inaugurated on March 31, 1956.
Originally located near the railway station in an area later redeveloped, the stela was moved and highlighted again at its new location, which was named Jardin de Narvik on May 28, 2011.
Born January 20, 1915, Jean Manesero served as an Alpine Chasseur in the 12th BCA at Narvik in 1940. In 2010, he was one of the last survivors of the 1940 campaign and returned to Narvik for the 70th anniversary commemorations. Speaking on Norwegian television, he said: “Now I can die.” Yet in 2011 he was still present to inaugurate the renewed stela in the new Jardin de Narvik. He passed away later that same year, on November 22.
Nice 1: Photo / Section of the Narvik veterans’ association.
Nice 2: Film / Commemoration at the former Square de Narvik.
Nice 3: Film / Jean Manesero on Norwegian TV NRK in 2010.
Nice 4: Photos / Installation of the stela in the new Jardin de Narvik.
Nîmes
With historical reenactors from the association ETO 30 wearing different uniforms of the units that liberated the region in 1944.
The street was inaugurated on May 7, 1961 during the annual congress of the Narvik veterans’ association, which was held in Nîmes that year.
Once again, it was this association, in its effort to gain greater recognition in France for the 1940 victory, that obtained from the city of Nîmes the naming of one of its streets after Narvik and the hosting of its important annual gathering.
Nîmes: Photos / Paul Vuillard, 14th BCA – Resistance – Veterans’ Association.
Oyonnax
With historical reenactors from Cristal 7 – From the Ain Maquis to the 6th BCA, dressed as FFI resistance fighters.
The Ain Maquis was one of many resistance groups operating in mountainous and forested areas that were difficult to access.
After the Narvik campaign, many Alpine Chasseurs returning from Norway joined and led these maquis groups, formed by young French men who wanted to continue the fight and refused to go to Germany for the STO (Compulsory Labour Service).
The group became famous in 1943, when it decided to commemorate November 11 in Oyonnax, which was under German occupation.
Arriving in trucks, the resistance fighters secured the town’s entrances and marched through the streets in formation to the war memorial, where they laid a wreath in the shape of the Cross of Lorraine, symbol of Free France.
In 1944, after the Provence landings, a large part of this maquis re-formed the 6th BCA, which had fought at Narvik and later accompanied the 1st French Army all the way to Austria.
Some young Frenchmen sent to the STO were deported not only to Germany but also to Norway.
Three of them — aged 21 to 23 — were interned at the Susendal camp in the municipality of Hattfjelldal. They escaped but were recaptured a few days later, on August 19, 1944, executed and buried in the forest without any marker.
In 1946, they were exhumed and placed in the cemetery of Sørvollen, alongside 27 Soviet prisoners. In 1962, at the request of the French government, their remains were transferred to the Narvik cemetery and placed beside the 119 soldiers killed in the 1940 campaign, under a single gravestone bearing their three names:
– Alfred Corbineau
– Léon David
– Georges Gonin
Oyonnax 1: Film / The November 11, 1943 parade in Oyonnax.
Oyonnax 2: Photos / Three French STO prisoners buried in Narvik.
Paris: Place de Narvik
In front of the bas-relief by P. Landowski, together with students from the Norwegian section of the International School of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, representatives of the Norwegian Embassy in Paris, the president and the flag of the local branch of the association Le Souvenir Français, and the team from the Vinterfestuka Foundation.
It was General Béthouart, commander of the forces in 1940 and honorary president of the Narvik veterans’ association, who initiated a petition to the city of Paris as early as 1952, requesting that the name Narvik be given to a street in the capital. The request was granted in 1955, and the mayor of Narvik, accompanied by a delegation of Norwegian veterans, attended the inauguration.
P. Landowski is the artist who created the famous Christ of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. His bas-relief, commissioned by the veterans, was added to the square five years later. A plaster copy of this bas-relief, presented to the city of Narvik on July 17, 1960, was later cast in bronze and placed on the façade of the City Hall on August 20, 1962.
Paris 1: Film / Inauguration of “Place de Narvik”, May 28, 1955.
