THE SONS of a Free French sailor who settled on the Isle of Wight after he helped defend it from Nazi air raids, aims to create an archive that will bring the accounts of not only his father, but also the comrades he served with, to life. 

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During part of the Second World War, the late Pierre L'Hours served on the Free French Chasseurs, based at Marvin's Yard, Cowes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Crewmen of the Chasseur 10 'Bayonne', with Islander Pierre L'Hours in the white-hooped tee shirt behind the shovel.Crewmen of the Chasseur 10 'Bayonne', with Islander Pierre L'Hours in the white-hooped tee shirt behind the shovel. (Image: Michel L'Hours)

Pierre was there when the German Luftwaffe carried out a major blitz on Cowes and East Cowes over the night of May 4-5, 1942.

The Nazis dropped 200 tons of bombs on the two towns, which left the shipyards ablaze on both sides of the river — destroying about 100,000 square feet of buildings, killing 70 and seriously injuring 80 others. 

Although much has been written and said about the role the Polish Free Navy played in defending the towns during that hellish night, very little has been recorded about the Free French role.

A plaque commemorating the service of the Free French stands on The Parade in Cowes, but there is no archive marking what they did, who was injured or killed and what it was like to serve through it.

Pierre, who went on to marry a local girl, settled on the Island — as did several of his fellow sailors, including the Polish Free Navy.

His two sons, Michel and Andre, want to create an archive that will tell the story of the Free French's wartime role on the Island, and is appealing to fellow Free French descendants to share stories handed down to them.    

The idea was hatched by Michel, of Adgestone — inspired by his recent attendance at a commemoration in Dieppe for those who took part in the 1942 raid, which his father took part in.

Isle of Wight County Press: Chasseur 10 'Bayonne' Free French navy ship leaving dry dock at Marvins Yard in Cowes.Chasseur 10 'Bayonne' Free French navy ship leaving dry dock at Marvins Yard in Cowes. (Image: Michel L'Hours)

While he was there, he was struck by a large role of honour listing the names of Free French combatants from all three services.

A fruitless search for information about the Free French at Marvins Yard followed, but after enlisting André's help, a wide array of French websites were discovered, which provides basic facts, but very little about the experiences, photos and documents of the French sailors who served there.

How to help create an archive for the Free French in Cowes

Here's how you can help create a record of the experiences of the Free French navy in Cowes during the Second World War. Contact Michel L'Hours:

  • By email: michel.lhours@hotmail.co.uk
  • By phone: 01983 404782.

"We want to create a digital archive, to capture the data before it all disappears," Michel said.

"We know several members of the flotilla married local girls and remained on the Island.

"Sadly, not much research has been done with the Free French, apart from a scant reference to them being at Marvin's Yard.

Isle of Wight County Press: Chasseur 10 'Bayonne' creewmen, including Islander Pierre L'Hours, third left.Chasseur 10 'Bayonne' creewmen, including Islander Pierre L'Hours, third left. (Image: Michel L'Hours)

"What we want to do is contact the descendants of those based at Cowes — on the Island especially, but also further afield. 

"The idea is we gather as much information as we can about the men who were there — whatever stories were handed down."

Before Covid, an exhibition of the local blitz in 1942 was held at East Cowes Town Hall, which featured several photographs.

Michel would like to get copies of any which featured the Free French navy at Marvins Yard.