Sgt Eagle in Normandy
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My NORMANDY holidays
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A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
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An encounter between the present and the past
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Why Normandy? Why OMAHA beach?
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Since I was a teenager, I've always wanted to visit Normandy because I wanted to see this part of France where so many young American soldiers fought and died on <<D.Day>> 6 June 1944.Since I discovered Normandy in September 2001, I've really got a crush on it, not only because of the historical part of Normandy and WW2 but also because of the real feeling of peace I encountered in the Normandy bocage.I usually stay on a farm at Colleville Sur Mer <<OMAHA BEACH>>, located in the FOX sector of the landing beach, it was in this part of France where the BIG RED ONE or US 1st Infantry division met history on the 6th of June 1944.
LE CLOS TASSIN
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The farm called "Le Clos Tassin" is a family business, hold by Marie Therese and Daniel Picquenard and is at a distance of 10 kilometers of OMAHA BEACH. E-mail www.multimania .com/clostassin
In fact I've chosen this village because of his central situation on the beach landings area and the Contentin peninsula.Facing the sea on OMAHA BEACH, on your left side far on horizon you can see the famous POINTE DU HOC cliffs, I don't have to say that behind the POINTE DU HOC, following the road to CHERBOURG you encounter the area where the 101st Airborne division had his RENDEZ VOUS WITH DESTINY, the UTAH BEACH area.On the right side you can see the entrance of the PORT EN BESSIN harbor, part of the BRITISH beach-landing sector on the 6th of June 1944.
Colleville Sur Mer (Calvados):
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Located between SAINTE HONORINE DES PERTES and SAINT LAURENT SUR MER at 3Okm from BAYEUX, COLLEVILLE SUR MER is a picturesque village where live now is warm peaceful and beautiful, it's a farmers community that makes her living from agriculture, CALVADOS and tourism.Even with the modernization, live hasn't changed much since 1944,the citizens are rather calm and friendly hosts who have much respect for those who liberated them almost 60 years ago, no mass culture of the past with souvenirs shops every meter, but silence and peace, the kind of peace the GI's who on D.Day didn't make it found on the there located US Cemetery, their last resting place.
The US Cemetery:
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Located between the exit of COLLEVILLE SUR MER and the entrance of SAINT LAURENT SUR MER, on the top of the OMAHA BEACH dunes, you find the US Cemetery, last resting place for 9387 US soldiers who died on and in the battles after D.DAY.
The cemetery is a beautiful site where white crosses and trees exchange places filling up a large space between the gardens of the missing, the statue remembering the youth coming from the sea, the ponds of eternal reflection and recollection, the D.DAY chapel and the statues representing France and The United States of America.On the seaside you'll encounter a balcony over viewing the entire OMAHA landing beach and in the middle of this balcony a table with the D.DAY operation map giving the visitors a chance to overview and locate every peace of the beach and the German defensive installations.Every year since 2001, I visit the cemetery and every time the same sensation of pain grows in my hart, thinking about the price of peace and freedom, those young men paid, all those young lives never lived, who stopped in the summer of 1944.
The 1st Infantry Division Monument:
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Overlooking the dune tops, location of the formal German defense site WN62, between the US cemetery and OMAHA beach, you find a white granite obelisk in remembrance of the soldiers of the BIG RED ONE who died on D.DAY taking those dune tops opening the first causeways to freedom. The monument faces FOX red and FOX green the landing area of the US 1st infantry division on top of Wiederstands Nest(WN)62.The same area that inspired Ernest Hemingway to baptize this beach to BLOODY OMAHA, when he wrote about the disaster he found from FOX green to DOG Green (Vierville) OMAHA beach,giving him an awful first impression of his landing beach on D.DAY.As peaceful the site is nowadays as rough it was back in 1944,when over 1000 soldiers lost their lives in the first hours of D.DAY, keeping the paratroopers in mind who died earlier between 5 and 6 June 1944.
The 5th engineers monument:
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Build on the roof of a bunker of Wn62; this smaller monument brings a tribute to the engineers who died in the morning of 6 June 1944.The engineers were honored with the French Croix de Guerre.Sadly, at this moment Colleville Sur Mer hasn't any museum yet, but in the future a project has been made to create a BIG RED ONE museum on the road near the cemetery.You can always visit in the mean time the Wn62 bunker site in the dunes near the beach.When we continue our walk on Omaha beach in the direction of Vierville we encounter Saint Laurent Sur Mer.
Saint Laurent Sur Mer (Calvados):
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Located on the beach part called Easy Red and Green, you find the small village of Saint Laurent sur Mer. Near the beach at the Place du Monument, you find a terrific Hotel, Bar, Restaurant: D.DAY HOUSE. When I'm there I always manage to eat there and the meals are great and not too expensive and the hosts JJ (Jean Jacques) and Florence Gaffie are extraordinary people, everyone is always welcome to enjoy the Bonne Ambiance.
E mail : jj Gaffie@wanadoo.fr
Monument for the 1st and 29th Infantry divisions:
Located on the main beach exit and access at Saint Laurent Sur Mer this huge monument was erected to remember what happened here on D.Day and is also the Omaha Beach 0km signpost marking the Liberty in Europe road.
AQUATINT :
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When you are in front of the Omaha Beach monument on the left side, posted on the seashore wall you'll find a commemorative plate remembering OPERATION AQUATINT.This operation took place on September the 17th 1942,British Royal commandos made a raid on Omaha Beach, before it was even named like this, the target: catch the near Vierville located German beachdefence general commander.The operation failed and major commander March Phillipps and two of his men were killed in action, their graves are located on the Church cemetery in the center of Saint Laurent Sur Mer.
The OMAHA BEACH 6 JUIN 1944 MEMORIAL MUSEUM:
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Following the road coming from the Place du monument, leading to the center of Saint Laurent Sur Mer, you?ll encounter the Omaha Beach 6 juin 1944 Memorial Museum.This museum exhibits several German and American uniforms on mannequins and tells the story of Omaha Beach from the building of the defenses till D.Day . Several weapons and objects of both sides are also exhibited.
A fine museum if you ask me.
You can't miss it because you'll see the US Sherman tank standing at the parking entrance first, followed by a landing craft, the name of the museum and the colors of the OMAHA units also are good visible above the museum entrance. If one day you visit Saint Laurent Sur Mer, stop at the OMAHA BEACH MEMORIAL MUSEUM it's worth to stop and to visit it.
The RUQUET BATTERY:
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Signaled by road signs and following them, you'll encounter the Ruquet battery bunker overlooking the beach and dune area.On the reinforced bunker wall side there's a monument to the men who fought and died wearing the colors of the 2nd US Infantry division.This bunker was once used as HQ by the 2nd Infantry division and the Engineers.The PAK 44 gun that did many damages on D.Day is still present in his emplacement.