Paris 2: Film / Inauguration of the bas-relief by Pierre Landowski, May 28, 1960.
Paris 3: Official French visit to Narvik, August 25, 1962. Presentation of the bas-relief on the façade of the City Hall by the mayor, Mr. Sverre Øvergård.
Paris 4: Visit of King Olav V, who laid a wreath at “Place de Narvik”, September 27, 1962.
Plougonvelin
Ceremony at the National Memorial to Sailors who died for France, with the president and members of the association Aux Marins, the president and flag of the Union Nationale des Combattants section of Ploudalmézeau, and the Honorary Consul of Norway in Brest.
On June 15–16, 2015, the association Aux Marins was present in Narvik to sign, together with Le Souvenir Français and the city of Narvik, a charter ensuring the preservation in our cemetery of the plaque commemorating the 128 sailors lost from the destroyer Bison, sunk at Namsos on May 3, 1940, during the Norwegian campaign, before the second part of the expeditionary corps moved toward the Narvik region.
It is an opportunity to link the memory of the soldiers who fought at Narvik with those who had previously fought at Namsos.
It is also a reminder that the destroyer Milan fought in the Narvik fjord, where it was struck by a bomb on May 22 during a German air attack.
Plougonvelin 1: Documents / The Navy in Norway – 1940 / Namsos / Bison / Milan / Memory of Narvik and Plougonvelin.
Plougonvelin 2: Film / 80th anniversary commemoration with the mayor of Namsos and a representative of Le Souvenir Français.
Rennes
You will notice that Square de Narvik is written both in French and in Breton (a preserved regional language), much like in our region where signs appear in Norwegian and Sami.
At Square de Narvik, which received its name on February 12, 1971, we are accompanied by four second lieutenants from the 1st Battalion of the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, the famous officers’ academy created by Napoleon in 1802 and located since 1945 in Coëtquidan, about 40 km from Rennes. Many of the most illustrious marshals and generals of the French army graduated from this school, including General de Gaulle, who was from the same class as General Béthouart, commander of the Franco-Polish expeditionary corps at Narvik.
After returning from Norway, the expeditionary corps received orders to take positions along the final defensive line of Brittany. The Polish Podhale Brigade was among the first units engaged around Combourg and was quickly overwhelmed by German forces. As the Germans did not recognize them as a legitimate military force, they feared they would all be executed if captured. General Béthouart attempted to reach Rennes to obtain permission from headquarters to withdraw the Polish forces so they could reach England in the event of an armistice. He did not succeed, as the outskirts of Rennes were already occupied, and the last order he received was to attempt to reach a port for evacuation.
Rennes: Per Heimly at work at Square de Narvik
Riez
With members of the folklore group Lou Colostro in traditional Provençal costumes.
Here we chose to make a nod to Narvik and its French Festival of 1956, which was at the origin of the Vinterfestuka we know today.
On the one hand, we draw a parallel between the Rallar costumes worn during our festival and these French regions that continue to preserve the memory of their local history and traditional clothing.
During the French Festival of 1956, a parade of French regional costumes (including that of Provence) was presented by young women from Narvik.
Photos: Traditional Rallar costumes and the parade of French regional costumes during the French Festival of 1956.
Rue
The town where General Béthouart, commander of the Franco-Polish forces at Narvik, is buried.
A/ At his grave, a ceremony unveiling a commemorative plaque created by the city of Narvik, presented by Knut Leikvam (President of the Narvik War Museum Foundation), in the presence of the general’s family – grandchildren and great-grandchildren – the mayor and elected officials of Rue, the sub-prefect, presidents and flag bearers of patriotic associations, and representatives of the national gendarmerie.
B and C/ At Place du Général Béthouart and at the fishing site Le Narvik (belonging to members of the family), with the general’s relatives.
D/ Portrait of General Béthouart, painted by Léon Blot, a French veteran of Narvik, presented to the mayor of Narvik in 1951.
Rue 1: Documents / photos and articles about General Béthouart (decoration by King Haakon, funeral, honorary citizen…).
