OP LOYTON 1944

Links to PHANTOM & MOUSSEY

Introducing

https://operationloyton1944.org ~ By Philippe

This page is just a taster for “Operation Loyton” and we suggest that you visit the Vosges and discover all the Blue Stone and other memorials to the SAS and Civilians who lost their lives during 1944. The subject of “Operation Loyton” is so complex and extensive and it cannot be covered in full on this page, but it is covered in the three books listed below which can be purchased in French or English.

These are available from Philippe via email 213get@gmail.com

Operation Loyton books available from 213get@gmail.com
In eternal memory of all the soldiers and civilians lost during “Operation Loyton” 1944. Here is a floral tribute laid on the 5th September during a late night vigil at the Graves of 10 SAS soldiers and resistance fighters in Moussey Churchyard. To the front is the Spirit of Resistance lapel badge featuring the Cross of Lorraine, Lily of the Valley and the Flames of Resistance

“OPERATION LOYTON” – 1st DROP ZONE – ANATOMIE

Location: From the Office of the Mairie in Le Mont follow the Rue Principale D45C south west to the Bus Stop and Book Stall. Take the lane in line with the Bus stop to the west and follow the track around keeping left to the Drop Zone Memorial.

OPERATION LOYTON 1944 ~ ANATOMIE ~ By Philippe

Google Maps 1st SAS Drop Zone ANATOMIE at Le Mont.

Good to see that this small Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria) has self seeded or more likely been planted here. It is however a Native Tree in France.
  • ANATOMIE TEXT
  • In the early hours of 13th August 1944 two RAF Stirling’s arrived over this meadow having taken off from Fairford England.
  • They dropped a large quantity of equipment, as well as a Reconnaissance team from 2nd Special Air Service, its mission to establish a base and other drop zones for an offensive operation known as LOYTON.
  • It was supported by signallers of F Squadron, GHQ Liaison Regiment (Phantom), and also joined by a 3 man JEDBURGH team from the Special Operations Executive, Team JACOB.
  • This was to arm and train the Maquis using the accompanying equipment, to provide tactical leadership, and most importantly to make a direct wireless link with London.
  • The codename for the drop was ANATOMIE and although many of this initial team, and those that followed them on operations, lost their lives, they personified the first tangible evidence of impeding liberation.
  • In return, the local community victory by assisting and sheltering them, despite knowing the risk and suffering atrociously for their brave actions.

MOUSSEY MONUMENT

Location – 66 rue Rene Laedrich 88210 Moussey, France.

Google Maps Operation Loyton Memorial Moussey

In Moussey, close to the office of the Mayor you will find the start of the Blue Trail with a memorial “Who Remembers Wins” and set on a large stone block is the “Operation Loyton” panel next to the “Wing”. To the right is the “Resister” memorial that remembers the Resistance cutting the railway lines that transported Deportees to Concentration camps.
  • Memorial Text
  • From D-Day, 6th June 1944, the SAS Brigade deployed behind the lines in occupied territory, establishing a series of bases from which operational groups harassed the enemy’s rear.
  • To reach the eastern frontier of France, the crossing of the Vosges Mountains was necessary, this then opening the way to the Bruche Valley, Strasbourg and finally Berlin.
  • Operation Loyton was planned aa early as April 1944 and took place here from 12 August to 9 October 1944, predominantly between the Plaine and Rabodeau Valleys.
  • 84 men of the SAS, Phantom and SOE, along with the necessary equipment were deployed by a series of parachute drops at various places in our region.
  • Faced with the enemy’s determination to annihilate “Terroristen” and those who helped them, Operation Loyton could not have taken place without the help of the Resistance and the “people from here”, who paid a heavy toll for their help.
  • Memorial Text
  • To the memory of members of the S.A.S. Brigade who operated behind enemy lines in this region during the Autumn of 1944.
  • Also, to the Resistance who fought alongside them and to the local population who assisted both.
  • Many lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.

MOUSSEY CEMETERY

Location – 2 rue Rene Laedrich 88201 Moussey, France.