VIERVILLE SUR MER:
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Going to Vierville Sur Mer, you enter DOG sector, the sector where Spielberg starts D.Day in Saving Private Ryan.When you stand on the beach facing Vierville, you soon understand why Omaha was so bloody.Facing us, the PAK 88 gun bunker assures we can figure it out, understanding that in Colleville an other PAK 88 bunker was standing in our back and keeping in mind the fact both guns could reach Saint Laurent, not talking about the many hidden MG nests and bunkers in the hills and the camouflaged bunkers looking like houses and even hidden in a real hotel/casino in Vierville, we can understand that the first waves landing on Omaha beach didn't have a chance.The PAK 88 bunker nowadays has become a US National monument to the brave US soldiers who faced the German enemy and pulled trough to liberate Europe.In the back of the monument you'll see the cliffs of the Pointe de la Perc?e, the 5th Ranger division had to take on D.Day, to eliminate the radar station located there.Facing the monument you'll find in the cliff wall on your left a plate remembering the emplacement of the anti tank wall the US 29th Infantry division destroyed opening the road to Isigny and Grandcamp Maisy.Following this road on the right side you'll encounter l'hotel Du Casino, rebuild in his original state in the 50's.On the wall following the casino hotel you'll find a commemorative plate to the Rangers.
On a green space in the middle of the road a monument too the 29th Infantry division was erected followed by a monument to the engineers.On the top of the road leading to the center of Vierville to the left and to Isigny on the right you'll encounter when you're heading toward Isigny the small castle that served as HQ to the harbor command of Mulberry A once located at Omaha beach but destroyed by a storm before it was totally finished not even a month after D.Day.
THE OMAHA D.DAY MUSEUM:
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On the same road on the right side, when you're heading towards Isigny you'll find, located in an ancient US ARMY depot the D.Day Omaha museum.The museum shows the uniforms on both sides present in this section of Omaha beach the uniforms of both Air forces are also present and even a diorama of the church of Ste M?re Eglise.The museum director is a passionate man, who wants with friends, to rebuild a part of mulberry a, and the museum is worth to visit and also very complete, like all the Normandy museums.
Following the road near the Vierville museum we are heading towards Gradcamp-Maisy and the nearby situated Ranger sites, The Pointe de la Perc?e and the Pointe du Hoc, I followed this road on foot, it took an hour and half to get there, in war time it took the reinforcements 2 full days of hard combat to join the Rangers stuck on the Pointe du Hoc. (Follow D514 towards Isigny and Cherbourg).
1) LA POINTE et RAZ de la PERCEE :
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On the Pointe de la Percee military intelligence had signaled the presence of a radar station, the 5th Rangers Bn was ordered to take this place and to join the 2nd Rangers Bn at the Pointe du Hoc, after several hours of combat on OMAHA beach la Perc?e was taken and at 13.00 hours the 5th Rangers Bn begun marching on between the enemy lines for 8 kilometers that 6th June 1944 nobody knew that it would take an other 48 hours before the 2nd Rangers Bn would be relieved even has the 5th Rangers Bn putted down a D-Day record reaching the Pointe du Hoc area at 21.00 hrs . On the Pointe de la Perc?e nowadays nothing remembers the presence of the radar station, and the battle that took place in this area, nature took this site back.
We continue our road heading towards Grandcamp-Maisy.
2) LA POINTE DU HOC:
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Situated between the Point de la Percee and Grandcamp-Maisy, we reach the Pointe du Hoc, but what is the Pointe du Hoc?
Short history:
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Back in 1943 military intelligence spotted by air-reconnaissance the Pointe du Hoc and her dangerous looking battery .If the information was right those guns could hit Omaha beach and slaughter the troops landing there, regular air-raid shelling had now results the battery appeared to stay intact - what intelligence didn't now was that the air-raid shelling had their results, the Germans had moved the guns land inwards-so the site had to be taken by sea, Colonel James Rudder and the 2nd US Rangers Bn were assigned to bring this task to a good end and they did , they took the Pointe du Hoc ,resembling at a lunar landscape ,climbing up the cliffs coming from the seashore and finding no real but fake guns emplaced in their bunkers.
Casualties were heavy the 2nd Rangers Bn lost 81 members taking this site and when holding it for 48 hours, they were reduced to 50 combat able Rangers, starting the assault with 225 Rangers.
The Pointe nowadays:
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The Pointe du Hoc nowadays is a place of remembrance, it's still a lunar landscape and the bunkers are still empty, on the parking tourist can admire the fake guns which replaced the real guns.
On the observation and artillery directing post bunker a monument to Colonel Rudder and the 2nd Rangers Bn was installed to remember what they did on the 6th of June 1944.
The Pointe du Hoc is worth the stop.
Leaving the Pointe du Hoc we are now heading towards Isigny and:
GRANDCAMP MAISY:
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Continuing on the road coming from the Pointe du Hoc and heading to Carentan -Cherbourg at a distance of exactly 2,5 km from the Pointe, you'll encounter the small fishers harbor village named Grandcamp Maisy.
Before entering the village you'll encounter a roundabout with in the center of it a monument dedicated to Sgt Peregory of the National Guards .The huge marble stone has the heroic story of Sgt Peregory a Medal of Honor recipient, buried on the Colleville cemetery, in scripted on it.
Reaching the center of Grandcamp-Maisy, we encounter the port estuary, this port was also guarded by the Germans back in 1944, at each side of the port entrance two pillboxes where placed to protect the port for a possible invasion, that never came, Grandcamp was taken by land, by the Rangers.
French crews bombers monument
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This monument commemorates the engagement of the Heavy French crews bombardment groups on 6 June 1944, and their action, night and day, in German industry destruction.
Situation : facing the port
In the Port area you'll find some nice little fish restaurants and Norman fishermen Pubs with possibilities for local snacks.
Going to the seashore on the dike you'll encounter the Musee des Rangers where you can visit a small exhibition on the Rangers who landed on OMAHA Beach and on the Pointe du Hoc.
Rangers museum
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This museum recalls the history of top rank american Rangers unit, who assaulted La pointe du Hoc on the D-Day. Uniforms and equipments revive action of the american Rangers.
Address and telephone : 30 Crampon quay - 14450 Grandcamp-Maisy
Tel : 02 31 92 33 51 (on the waterfront, follow the road-sign)
On the dike you can take a Belgian beer in one of the local seashore pubs.
We continue our road, passing Isigny and heading towards the by Airborne soldiers well known village of:
SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE:
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Now we're heading towards Ste-Mère-Eglise, following the same road direction Isigny -Carentan-Cherbourg, has you'll see to visit Ste-Mère-Eglise, you'll first pass Carentan and Ste Marie du Mont on the road to Cherbourg.
Ste-Mère-Eglise has become famous with on D-Day not because it was one of the head goals of the 82nd Airborne division, but because of one man Pvt John Steele who's parachute was hooked on the church tower during the dramatic mislanding in the center of Ste-Mère-Eglise, from this position the poor private saw how the Germans killed the members of his stick, during that night from 5 to 6 June 1944.
Parachutists stained glass windows
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In Sainte-Mère-Eglise church, two stained glass windows commemorate liberation of the town on 6 June 1944, by the 82nd Airborne para-chutists. A dummy hangs up on the bell tower and remembers the story of American parachutist John Steele.
