The Polar Bear Memorial in Normandy

Located next to the British Commonwealth War Cemetery at Fontenay-le-Pesnel in Normandy, France, this memorial honours the men of the 49th West Riding (Yorkshire) Division of the British Army for their service and sacrifices during 1944 and 1945 in the “D-Day” invasion of Normandy.

The polar bear badge motif central to this structure was adopted in 1940 when the Division was stationed in Iceland. The bear on the Memorial reflects changes to the design adopted in 1943.