Google Maps CWGC Moussey Cemetery

MOUSSEY CEMETERY – SAS MEMORIAL

OPERATION LOYTON 1944 ~ MOUSSEY CEMETERY ~ By Philippe

Google Maps CWGC Moussey Cemetery

Moussey Cemetery and the Graves of 10 SAS soldiers and unknown Resistance fighters.
The Graves of Conway, Fitzpatrick and Elliot who were shot after capture at Ferme de la Fosse, a farm house near to Pexonne 54540.
The Grave of Phantom Signaller Bannerman.
The Grave of Sgt Lodge DCM.
The Grave of Phantom Signaller Davis.
The soldiers in Moussey Churchyard are honoured on the 6th September2025 every year.
The Main SAS Memorial Panel. After the war the CWGC wanted to move the bodies to another larger Cemetery but the Citizens of Moussey said NO! Hence it is now a recognised CWGC site.
The Grave of Lt. Castellain (Operation Pistol)
The Grave of Private Kasperovitch/King.
The Graves of Lewis and Brown and the remains of a Resistance fighter. They were shot at le Harcholet along with an unknown Resistance Fighter.

LE HARCHOLET

Location – 7 Pre Matre, 88210 Le Saulcy from the D49 coming from Moussey.

Google Maps Le Harcholet SAS Memorial

The Harcholet Memorial Blue Stone honouring Lewis and Brown and a unknown member of the Resistance were executed near here. There remains are buried in Moussey Cemetery.
  • Memorial Text
  • Here, on 16 October 1944 two parachutists of 2nd Special Air Service (SAS) and an unknown member of the Resistance were shot near a farm that the SS set on fire to conceal their crime.

THE GRAND FOSSE – “WE WERE GOOD MEN” MEMORIAL

In Nayemont (88210 Ban de Sapt) follow the direction of the Grand Fosse and Saales via the D32 until the intersection D32-C23.

Google Maps “WE WERE GOOD MEN” SAS Memorial

  • Memorial Text
  • “WE WERE GOOD MEN”
  • At this spot, on the 15 October 1944 the following men of the 2nd SAS were shot after capture:
  • Frederick Leonard AUSTIN
  • James William Robert BENNETT
  • Reginald Stanley CHURCH
  • Ralph HAY
  • Peter McGOVERN
  • Walter Henry Edgar NEVILL
  • George ROBINSON
  • Edward Thomas WEAVER

THE EDUCATIONAL PANEL

LES MOITRESSES – “I AM A SOLDIER” SAS MEMORIAL

Location – 3, Chemin de la Tete de la biche, 88100 Saint de des Vosges. Once on the path, at the first fork turn right and at the second fork turn left.

Google Maps “I AM A SOLDIER” SAS Memorial.

  • Memorial Text
  • “I AM A SOLDIER”
  • Near this spot, on 30th September 1944 the following nem of 2nd SAS were shot after capture.
  • James Desmond BLACK
  • Jack Stanley CROSIER
  • James Frederick DOWLING
  • Thomas IVISON
  • Leonard Edwin Charles LLOYD
  • Frank Ernest TERRY-HALL
  • Harry WINDER

MOYENMOUTIER & BARODET

Location – 6 rue du Tambour 88420 Moyenmoutier.

Google Maps Moyenmoutier Cemetery – Lt. James Silly 2 SAS Grave

The Moyenmoutier Communal Cemetery has one Commonwealth War Grave honouring Lt Silly.

LT. JAMES SILLY – Moyenmoutier Cemetery.

Location – 6 rue du Tambour 88420 Moyenmoutier.

Google Maps Moyenmoutier Cemetery – Lt. James Silly 2 SAS Grave

The remains of Lt. Silly and that of 11 members of the Resistance that were murdered at Barodet are interred here.
  • Glass Tablet Tribute to the Family Silly Text.
  • In loving memory of Air Commodore Benjamin James Silly (RAF), died 7/12/1943.
  • His wife Frances Fanny Silly, died 19/12/1989, aged 90.
  • Devoted parents of Lt. James Lovitt Silly (SAS), died 22/10/44 aged 20.
  • Frances Nora MacIlwaine (nee Silly), died 17/12/2012, aged 91.
  • Behind the glass and the cross on the gravestone is the inscription: –
  • Splendid you passed O valiant heart into the light that shall never fade.
Headstone honouring 11 members of the Resistance murdered alongside Lt. Silly at the Scierie de Barodet.
  • Memorial Text
  • Ici repose un group Resistant’s massacres le 22 October 1944 a la Scierie Barodet.
  • Paul CAEL
  • Paul DUPREY
  • Rene FOLCHER
  • Alfred GAXOTTE
  • Paul GERARD
  • George HANUS
  • Louis KOPF
  • Jean MARCELLI
  • Camille MAROTELI
  • Maurice MILLOTTE
  • Hugues PERRIN
  • Lt. Silly JL.

SCIERIE DE BARODET

From the D 424 entering Moyenmoutier, head north towards St. Prayel, pass the village, and continue on the forest road for 3 KM.