Situation : in front of the town hall
John Steele died in the sixties, but a mannequin hooked on the church tower remembers us his adventure.
82nd Aiborne plate
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Sainte-Mère-Eglise
This plate is dedicated to four parachutists, of the 505th Parachutist infantry regiment company C, killed there on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, Cayenne street
On the site where was located the burning house we see in the Longest Day, you'll encounter the US AIRBORNE Museum this museum houses a C-47 Dakota and an Horsa glider straight out this period.
Airborne troops museum
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The museum is located in a large park, it is composed of two buildings. The first one, in parachute shape, shelters a glider, many weapons and equipment; one can view a film recalling the fightings from 5 to 6 June 1944. The second building presents a transport aircraft Douglas C47, uniforms and historic objects. Outside a Sherman tank is exposed.
Address and telephone : 14, Eisenhower street - 50480 Sainte-Mère-?glise - Tel : 02 33 41 41 35
You'll also find many materials, photographs and uniforms telling us the story of the paratroopers and the D-Day droppings.
A visit you can't miss.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise road sign VOIE DE LA LIBERTEE 0 Km
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This 0 kilometer borne is the beginning of the Freedom way, it commemorates Sainte-Mère-Eglise as the first city liberated in Europe on 5 and 6 June 1944.
Situation : in front of the town hall
Back in 44 a temporary cemetery was erected here in Ste-Mère-Eglise, the troopers who were buried here are now mostly buried at the Colleville cemetery or in the USA a commemorative plate remembers the presence of this cemetery back then.
American cemeteries monuments situated in and round Sainte-Mère-Eglise
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Three monuments indicate temporary cemeteries established around Sainte-Mère-Eglise from 1944 to 1948.
Situation : the cemetery nr 1 in the town center near the sports ground, the cemetery nr2 at the town exit, on Chef-du-Pont road, the cemetery nr3 south of Sainte-Mère-Eglise, on the D70 road, crossroads near the motorway
In the area of the village you'll still find graveyards who will never carry crosses, the Merderet Swamps were many troopers encountered death, drowning in the swamps because General Feldmarchal Rommel ordered the overflow of the Merderet river by enabling the river locks.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise BORNE DE LA LIBERTEE
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This monument commemorates the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Eglise on 6 June 1944, by the 82nd and the 101st American parachutist divisions.
Situation : on the main place
THE SHERMAN TANK
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The American Sherman tank M4 made up the main equipment of the Allied armoured divisions; it was armed with a 75 mm gun, it was steered by a four men team.
Situation : in the park of Airborne troops museum
STELE TO THE 505th
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This stele commemorates the action of the 505th Parachute regiment of the 82nd Airborne who liberated Sainte-Mère-Eglise, on 6 June 1944 at 4:30 a. m..
Situation : at the southern gate of the town
Sainte-Mère-Eglise LIBERATORS STELE
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This stele honors Generals Ridgway and Gavin, and all the liberators of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
Situation : in front of the town hall
La Londe AIRFIELD STELE
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This stele indicates the establishment of an airfield, used from 12 June to 26 July 1944, and built by the 552nd AAA AW battallion, commanded by colonel Benjamin M. Warfield.
Situation : 2 km away from Sainte-Mère-Eglise, on the D17 road toward Beuzeville-au-Plain
MORE ON NEXT VISIT !!!!
CURRAHEE !!!!!!
MARK W /BELGIUM
[/QUOTE]"From this day to the ending of the World, ...we in it shall be remembered... we band of brothers" Henry V William Shakespear.[QUOTE]
Full Version: Sgt Eagle's Normandy Trips
Wild Bill Guarnere.Community > Remembering World War 2 Gateway > Remembering World War 2 > World War 2 Battlefield Touring
This is an excellent writeup, Mark. I'm going to print it and add to my Normandy trip file. Thanks! BK
Indeed an excellent overview of significant places in Normandy. If I ever go touring there, I'll make a print of it beforehand as well.
Thanks Mark,
Wouter
Thanks Mark,
Wouter
Good work covering the American side of the invasion.
Are you interested in the Canadian and British involvement, Eagle?
Are you interested in the Canadian and British involvement, Eagle?
YES
I'm planning to write it all down without any exception , I visited the Gold, Juno, Sword sectors ,it's just a matter of time ... between my shifts I decript my notes look over my maps again ... maybe you're going to say why didn't you cover those D-Day sites in first , well I started with the US sector first because I pass my hollidays there near Omaha beach and I've wroten down already these notes because some US friends asked me , friends I've met via the Screaming Eagle association in wich I'm a member , but no worries mate It's all coming give me time ....
Tally Hoo !!!!!!
Currahee !!!!!!
I'm planning to write it all down without any exception , I visited the Gold, Juno, Sword sectors ,it's just a matter of time ... between my shifts I decript my notes look over my maps again ... maybe you're going to say why didn't you cover those D-Day sites in first , well I started with the US sector first because I pass my hollidays there near Omaha beach and I've wroten down already these notes because some US friends asked me , friends I've met via the Screaming Eagle association in wich I'm a member , but no worries mate It's all coming give me time ....
Tally Hoo !!!!!!
Currahee !!!!!!
QUOTE
"From this day till the ending of the world,...we in it shall be remembered,...we Band of Brothers " Henry V William Shakespear
HERE IT IS !!!!
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Sgt Eagle in Normandy
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My NORMANDY holidays
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A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
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An encounter between the present and the past
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UTAH BEACH - Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
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On The road again , we follow the main road to Cherbourg again to the well known little town of Ste-Marie-du-Mont .
This town was the main objectif of the 101st Airborne divisions landings and naturaly of the 506th PIR .
But first we have to mention this correction , when we went to Ste-Mère -Eglise we past three important French towns and important places in like ISIGNY and Carentan , Carentan well I'll speak of it later on but Isigny has a small part here .
Isigny -Sur-Mer
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Isigny is actualy more known for his cheese than for the 2nd WW , but we've to mention that this was the last village that had to be taken back in june 1944 to make to junction at Carentan between the troops of the Utah Sector and those of the Omaha sector .
A fierce infantry battle between the Bocage hedgerows took place there and a War memorial was erased to remember that .
When you are at Isigny you're at 15 -20 minutes from La Cambe ,
La Cambe
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Here you'll encounter the sober but impressif German cemetery , the dark crosses are very impressif , the cemetery is worth the stop , I can't discribe the feeling i've got when i visited it , so I can only say one thing , pass by stop and visit it !
We hit the road again and drive or walk towards Carentan....
Carentan
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Carentan , well known from Band of Brothers as the 3rd episode wares the name of this town , Carentan was the town that had to be token back in 44 to able the lincking between the Omaha and Utah troops , the Germans knew this to and defended the area fiercely , but finaly after hard edgerow battles the Town was token, liberated and the link was made .