Rue 2: Film / General Béthouart and the first commemoration of the liberation of Narvik, May 28, 1946 (presentation of the Croix de Guerre 1939–45 to the city of Narvik).
Rue 3: Film / General Béthouart in the NRK program Callevaduville – 1980 (original French version with subtitles).
Saint-Étienne
With members of the Friends of the Mining Museum Association dressed as miners.
Another nod to Narvik: Saint-Étienne was a mining city (coal) from the 13th century until 1983.
Just like the mining activity in Kiruna, which led to the creation of Narvik, the life of these two cities revolved around mining.
In 1955, the mayor of Narvik Sverre Øvergård, accompanied by a delegation of Norwegian veterans from Narvik, visited Saint-Étienne and received a miner’s lamp as a gift — a powerful symbol.
During preparations for the Normandy landings, the Allies attempted on May 26, 1944 to destroy the railway installations in Saint-Étienne that were vital for the Germans. Unfortunately, inaccurate bombings destroyed a large part of the city, causing 1,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries among the population.
The city was liberated on August 20 without battle, as German troops fled before the arrival of Free French and Allied forces.
Saint-Étienne: Photos / The 1955 visit and miner’s lamp offered to the mayor of Narvik, and various photos of the mining history and the 1944 bombing.
Saint-Maurice-l’Exil
With historical reenactors from the associations Dragoon 69 (Free French 1st RFM uniforms) and Isère 39-45 (US Liberation uniforms and French Parachute Chasseur Regiment).
Born in Spain and arriving in France at the age of six, Louis Lorenzo grew up in this village. At 18, not yet having obtained French nationality, he enlisted in the Foreign Legion.
He was among the legionnaires who formed the new 13th DBMLE, which departed for Narvik. He was killed on May 17, 1940, during the Bjerkvik operation.
To honor him, the municipality named one of its streets Rue de Narvik on May 25, 1986.
Saint-Maurice-l’Exil: Photos / Louis Lozano and his grave in the Narvik cemetery.
Saint-Michel-de-Chabrillanoux
With historical reenactors from the association Le Clan d’Helvie dressed as Vikings.
Here we chose to make a historical nod by highlighting the earliest relations between France and Norway, and more generally Scandinavia, from where the Vikings came to visit us — not always peacefully — in those times.
However, this village chose to give the name Narvik to this small square and stone path because a former Narvik veteran lived here: Albert Dejours, an Alpine Chasseur of the 14th BCA, who later served as mayor of the municipality for more than 30 years, until 1983.
After Narvik, Albert Dejours joined the Resistance, and in 1944 he joined the 159th Alpine Infantry Regiment, fighting in the Alps and later in Austria under the command — as in 1940 — of General Béthouart, Commander-in-Chief of the French Forces and later High Commissioner of the French Republic in Austria until 1950.
He left for posterity his war diary, recounting his adventure in Norway in 1940.
Photos: Albert Dejours.
Saint-Péray
With historical reenactors from the association Drôme 44, wearing different uniforms related to the history of the war and the liberation in the region:
– US 1944, orderly, Nurse and 82nd Airborne
– Commando Kieffer, Liberation 1944
– Gendarme of the Vercors Maquis
– The personal uniform of Captain Tournissa, French pilot 1940
If the town of Saint-Péray has a Rue de Narvik, inaugurated on July 1, 1971, it owes this to General François Binoche, Companion of the Liberation and leader of the FFI (Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur) of the Ardèche department, who liberated the town on September 1, 1944.
Because of his prestige in the municipality, he wished to honor comrades from the region who had fallen at Narvik (Fernand Héritier, Louis Bancel and Gabriel Bonnefoy). This tribute was made even more meaningful as a resident of Saint-Péray, Joseph Revol, had also been killed there in 1940.
These four Alpine Chasseurs are buried in the cemetery in Narvik.
Saint-Péray: General Binoche and the four soldiers from Ardèche buried in Narvik.
Sciez
Ceremony at the monument honoring the expeditionary corps in Norway, in the presence of the current mayor and his predecessors (including the one who initiated the monument), elected officials, presidents of patriotic associations and their flag bearers, and the local population.
