An inscribed stone memorial bench honouring 11 Royal Marines killed in the initial assault on a key French port in 1944 is en route to its final destination via the Port of Poole.

The bench, funded by 47 Royal Marine Commando Association, will be installed on a hill overlooking the harbour of Port-en-Bessin.

It was inscribed by Bournemouth stonemason Sean Stevenson, of Excalibur Stone, and is being carried free of charge from Poole to Cherbourg by Brittany Ferries, after an initial approach to Poole Harbour Commissioners.

It was on June 7, 1944 – the day after D-Day – that 47 Commando began their attack on the strategically important port location.

They had landed the previous day on Gold Beach in Normandy and then marched 12 miles behind enemy lines.

As the marines moved up the cliff-edge of Port-en-Bessin’s Western Feature, they came under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire.

Grenades rained down on them while the cliff had been mined together with hidden flame throwers.

According to intelligence the harbour was empty of armed ships but, just before D-Day, two flak ships had moved into position.

They had direct view of the marines and opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties.

In total, 11 marines were killed and many more were wounded.

The port was eventually captured but 46 marines had lost their lives in the attack.

They included some who were drowned as their landing craft sunk, killed on the beach or died on the march to Port-en-Bessin or in the town battle.

Military historian, Major General Julian Thompson, later wrote: “In my opinion the operation by 47 RM Commando at Port-en-Bessin was one of the great feats of arms of any unit, Royal Marines, Army, Navy or Air Force of any nation in the Second World War.”

General Sir Brian Horrocks, Commander of the British 30th Corps in Normandy, added: “It is doubtful whether, in their long, distinguished history, the marines have ever achieved anything finer.”

A memorial was later unveiled on the top of the cliff on the western side of the harbour and is the setting for the annual remembrance celebrations.

But veteran Mark Packer, 98, a member of the 47 Royal Marine Commando Association, suggested a memorial specifically honouring the 11 marines killed in the initial assault.

The association has about 200 members including ten veterans, now in their 90’s.

Geof Haywood, 77, pictured, lives in Wimborne and is on the association’s committee.

He served in the Royal Marines for 23 years from 1960-83, predominately on ships and with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2).

Geof said the stone memorial bench had been ready for transportation a year ago but was held up by Covid.

He said: “I initially contacted Malcolm Bradshaw [Senior Harbour Controller for Poole Harbour Commissioners and a former Royal Marine] and he put me in touch with Martin Hann [Assistant Duty Operations Manager, Brittany Ferries].

“Martin immediately offered to transport the bench free of charge which was amazing. They’ve also looked after all the customs’ arrangements.

“It will be picked up at Cherbourg by the Mayor’s team from Port-en-Bessin ready for installation.

“A concrete base is already in position.

“Sadly, we will not be able to attend the actual unveiling but our contact in Port-en-Bessin is Alex Wilson, whose father was an officer in the battle.

“Alex is now an English tour guide and he will keep us updated.

“The memorial stone bench is a fulfilment of a wish by our veterans to see it installed.

“To this day, the people of Port-en-Bessin regard us as their liberators.

“They made our veterans freemen of the town and cherish their links with 47 Commando.”

The bench was delivered to the Port of Poole on Saturday from Kent by Chris Prentis, the brother of John Prentis, Chairman of 47 Royal Marine Commando Association.

Chris and John’s grandfather, Chuck Harris, 97, is also a veteran.

The memorial is due to be shipped to Cherbourg today, March 1.

Martin Hann, of Brittany Ferries, said: “Brittany Ferries has a long tradition of supporting veterans of the D-Day landings.

“We are always happy to help, as was the case on this occasion.”

Malcolm ‘Brad’ Bradshaw, pictured, the initial contact for Geof Haywood, said: “Poole Harbour Commissioners and port colleagues are always looking to come together to honour and support good deeds.

“What could be more fitting than to remember the actions of former generations.

“The memorial bench will act as a focus for the events that happened at Port-en-Bessin in June 1944 and help people understand the sacrifices made for our freedom.

“The bond of the Royal Marines brotherhood is there forever.

“To quote a phrase often used; once a marine, always a marine.”