Carentan has a WWII memorial remebering the battle that took place and the presence of all the US -troops who fought the battle .
the Town patrimonium is impressif with her old Roman-Gothique buildings , it's such apitty that for exemption of the monument , nothing remebers us the hard battle that took place here .
One quote , from Carentan of the road that we are following since Colleville-sur-Mer , has become The Liberty Highway .
From Carentan we follow this road towards Ste-Come-du-Mont and at Ste-Come-du-Mont we turn towards ...
STE-MARIE-DU-MONT :
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SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT (Manche - 10 km north of Carentan)
town, Manche département, Basse-Normandie région, on the Cotentin peninsula of northwestern France. It is situated 6 miles (10 kilometres) north of Carentan some 3 miles inland of La Madeleine, an area of sand dunes on the English Channel coast. At the southernmost end of Utah Beach, La Madeleine was one of the first areas to be assaulted by seaborne forces on D-Day (June 6, 1944) during World War II. Saint-Marie-du-Mont lay at the end of a long causeway linking the beach to higher ground and was therefore a principal objective of paratroopers of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division.
The village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont was liberated in the morning of June 6th 1944 by the paratroops of the 101st Airborne Division.
A dozen panels on the walls of houses around the church square give anecdotal accounts of that momentous night’s events. The texts were written by Gilles Perrault, a historian who lives in the commune.
Short Fact story of D-Day
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In the night of 6 June 1944, the American parachutists of the 101st Airborne division drop on the Norman ground. The units are widely scattered, lowering their combat strength. The parachutists are sometimes killed before fighting, like the 3rd battalion of the 506th regiment whose commander, lieutenant colonel Wolverton, and many parachutists are shot down by the German machine-guns and mortars. But the Germans seem confused and their reaction is slow and uncertain. Units of the 506th regiment destroy several guns around Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, they drive out the Germans and secure the area moving toward the coast; they make the junction with the 90th Infantry division that landed on Utah Beach.
What can you see in Ste-Marie-du-Mont ?
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Liberation plates
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You can walk around the church and in the streets, reading the plates fixed on the houses walls, that tell the liberation of Sainte-Maie-du-Mont on 6 June 1944.
Situation : around the church place.
Danish sailors monument
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This monument is dedicated to the 800 Danish sailors who landed in Normandy on the D-Day on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the D913 road, at the exit of the town toward Utah Beach.
Brécourt Manor :
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Brécourt Manor enjoys an isolated position in a narrow lane not far from the hamlet of Le Grand Chemin and just a few kms from the village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Now a working farm, Brécourt was of strategic importance during WW2 as the Germans had installed a battery of four 105mm canon in the field opposite. These guns had been dug into the hedgerows and well camouflaged. An extensive trench system interconnected each of the guns and a telephone line allowed communication with a forward observation post on causeway no.2 at Utah Beach. A fifty strong German platoon manned the canon that began firing towards Utah Beach on D-Day posing a serious threat to the landings.
During a three- hour long battle just 12 men of E-Company of the 101st American Airborne captured and destroyed the guns. This had been the first mission assigned to the famous "Band of Brothers". The canon were destroyed one by one and the remaining Germans fled to the stronghold of the manor house. With the assistance of four Sherman tanks the Americans secured Brécourt Manor by mid afternoon on June 6th. Today, no traces remain of the canon and trenches at Brécourt. The manor's present owner is a director of the Musée du Débarquement at Utah Beach. The property is not open to the public but, if you wish to drive by, it can be reached by following the D 14 from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont to Ravenoville and turning left at the crossroads just before the garage situated on the right-hand side of the road. A map outside the tourism office in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont shows the position of Brécourt Manor.
La Madeleine
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If Sainte-Marie-du-Mont has entered the history books, it is first and foremost because of its beach, La Madeleine, some five kilometres from the village itself and universally known today by its codename Utah Beach.
It was on the beach of La Madeleine, a few kilometres from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont itself, that the landing of the American troops took place.
remark : in fact La Madeleine and Ste-Marie-du-mont are actualy one .
UTAH BEACH : Brief History
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"Utah" was the code name for the farthest beach on the right of the five landing areas of the Normandy Invasion. Located on the eastern shore of the base of the Cotentin Peninsula, it was a late addition to the areas scheduled for invasion. The original Overlord plan did not call for a landing on the Cotentin, but General Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, added it to ensure an early capture of the port of Cherbourg at the northern tip of the peninsula.
Around the Utah Beach Museum, numerous monuments have been erected to the glory of the various units which took part in the Landings.
Did you know?
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Troops of the U.S. 4th Division were lead on to the shores of Utah Beach by Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (son of the president) even though the tide had swept them south of the intended landing point. This wise decision earned him the Medal of Honor. Luckily this area of the beach was lightly defended, much more than the planned landing point. American troops were swiftly ashore followed by their amphibious tanks. Brigadier General Roosevelt walked up and down the beach with his cane in hand exhorting troops to get up and push inland. By the end of D-Day, 23,250 men and 1,700 vehicles came ashore with only about 210 casualties.
What to visit ?
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LIBERTY WAY
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The Liberty Way marks the route of the American liberation of France and Belgium, and one part of it starts here at Utah Beach. To mark this, a Liberty Way stone with the legend "OO KM" is sited here. The end of the Liberty Way is at Bastogne, where the Battle of the Bulge was fought.
UTAH BEACH MUSEUM
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The museum, opened in 1962, offers a splendid account of all the events that took place here on 6 June 1944 and immediately thereafter. It is built into and around German Blockhouse W5 and on entering there is a sequence of events to be followed.
In addition there are several vehicles, and a complete German concrete Tobruk pit you can go into.
A visit takes approximately one hour.
The museum is open at the following times:
High Season: June to September 09.30 - 19.00 every day, without interrruption.
Mid-Season: April, May & October 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00.
Low-Season: November - March, weekends only plus school holidays and national holidays, 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-17.30.
Tel: 03 33 71 53 35.
LE ROOSEVELT CAFE, UTAH BEACH
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Located close to the museum, this excellent little cafe has its own fine collection of D Day relics, as well as being a good place to get drinks, snacks and lunches. There is a well stocked shop, and also Internet facilities where you can pick up your email and surf the net.
Le Roosevelt Cafe, Utah Beach, 50480 Sainte Marie du Mont, France.
Tel: 03 33 71 53 47.
Web: http://www.le-roosevelt.com/
Email: restaurant.le.roosevelt@wanadoo.fr
Utah Beach American Memorial :
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The World War II Utah Beach American Memorial is located at the termination of Highway N-13D, approximately a mile and a half northeast of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Manche), France. This monument commemorates the achievements of the American Forces of the VII Corps who landed and fought in the liberation of the Cotentin Peninsula from June 6, 1944 to July 1, 1944.
It consists of a red granite obelisk surrounded by a small developed park overlooking the historic sand dunes of Utah Beach, one of the two American landing beaches during the Normandy Invasion of June 6, 1944.