Several young men from this village and the region had fought at Narvik — and somewhat surprisingly in Haute-Savoie, some had served in the French Navy.
In fact, it is not so surprising: having spent their lives navigating Lake Geneva, they already knew how to sail and likely longed for more distant horizons.
The monument was inaugurated on May 8, 1999, in the presence of Odd Andreassen, mayor of Narvik.
Sciez: Photos / Inauguration of the commemorative monument.
St Jeoire
With historical reenactors from the association Passion Patrimoine Gessien, dressed as Alpine troops of the 179th Alpine Fortress Battalion (BAF). This unit was part of the Army of the Alps, which—like the expeditionary corps in Norway—could claim that it had not suffered defeat in 1940.
The 179th particularly distinguished itself in the defense of Fort l’Ecluse against the Wehrmacht in June 1940, being forced to surrender only on orders, long after the armistice had been signed.
The Rue de Narvik in St Jeoire received its name in tribute to Narvik veterans who came from this village and who even lived on that very street.
Suresnes / Mont Valérien Memorial
Ceremony in front of the high relief commemorating the victory at Narvik. Present were students from the Norwegian section of the International School of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the president and the flags of the local branches of the associations Le Souvenir Français and Rhin et Danube, officers of the Alpine Chasseurs, representatives of the city of Suresnes, the granddaughter of General Béthouart (who commanded the Franco-Polish forces at Narvik in 1940), and the Vinterfestuka team.
Requested by General de Gaulle, the memorial honors the memory of all those who died for France between 1940 and 1945. Stretching more than 100 meters in length, it consists of a 12-meter Cross of Lorraine, symbol of Free France, surrounded by 16 high reliefs corresponding to 16 tombs located in the crypt. These symbolize the many forms of combat against the enemy through the names of battles, actions, forces or specific places – including Narvik. The memorial was inaugurated on June 17 and 18, 1960 by General de Gaulle.
Suresnes: Film / Inauguration of the Memorial.
Tarascon
With historical reenactors from the association ETO 30 wearing different uniforms of the units that liberated the region in 1944.
Square de Narvik was inaugurated on May 7, 1972 in the presence of the Norwegian ambassador and veterans of the Narvik veterans’ association. In order to be given greater visibility, it was later moved to its current location on June 5, 2010.
Tarascon 1: Film / Inauguration of the first Square de Narvik, May 7, 1972.
Tarascon 2: Photos / Inauguration of the new Square de Narvik.
Toulon
With historical reenactors from the association Forty Four Memories in 1944 Free French 13th DBLE uniform.
Rue de Narvik was inaugurated on April 23, 1961, in this city which was liberated on August 27, 1944, notably by the 13th DBMLE, which had fought at Narvik in 1940 and later became the first unit of the Free French Forces. It was the return to France of the 13th DBLE, which had left in June 1940.
Toulon: Film / Liberation of Toulon.
Tours
With Mr. Thierry Lecomte, deputy mayor of the city of Tours, the national vice-president of the André Maginot Veterans Federation, the flag of his section and one of its members, a former Alpine Chasseur officer.
In preparation for the Normandy landings, the Allies attempted on May 19 and 20, 1944 to destroy the railway installations in Tours, which were vital for the Germans. Unfortunately, inaccurate bombings destroyed a large part of the city, causing the deaths of 143 people. Rue de Narvik and Voie de Narvik were part of the reconstruction and development of the city after the war. In the Europe district, Rue de Narvik was most likely inaugurated on May 20, 1979 during the annual congress of the Narvik veterans’ association held in the city.
Tours has also become a cultural city with strong ties to Norway, notably with the visit of Queen Sonja, who inaugurated the Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Center in 2017. Debré, who “painted Norway” for more than 30 years, was highly appreciated by the Queen, who met him several times.
Tours 1: Photos / The city of Tours after the Allied bombings of May 1944.
Tours 2: Photos / Inauguration of the CCCOD by Queen Sonja and President François Hollande on March 10, 2017.
