Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Monument in memory of the Dunkirk Marine Fusiliers is a tribute to the French sailors who had fallen in the First World War. Initiated by the Amicale of the Elders Marine rifles via a national subscription, it stands out as the only monument dedicated specifically to this weapon, which was illustrated both on land and on sea. His architecture, entrusted to Jean-Marie Morel (municipal architect), and his sculpture by Félix Alexandre Desruelles (specialist of monuments to the dead), combine symmetry and symbolism, with a column surmounted by Jeanne d'Arc separating two friezes of bas-reliefs inspired by Parthenon, representing scenes of combat stylized in Art Deco.

The monument, built in pink sandstone (the emblematic material of the era), rests on a brick terrace arranged in checker, framed with chains and plots. The bas-reliefs of Desruelles, distributed on both sides of the central column, depict marine rifles in action, led by a winged Victoire whose wings overflow from the frame, as well as gunners-marine. The names of the battles are engraved at the foot of the soldiers, while a medallion pays tribute to Admiral Ronarc The inauguration, on November 11, 1929, in the presence of Marine Minister Georges Leygues and Belgian and British representatives, underlined its international and memorial character.

Listed as a Historic Monument in 2019, this monument is located at the quai Michel-Florent-Vanlangren in Dunkirk (Nord, Hauts-de-France). Its originality lies in its fusion of ancient (Parthenonian) and modern (Art Deco) influences, as well as in its warrior iconography, rare for a tribute to sailors. Desruelles, author of other regional monuments (such as that of Les Fusillés Lille), delivers a sober and dynamic work, where the Victoire and Jeanne d'Arc embody heroism and resilience. The accuracy of the location is considered satisfactory (note 6/10), with an alternative address to Square Lucien Duffuler.

External links