American amphibious vehicle LVT4
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This amphibious vehicle was equiped with a rear loading ramp; it was armed with four machine guns and could transport a jeep. More than 8000 vehicles were manufactured.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
00 Freedom post of stone
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This Freedom post of stone was erected in 1947, it connects La Madeleine to Bastogne, 1 142 kilometers away.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
American tank Sherman M4
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The American tank Sherman M4 made up the main equipment of the Allied armoured divisions; it was armed with a 75 mm gun, it was steered by a four men team.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
Way Eisenhower stele
-------------------------
This stele honors general Dwight David Eisenhower, Allied Force Chief commander on 6 June 1944. D. D. Eisenhower was president of the United-States from 1952 to 1961.
Situation : left of Utah beach museum
1st Engineer Special brigade monument
-----------------------------------------------
This monument was inaugurated on 6 June 1945 by colonel Caffey, Commander of the 1st Engineer Special brigade.
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum, on blockhouse
90th Infantry division monument
--------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the 90th American infantry division soldiers; this monument was inaugurated in 1974 by General Landrum, who commanded the division in 1944.
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum
4th Infantry division monument
-------------------------------------
This monument was inaugurated in 1964 by General Bradley, it honors the 4th American infantry division soldiers.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
Coast Guard plate
----------------------
This plate is dedicated to the United States Coast Guard forces which took part in the Normandy Landing, and to all the United States Coast Guard forces who served in the world, on ground, on sea and in air during the Second World War. The motto of the United States Coast Guard is "always ready".
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum, on a blockhouse.
Anniversary stele
---------------------
This stele commemorates 6 June 1984 Anniversary. The French president F. Mitterand invited all heads of states of countries engaged in the Second World War, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Normandy Landing.
Situation : 100 meters left of Utah beach museum, access to beach
Rowe road panel
---------------------
This panel is in memory of Private J. T. Rowe of the 531st Engineer Shore regiment, who was killed in the fightings of 6 June 1944.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
USNR stele
--------------
This stele is in memory of United States Naval Reserve veterans dead on Utah Beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : 300 m right of Landing museum, Angelos T. Chatas place
American soldiers plate - General Caffey crypt
------------------------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the United States soldiers who died for the liberation of France on 6 June 1944. In the blockhaus a room was settled down iin remembrance of the 1st Engineer Special brigade, commanded by general Caffey (open during commemorations and in summer)
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum
When you follow the beach towards your right side facing the museum , your going to encounter the dunes of Varreville .....
END OF THIS PART
Next : THE VARREVILLE DUNES -Cherbourg
------------------
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past
===============================
UTAH BEACH - Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
========================
On The road again , we follow the main road to Cherbourg again to the well known little town of Ste-Marie-du-Mont .
This town was the main objectif of the 101st Airborne divisions landings and naturaly of the 506th PIR .
But first we have to mention this correction , when we went to Ste-Mère -Eglise we past three important French towns and important places in like ISIGNY and Carentan , Carentan well I'll speak of it later on but Isigny has a small part here .
Isigny -Sur-Mer
==========
Isigny is actualy more known for his cheese than for the 2nd WW , but we've to mention that this was the last village that had to be taken back in june 1944 to make to junction at Carentan between the troops of the Utah Sector and those of the Omaha sector .
A fierce infantry battle between the Bocage hedgerows took place there and a War memorial was erased to remember that .
When you are at Isigny you're at 15 -20 minutes from La Cambe ,
La Cambe
------------
Here you'll encounter the sober but impressif German cemetery , the dark crosses are very impressif , the cemetery is worth the stop , I can't discribe the feeling i've got when i visited it , so I can only say one thing , pass by stop and visit it !
We hit the road again and drive or walk towards Carentan....
Carentan
======
Carentan , well known from Band of Brothers as the 3rd episode wares the name of this town , Carentan was the town that had to be token back in 44 to able the lincking between the Omaha and Utah troops , the Germans knew this to and defended the area fiercely , but finaly after hard edgerow battles the Town was token, liberated and the link was made .
Carentan has a WWII memorial remebering the battle that took place and the presence of all the US -troops who fought the battle .
the Town patrimonium is impressif with her old Roman-Gothique buildings , it's such apitty that for exemption of the monument , nothing remebers us the hard battle that took place here .
One quote , from Carentan of the road that we are following since Colleville-sur-Mer , has become The Liberty Highway .
From Carentan we follow this road towards Ste-Come-du-Mont and at Ste-Come-du-Mont we turn towards ...
STE-MARIE-DU-MONT :
===============
SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT (Manche - 10 km north of Carentan)
town, Manche département, Basse-Normandie région, on the Cotentin peninsula of northwestern France. It is situated 6 miles (10 kilometres) north of Carentan some 3 miles inland of La Madeleine, an area of sand dunes on the English Channel coast. At the southernmost end of Utah Beach, La Madeleine was one of the first areas to be assaulted by seaborne forces on D-Day (June 6, 1944) during World War II. Saint-Marie-du-Mont lay at the end of a long causeway linking the beach to higher ground and was therefore a principal objective of paratroopers of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division.
The village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont was liberated in the morning of June 6th 1944 by the paratroops of the 101st Airborne Division.
A dozen panels on the walls of houses around the church square give anecdotal accounts of that momentous night’s events. The texts were written by Gilles Perrault, a historian who lives in the commune.
Short Fact story of D-Day
------------------------------
In the night of 6 June 1944, the American parachutists of the 101st Airborne division drop on the Norman ground. The units are widely scattered, lowering their combat strength. The parachutists are sometimes killed before fighting, like the 3rd battalion of the 506th regiment whose commander, lieutenant colonel Wolverton, and many parachutists are shot down by the German machine-guns and mortars. But the Germans seem confused and their reaction is slow and uncertain. Units of the 506th regiment destroy several guns around Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, they drive out the Germans and secure the area moving toward the coast; they make the junction with the 90th Infantry division that landed on Utah Beach.
What can you see in Ste-Marie-du-Mont ?
------------------------------------------------
Liberation plates
---------------------
You can walk around the church and in the streets, reading the plates fixed on the houses walls, that tell the liberation of Sainte-Maie-du-Mont on 6 June 1944.
Situation : around the church place.
Danish sailors monument
------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the 800 Danish sailors who landed in Normandy on the D-Day on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the D913 road, at the exit of the town toward Utah Beach.
Brécourt Manor :
***************
Brécourt Manor enjoys an isolated position in a narrow lane not far from the hamlet of Le Grand Chemin and just a few kms from the village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Now a working farm, Brécourt was of strategic importance during WW2 as the Germans had installed a battery of four 105mm canon in the field opposite. These guns had been dug into the hedgerows and well camouflaged. An extensive trench system interconnected each of the guns and a telephone line allowed communication with a forward observation post on causeway no.2 at Utah Beach. A fifty strong German platoon manned the canon that began firing towards Utah Beach on D-Day posing a serious threat to the landings.