Valence / Guilherand-Granges
With historical reenactors from the association Drôme 44 in various uniforms related to the history of the war and liberation in the region:
– US 1944, orderly, Nurse and 82nd Airborne
– French armored lieutenant and liaison soldier 1940
– Commando Kieffer, Liberation 1944
– Gendarme of the Vercors Maquis
– The personal uniform of Captain Tournissa, French pilot 1940
Gendarmes often played an important role in the Resistance, despite – and often thanks to – their official position within the institutions of the Vichy government.
The gendarmerie brigade of La Chapelle en Vercors was the only constituted gendarmerie unit to be awarded the Medal of the Resistance.
Captain Jean Tournissa, known by the Resistance pseudonym Paquebot, was parachuted into the region on the night of July 6–7, 1944, with the mission of preparing an airfield for Allied aviation. He was killed in action in the region on August 28, 1944.
Valence / Guilherand 1: Photos / The gendarmerie brigade of La Chapelle en Vercors.
Valence / Guilherand 2: Photos / Captain Tournissa.
Villebon-sur-Yvette
There is probably little history here, with this office building named Narvik, next to Oslo, Vega and Nobel, within a complex called Les Fjords located on Avenue de Norvège. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that after Oslo, the name chosen was that of a small town of 22,000 inhabitants – Narvik – a name that remains present in the collective memory of France.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
With historical reenactors from the AHAVE (Association d’Histoire Vivante et d’Archéologie Expérimentale), dressed as Alpine Chasseurs of Narvik 1940, the representative of the city of Villefranche, the pennant of the 22nd BCA veterans’ association and the mountain troops, several former Alpins, and the Honorary Vice-Consul of Norway in Nice.
The Jardin de Narvik was inaugurated on April 1, 1956, during the annual congress of the Narvik veterans’ association, in the presence of its honorary president, General Béthouart, who had commanded the 24th BCA in this same town before the war.
Villefranche: Photos / Commander Béthouart, head of the 24th BCA from 1928 to 1930
Villons-les-Buissons
With historical reenactors from the association ACC Normandie, dressed in British, Canadian and civilian uniforms from 1944, students from the Norwegian section of the Bayeux high school, the mayor of Villons, local elected officials, and the Honorary Consul of Norway in Caen.
The village of Villons-les-Buissons is probably the French municipality with the strongest links to Norway, not because of the 1940 campaign but because of the 1944 Normandy landings. Villons lies behind Juno and Sword beaches, where British and Canadian troops landed.
Nevertheless, Narvik has not been forgotten in their tribute, and the symbolism is strong: in 1940 French soldiers went to fight in Norway, and in 1944 around 3,000 Norwegians came to fight in France. Among them, 52 lost their lives, and their names appear on the memorial monument erected by the municipality and inaugurated in 1984 by King Olav.
In addition to streets named Oslo, Norway and Narvik, Villons also honors two Norwegian aviators who joined the RAF: General Mehre (born in Narvik, he was a major in 1944 and commanded the 132nd Norwegian RAF Wing) and Lt. Helland (Squadron 332 – the first Norwegian pilot to land in France). On the territory of Villons was Airfield B-16, which hosted the Norwegian squadrons.
The Norwegian royal family has visited this village several times for commemorations and inaugurations.
Villons 1: Film / June 5, 2014 – Ceremony at the Norwegian memorial with King Harald.
Villons 2: Film / June 5, 2014 – King Harald inaugurates the streets of Narvik, Norway and Oslo.
Villons 3: Film / June 5, 2014 – King Harald inaugurates Lt. Helland Square.
Villons 4: Photos / General Mehre.
Yvetot
There is probably little history here, with these residential buildings named Narvik, alongside others named Oslo. Yet it is no coincidence that after Oslo, the first Norwegian city name chosen was Narvik, as it is deeply rooted in the French collective memory.
Yvoire
In Yvoire we discovered this small plaque recalling that on Saturday, May 19, 1973, at the invitation of the municipality, the veterans of the Narvik Veterans Association — then gathered in Evian for their annual congress — came here to symbolically plant a Norwegian birch tree, leaving another trace of the historical link established with Narvik after the 1940 campaign.
Yvoire: Film / Narvik veterans in Yvoire.