The artifact recovered from the remains of the Carentan, off Dorset, has been presented by the Receiver of Wreck, Steve White, to the Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan-les-Marais.
The Carentan – also known as the Chasseur 5 – was part of Operation Dynamo in 1940 which famously brought thousands to safety from the beaches of France during the Second World War.
The Carentan had started the conflict in the Royal Navy but was later turned over to the Free French Navy, operating from Cowes.
Just three years on from the Dunkirk evacuation, on 21 December 1943 she was capsized by a wave during a storm off St Alban’s Head, near Swanage, while escorting a British submarine from Brixham to Portsmouth.
A lifeboat from Swanage skillfully picked up three men clinging to the upturned hull but not all could be saved. Seventeen lives were lost: three British and 14 Free French crewmen.
Decades later in 1984 the ship’s bell and other items were brought back to the surface by diver Anthony Reed who wanted them to find a home in France.
He declared the finds to the Receiver of Wreck and now, with coordination by Steve at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a collection is on display to remember the proud story of the Carentan and its tragic end.
It was presented by Steve in a ceremony at the Normandy Victory Museum attended by director Godefroy Beaussire and Mayor of Carentan Jean-Pierre L’Honneur.
Steve said: “It was with great pride that I was able to facilitate the donation of the Carentan’s ship’s bell and motto to the Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan-les-Marais.
“The finder was determined to return the item to France and I was delighted to arrange it on his behalf. For me it is the ultimate outcome, preserving pieces of history for future generations and to tell the stories of those brave men and women of the Second World War.”
Anthony, a diver of over 55 years’ experience, recalled the moment he made the discovery: "The general area of the Carentan was known but lost.
"I rediscovered her. I was actually looking for another wreck when I drifted across the Carentan in about 30metres of water.
“While rummaging around I could just about make out a tiny portion of a buried bell: a diver's dream and I was living the reality! It was about three metres inside the wreck on the seabed.
“By laying flat and extending my arm fully and using a long nail bar I eased it out. Bingo – a bell in perfect condition!
“Later I came across the ship's motto. It was bent and mangled, hardly recognisable for what it was. Later a friend using heated rollers was able to straighten it out.
“I discovered tiny fragments of paint which I was able to match. Red for the indented letters CH-5, and 1939 on the bell. Prussian Blue for the background of the raised polished brass letters ‘Valeur et discipline’ of the motto.
“I am very grateful that with the assistance of the Receiver of Wreck, Steve White, the artifacts are now in a suitable home."
Godefroy Beaussire, Normandy Victory Museum director, added: “The museum was honored to receive these two historical artifacts from the ship Carentan.
“These items hold not only symbolic significance due to the ship's namesake, but also historical importance as they allow us to delve into the French campaign of 1940 and the unwavering commitment of some French military personnel to continue fighting alongside British forces after the defeat, and even to the ultimate sacrifice.”
Main photo, from left: Steve White, Godefroy Beaussire (Museum Director) and Jean-Pierre L’Honneur (Mayor of Carentan).