During a three- hour long battle just 12 men of E-Company of the 101st American Airborne captured and destroyed the guns. This had been the first mission assigned to the famous "Band of Brothers". The canon were destroyed one by one and the remaining Germans fled to the stronghold of the manor house. With the assistance of four Sherman tanks the Americans secured Brécourt Manor by mid afternoon on June 6th. Today, no traces remain of the canon and trenches at Brécourt. The manor's present owner is a director of the Musée du Débarquement at Utah Beach. The property is not open to the public but, if you wish to drive by, it can be reached by following the D 14 from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont to Ravenoville and turning left at the crossroads just before the garage situated on the right-hand side of the road. A map outside the tourism office in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont shows the position of Brécourt Manor.
La Madeleine
=========
If Sainte-Marie-du-Mont has entered the history books, it is first and foremost because of its beach, La Madeleine, some five kilometres from the village itself and universally known today by its codename Utah Beach.
It was on the beach of La Madeleine, a few kilometres from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont itself, that the landing of the American troops took place.
remark : in fact La Madeleine and Ste-Marie-du-mont are actualy one .
UTAH BEACH : Brief History
--------------------------------
"Utah" was the code name for the farthest beach on the right of the five landing areas of the Normandy Invasion. Located on the eastern shore of the base of the Cotentin Peninsula, it was a late addition to the areas scheduled for invasion. The original Overlord plan did not call for a landing on the Cotentin, but General Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, added it to ensure an early capture of the port of Cherbourg at the northern tip of the peninsula.
Around the Utah Beach Museum, numerous monuments have been erected to the glory of the various units which took part in the Landings.
Did you know?
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Troops of the U.S. 4th Division were lead on to the shores of Utah Beach by Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (son of the president) even though the tide had swept them south of the intended landing point. This wise decision earned him the Medal of Honor. Luckily this area of the beach was lightly defended, much more than the planned landing point. American troops were swiftly ashore followed by their amphibious tanks. Brigadier General Roosevelt walked up and down the beach with his cane in hand exhorting troops to get up and push inland. By the end of D-Day, 23,250 men and 1,700 vehicles came ashore with only about 210 casualties.
What to visit ?
=========
LIBERTY WAY
----------------
The Liberty Way marks the route of the American liberation of France and Belgium, and one part of it starts here at Utah Beach. To mark this, a Liberty Way stone with the legend "OO KM" is sited here. The end of the Liberty Way is at Bastogne, where the Battle of the Bulge was fought.
UTAH BEACH MUSEUM
--------------------------
The museum, opened in 1962, offers a splendid account of all the events that took place here on 6 June 1944 and immediately thereafter. It is built into and around German Blockhouse W5 and on entering there is a sequence of events to be followed.
In addition there are several vehicles, and a complete German concrete Tobruk pit you can go into.
A visit takes approximately one hour.
The museum is open at the following times:
High Season: June to September 09.30 - 19.00 every day, without interrruption.
Mid-Season: April, May & October 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-18.00.
Low-Season: November - March, weekends only plus school holidays and national holidays, 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-17.30.
Tel: 03 33 71 53 35.
LE ROOSEVELT CAFE, UTAH BEACH
-----------------------------------------
Located close to the museum, this excellent little cafe has its own fine collection of D Day relics, as well as being a good place to get drinks, snacks and lunches. There is a well stocked shop, and also Internet facilities where you can pick up your email and surf the net.
Le Roosevelt Cafe, Utah Beach, 50480 Sainte Marie du Mont, France.
Tel: 03 33 71 53 47.
Web: http://www.le-roosevelt.com/
Email: restaurant.le.roosevelt@wanadoo.fr
Utah Beach American Memorial :
****************************
The World War II Utah Beach American Memorial is located at the termination of Highway N-13D, approximately a mile and a half northeast of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Manche), France. This monument commemorates the achievements of the American Forces of the VII Corps who landed and fought in the liberation of the Cotentin Peninsula from June 6, 1944 to July 1, 1944.
It consists of a red granite obelisk surrounded by a small developed park overlooking the historic sand dunes of Utah Beach, one of the two American landing beaches during the Normandy Invasion of June 6, 1944.
American amphibious vehicle LVT4
------------------------------------------
This amphibious vehicle was equiped with a rear loading ramp; it was armed with four machine guns and could transport a jeep. More than 8000 vehicles were manufactured.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
00 Freedom post of stone
------------------------------
This Freedom post of stone was erected in 1947, it connects La Madeleine to Bastogne, 1 142 kilometers away.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
American tank Sherman M4
--------------------------------
The American tank Sherman M4 made up the main equipment of the Allied armoured divisions; it was armed with a 75 mm gun, it was steered by a four men team.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
Way Eisenhower stele
-------------------------
This stele honors general Dwight David Eisenhower, Allied Force Chief commander on 6 June 1944. D. D. Eisenhower was president of the United-States from 1952 to 1961.
Situation : left of Utah beach museum
1st Engineer Special brigade monument
-----------------------------------------------
This monument was inaugurated on 6 June 1945 by colonel Caffey, Commander of the 1st Engineer Special brigade.
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum, on blockhouse
90th Infantry division monument
--------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the 90th American infantry division soldiers; this monument was inaugurated in 1974 by General Landrum, who commanded the division in 1944.
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum
4th Infantry division monument
-------------------------------------
This monument was inaugurated in 1964 by General Bradley, it honors the 4th American infantry division soldiers.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
Coast Guard plate
----------------------
This plate is dedicated to the United States Coast Guard forces which took part in the Normandy Landing, and to all the United States Coast Guard forces who served in the world, on ground, on sea and in air during the Second World War. The motto of the United States Coast Guard is "always ready".
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum, on a blockhouse.
Anniversary stele
---------------------
This stele commemorates 6 June 1984 Anniversary. The French president F. Mitterand invited all heads of states of countries engaged in the Second World War, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Normandy Landing.
Situation : 100 meters left of Utah beach museum, access to beach
Rowe road panel
---------------------
This panel is in memory of Private J. T. Rowe of the 531st Engineer Shore regiment, who was killed in the fightings of 6 June 1944.
Situation : facing Utah beach museum
USNR stele
--------------
This stele is in memory of United States Naval Reserve veterans dead on Utah Beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : 300 m right of Landing museum, Angelos T. Chatas place
American soldiers plate - General Caffey crypt
------------------------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the United States soldiers who died for the liberation of France on 6 June 1944. In the blockhaus a room was settled down iin remembrance of the 1st Engineer Special brigade, commanded by general Caffey (open during commemorations and in summer)
Situation : 200 meters left of Utah beach museum
When you follow the beach towards your right side facing the museum , your going to encounter the dunes of Varreville .....
END OF THIS PART
Next : THE VARREVILLE DUNES -Cherbourg
Sgt Eagle, This is really excellent material. A great contribution for those of us who will one day be making this trip. Thanks very much. Well done! BK
And it's not finished yet ... Our British mates are waiting for their part and I'm running out of time because I've some workmates who already asked me in May to go with them as Normandy guide ,to me It's a passion a part of my life and I know already now that one day I'll be going to live over there , to continue to pass on the story of those many young men who fought the second World War 
I will continue this wrote down guide , for all of you
Mark W/Belgium
I will continue this wrote down guide , for all of you
Mark W/Belgium
QUOTE
" From this day till the ending of the world,...we in it shall be remembered,...we Band Of Brothers " Henry v-W.Shakespear
Man, you make me proud to be a belgian. Excellent stuff!