Google Maps Scierie de Barodet

Google Maps Monument to Resistance Fighters & Lt. Silly

A new educational panel has been established overlooking the Scierie.
The place where the 12 were murdered.
The burnt out Scierie being overtaken by nature.

VIOMBOIS – MEMORIAL OF THE RESISTANCE

Location on the D 168 between Neufmaisons and Vacqueville (54540).

Google Maps Ferme de Viombois.

MONUMENT TO THE RESISTANCE – GROUP MOBILE ALSACE

Location – Monument to the Resistance – Group Mobile Alsace.

FERME DE LA FOSSE

Location – In Pexonne (54540) take the Rue de la Rochotte to the southeast and then chemin de Moisy south for 925 metres.

Google Maps Ferme de la Fosse SAS Memorial

The farmhouse remains after it was burnt down and Madame Jacquot and her son Lucien were shot for helping SAS soldiers Conway, Elliot and Fitzpatrick who were later murdered here as well.
The memorial plaque honouring the French civilians and SAS soldiers murdered here.

TOMBE JACQUOT – SAS MEMORIAL

Location – Cemetery Path 54540 Pexonne.

Google Maps Pexonne Cemetery Delphine and Lucien Jacquot

This SAS Memorial honours Delphine Jacquot and her son Lucien who were shot after SAS soldiers were discovered at their farmhouse Ferme de la Fosse. Conway, Elliot and Fitzpatrick were also shot later at the Farm and their bodies burnt. The remains of these 3 SAS soldiers are buried in Moussey Churchyard.
  • MEMORIAL TEXT
  • In grateful memory of Delphine Jacquot and her son Lucien who sacrificed their lives helping three parachutists of the 2nd Special Air Service Regiment (SAS).

IGNEY (54) – LOYTON NORTH

24 Grande rue, 54450 Igney. The cemetery is at the southern end of the village. The memorial plaque is located at the end of the cemetery on the right hand side near the garden of remembrance.

Google Maps Igney SAS Memorial Lt. Rousseau 2 SAS

The SAS Memorial honouring Lt. Rousseau is situated in the Cemetery by the far right hand wall. Here together with his original grave marker.
  • MEMORIAL TEXT
  • Parachuted into a DZ near Rechicourt-le Chateau on the night of 9-10 September 1944, a party of 2nd Special Air Service Regiment under Canadian Lt. Joseph Maurice Rousseau operated in an area centred on Igney.
  • After establishing contact with US vanguard at Chazelles-sur-Albe on the evening of 16 September, Lt. Rousseau was fatally wounded on 17th September on the edge of Igney Forest during a skirmish with the enemy.
  • He was initially buried by the Germans in the German Military Cemetery at Avricourt (Moselle) from which his remains were exhumed on 18th August 1945 to be buried next day, at the request of the inhabitants of Igney, in their communal cemetery.
  • His grave marker (seen to the left in the photo) was engraved at the time and affixed to the cross at the front of the old war memorial at the end of 1945 when Rousseau’s remains were reinterred within Ranville War Cemetery (Calvados) where he rests alongside his brother, Lt. Joseph Philippe Rousseau who was killed in action in Normandy whilst serving with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.

IGNEY CHURCH

Google Maps Igney Eglise Saint-Martin.

In the past couple of years the citizens of Igney have successfully raised funds to refurbish the outside and inside of the new church that was built to replace the one that was burnt to the ground by the Germans. A picture of the old church can be seen on the latest village information panels which are situated opposite the new Eglise Saint Martin.
Outside the church a lovely memorial honours those of the village that lost their lives in both world wars along with Maurice Rosseau.
Eglise Saint Martin, Igney 54.
The recent village information panels that are located opposite the church.
  • INFORMATION PANEL TEXT
  • A Canadian lieutenant Joseph Maurice Rousseau, was parachuted into Igney with a team of 10 men on the night of September 9-10.
  • Their mission was to sabotage enemy communication routes in the Blamontsector, more specifically the RN4 and the Paris-Strasbourg railway.
  • Having died in combat in Igney, he was first buried in Avricourt-Moselle before the locals requested his transfer to the Igney Cemetery and mobilized to offer him an oak coffin.
  • In tribute to his son, the Rousseau family had a stations of the Cross with 15 stations sent to him. Sculpted by Medard Bourgault, they can be seen in the church.
  • Following historical research, a plaque in memory of Lieutenant Rousseau was unveiled on May 8, 2023 in the village cemetery.

PAGE UPDATED 2nd November 2025.