the fight against tyranny

This is the Cross of Lorraine, symbol of the Free French Forces in WW2.

This memorial sits high up on Lyle Hill, Greenock, looking over Gourock and the Firth of Clyde. The Free French Navy was stationed here during the war, helping to escort convoys back and forth across the Atlantic.

Along with the Mersey, and the Bristol Channel, this was the most important stretch of water in the UK during the last war. Without the 'Western Approaches' this country would have starved, and the thousands of American and Canadian troops would have been unable to land in Britain.

In more recent years the Holy Loch (seen here in the far distance) was home to the US Navy, and a huge nuclear submarine supply/repair set up. I grew up with several children of American sub-mariners.

Gourock is my home town