Sgt Eagle. Thank you so much for the excellent information. Very Interesting. I will save it for my trip I hope to take ver soon. Thanks again!!
Very infomative, I hope to make a trip there... someday.
Once again I found the time !
Here's Part 3
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
We're hitting the road , the liberty highway towards first , Ste- Mère- Eglise , near this town we take the D15 towards :
LA FIERE: (Manche - 3 km west of Sainte-Mère-Eglise):
======
The bridge of La Fière, lock of Cotentin peninsula
In the night of 5-6 June 1944, the 505th Parachutist Infantry regiment of the 82th Airborne jumps on the DZ O near Sainte-Mère-Eglise. A group moves towards one of the objectives : hamlet of La Fière, where they have to capture a bridge across river Merderet. The Germans, entrenched in the manor of La Fière, push back the Americans who lack in heavy weapons. Around 11 a. m., general Ridgway gives order to colonel Lindquist, commander of the 508th regiment, to carry out a massive assault, finally the manor is taken and the paras establish the defence of the bridge. At 5:30 p. m. the Germans react and counter attack with tanks and infantry. The Americans destroy several Renault tanks, the enemy breaks off. In the morning of 7 June the Germans renew the attack after an artillery preparation. The paras of the 1st battalion of the 505th regiment, under captain Dolan, undergo heavy losses but they defend to ground their positions.
What to visit ?:
-----------------
The American parachutists monument:
********************************
This monument is in memory of American parachutists who dropped in Normandy on D Day, 6 June 1944.
Situation : 4 km west from Sainte-Mère-Eglise, close to La Fière manor, near D15 road (follow the road-sign)
We continue to follow the D15 towards Ravenoville en follow theD421 and Normandy D-Day roadsigns towards the :
THE VARVILLE DUNES:
===============
On 6 June 1944, the 4th American Infantry division lands in Normandy on Utah Beach, 2.5 km farther south than expected. An under estimation of the strong tidal current is the main cause for this error, a fortunate one since the zone is at limit range of Azeville and Saint-Marcouf batteries, and the shore defenses are less strong there. Shelled and isolated, the German positions undergo the assault of the first American assault wave at 6:40 a. m., then the attack of the amphibious tanks. One hour later the beach is cleaned by the engineers and the Americans penetrate in the interior, a battalion moves westward in order to make the junction with the parachutists. Northward, along the coast, they neutralize several strongpoints and go through Les Dunes de Varreville.
What Can you see in the Dune area ?
--------------------------------------------
The 2nd Armoured Division Landing monument
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
This monument commemorates the landing of the Allied armies on 6 June 1944, and of the 2nd Armoured division commanded by General Leclerc.
Situation : near the D421 road (follow the road-sign)
An American Half-track M3
***********************
This armoured half-tracked vehicle was the American standard vehicle; more than 40 000 vehicles were built, it was originally a troops transport but it knew a lot of versions.
Situation : beside the Landing monument
An Armoured vehicle M8
********************
This light armoured vehicle was adapted to all grounds, it was armed with a 37 mm gun and a machine gun, its crew was of 4 men. 12 000 vehicles were manufactured until 1945.
The vehicule is becoming severly damaged by corrosion , the chassis is badly hurt by it , but the good news is that the local authoroties are going to rechape it .
Situation : beside the Landing monument
The 2nd Armoured division steles
****************************
These steles commemorate General Leclerc division campaigns, and all its units.
Situation : beside the Landing monument
From here on we hit the road again , towards Cherbourg , the Allied main objectif , a Port (follow the D420) .
But first we make a stop in Azeville to visit:
THE AZEVILLE BATTERY
===============
Short history :
-----------------
Located on the east coast of Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, this battery includes a 170 men garrison. On 6 June 1944, it’s unsuccessful in repulsing the Allied forces landing on Utah Beach; indeed, its guns are at their maximal range. In the evening of 7 June, the 4th American Infantry division is pinned down by the German casemates of Azeville and Saint-Marcouf. On 8 June the battery of Azeville opens fire on Crisbecq position close to Saint-Marcouf, at the request of his commander, to dislodge the Americans infiltrated in its defenses. But encircled soon, bombarded, then attacked with flame thrower, the battery of Azeville falls on 9 June.
AZEVILLE (Manche - 10 km south-east of Valognes)
We visit the battery :
*****************
Azeville battery
+++++++++=
This position was held by 170 german gunners. It consisted of a dozen casemates, including four blockhouses armed with 105 mm guns; moreover it was equipped of a factory shelter, of many underground rooms and ammunition storages.
Situation : at the northern exit of the town on the D420 road (follow road-sign)
The Battery museum
___________________
One can view the underground shelters of the battery, several blockhouses communicate with underground passages. The visit is three quarter of an hour long, a film about the Atlantic Wall is projected.
Situation : the entrance of the museum is in a blockhouse of the battery
We hit the D420 again next stop :
QUINEVILLE: (Manche - 15 km east of Valognes)
========
The hard progression of 4th American division
After the cutting of the Cotentin Peninsula on 18 June 1944, the Americans launch offensives northward to take Cherbourg strategic harbor. On the eastern flank, between Montebourg and the coast, General Barton’s 4th Infantry division meets serious resistance along the coast in the flooded fields. South of Quinéville the Americans are hindered by a solid obstacle : the coastal battery of Crisbecq, near Saint-Marcouf; it sinks several American ships before being evacuated. Quinéville, an important german sector headquarters, and a heavy fortified strongpoint, fall two days later.
What to visit there ?
=============
The Freedom museum
*******************
This museum recalls the French people daily life during the German occupation until the Liberation. A French town street during the German occupation is reconstituted life size, the scenery and costumed dummies restore the tragic atmosphere of the time.
Address and telephone : 18, Beach street 50310 Quinéville
Tel : 02 33 21 40 44 (on the waterfront, follow the road-sign)
We hit the Liberty Highway again , we pass Valognes to our last stop :
CHERBOURG:
=========
History : What happened here ?
------------------------------------
The surrender of General von Schlieben's fortress
*****************************************
When American General Collins arrives in front of Cherbourg fortress on 21 June 1944, General von Schlieben commanding the "Festung" does not answer to the ultimatum. Von Schlieben is ordered by the Führer to hold the position firmly to the last of the 21,000 garrison men. The Fort du Roule, built on the cliff overlooking the harbor, is seized by the 314th Infantry regiment; on 25 June the top of the Fort is taken, and the following day the lower storeys and the battery of 105 mm guns are captured. On 26 June General Von Schlieben surrenders; but during a week the Germans have ruined, destroyed and mined the harbor. Cherbourg is the key of the Allied forces supplying, in the end of August the harbor is operational again.
What to visit :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The Liberation Museum
---------------------------
This museum is located in a French Second Empire fort, at the top of the Montagne du Roule. No arm, nor uniform are presented in this museum which recalls, through expositions, the years of german occupation and the D-Day.
Address and telephone : Fort du Roule - 50100 Cherbourg
Tel : 02 33 23 02 23
Situated nearby the port :
------------------------------
The Sergeant Finley plaque
***********************
This plaque is in memory of sergeant William Finley of 9th American Infantry division, first soldier to step into the city hall on 26 June 1944. He was killed on 1st April 1945, he was 20 years old.
Situation : in front of city hall (follow the D901)
That's all for the US sector Folks
Next : Passing Sainte Honorine des Pertes , coming from Omaha Beach we enter the British Sector at Port-en-Bessin
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
Here's Part 3
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
We're hitting the road , the liberty highway towards first , Ste- Mère- Eglise , near this town we take the D15 towards :
LA FIERE: (Manche - 3 km west of Sainte-Mère-Eglise):
======
The bridge of La Fière, lock of Cotentin peninsula
In the night of 5-6 June 1944, the 505th Parachutist Infantry regiment of the 82th Airborne jumps on the DZ O near Sainte-Mère-Eglise. A group moves towards one of the objectives : hamlet of La Fière, where they have to capture a bridge across river Merderet. The Germans, entrenched in the manor of La Fière, push back the Americans who lack in heavy weapons. Around 11 a. m., general Ridgway gives order to colonel Lindquist, commander of the 508th regiment, to carry out a massive assault, finally the manor is taken and the paras establish the defence of the bridge. At 5:30 p. m. the Germans react and counter attack with tanks and infantry. The Americans destroy several Renault tanks, the enemy breaks off. In the morning of 7 June the Germans renew the attack after an artillery preparation. The paras of the 1st battalion of the 505th regiment, under captain Dolan, undergo heavy losses but they defend to ground their positions.
What to visit ?:
-----------------
The American parachutists monument:
********************************
This monument is in memory of American parachutists who dropped in Normandy on D Day, 6 June 1944.
Situation : 4 km west from Sainte-Mère-Eglise, close to La Fière manor, near D15 road (follow the road-sign)
We continue to follow the D15 towards Ravenoville en follow theD421 and Normandy D-Day roadsigns towards the :
THE VARVILLE DUNES:
===============
On 6 June 1944, the 4th American Infantry division lands in Normandy on Utah Beach, 2.5 km farther south than expected. An under estimation of the strong tidal current is the main cause for this error, a fortunate one since the zone is at limit range of Azeville and Saint-Marcouf batteries, and the shore defenses are less strong there. Shelled and isolated, the German positions undergo the assault of the first American assault wave at 6:40 a. m., then the attack of the amphibious tanks. One hour later the beach is cleaned by the engineers and the Americans penetrate in the interior, a battalion moves westward in order to make the junction with the parachutists. Northward, along the coast, they neutralize several strongpoints and go through Les Dunes de Varreville.
What Can you see in the Dune area ?
--------------------------------------------
The 2nd Armoured Division Landing monument
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
This monument commemorates the landing of the Allied armies on 6 June 1944, and of the 2nd Armoured division commanded by General Leclerc.
Situation : near the D421 road (follow the road-sign)
An American Half-track M3
***********************
This armoured half-tracked vehicle was the American standard vehicle; more than 40 000 vehicles were built, it was originally a troops transport but it knew a lot of versions.
Situation : beside the Landing monument
An Armoured vehicle M8
********************
This light armoured vehicle was adapted to all grounds, it was armed with a 37 mm gun and a machine gun, its crew was of 4 men. 12 000 vehicles were manufactured until 1945.
The vehicule is becoming severly damaged by corrosion , the chassis is badly hurt by it , but the good news is that the local authoroties are going to rechape it .
Situation : beside the Landing monument
The 2nd Armoured division steles
****************************
These steles commemorate General Leclerc division campaigns, and all its units.
Situation : beside the Landing monument
From here on we hit the road again , towards Cherbourg , the Allied main objectif , a Port (follow the D420) .
But first we make a stop in Azeville to visit:
THE AZEVILLE BATTERY
===============
Short history :
-----------------
Located on the east coast of Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, this battery includes a 170 men garrison. On 6 June 1944, it’s unsuccessful in repulsing the Allied forces landing on Utah Beach; indeed, its guns are at their maximal range. In the evening of 7 June, the 4th American Infantry division is pinned down by the German casemates of Azeville and Saint-Marcouf. On 8 June the battery of Azeville opens fire on Crisbecq position close to Saint-Marcouf, at the request of his commander, to dislodge the Americans infiltrated in its defenses. But encircled soon, bombarded, then attacked with flame thrower, the battery of Azeville falls on 9 June.
AZEVILLE (Manche - 10 km south-east of Valognes)
We visit the battery :
*****************
Azeville battery
+++++++++=
This position was held by 170 german gunners. It consisted of a dozen casemates, including four blockhouses armed with 105 mm guns; moreover it was equipped of a factory shelter, of many underground rooms and ammunition storages.
Situation : at the northern exit of the town on the D420 road (follow road-sign)
The Battery museum
___________________
One can view the underground shelters of the battery, several blockhouses communicate with underground passages. The visit is three quarter of an hour long, a film about the Atlantic Wall is projected.
Situation : the entrance of the museum is in a blockhouse of the battery
We hit the D420 again next stop :
QUINEVILLE: (Manche - 15 km east of Valognes)
========
The hard progression of 4th American division
After the cutting of the Cotentin Peninsula on 18 June 1944, the Americans launch offensives northward to take Cherbourg strategic harbor. On the eastern flank, between Montebourg and the coast, General Barton’s 4th Infantry division meets serious resistance along the coast in the flooded fields. South of Quinéville the Americans are hindered by a solid obstacle : the coastal battery of Crisbecq, near Saint-Marcouf; it sinks several American ships before being evacuated. Quinéville, an important german sector headquarters, and a heavy fortified strongpoint, fall two days later.
What to visit there ?
=============
The Freedom museum
*******************
This museum recalls the French people daily life during the German occupation until the Liberation. A French town street during the German occupation is reconstituted life size, the scenery and costumed dummies restore the tragic atmosphere of the time.
Address and telephone : 18, Beach street 50310 Quinéville
Tel : 02 33 21 40 44 (on the waterfront, follow the road-sign)
We hit the Liberty Highway again , we pass Valognes to our last stop :
CHERBOURG:
=========
History : What happened here ?
------------------------------------
The surrender of General von Schlieben's fortress
*****************************************
When American General Collins arrives in front of Cherbourg fortress on 21 June 1944, General von Schlieben commanding the "Festung" does not answer to the ultimatum. Von Schlieben is ordered by the Führer to hold the position firmly to the last of the 21,000 garrison men. The Fort du Roule, built on the cliff overlooking the harbor, is seized by the 314th Infantry regiment; on 25 June the top of the Fort is taken, and the following day the lower storeys and the battery of 105 mm guns are captured. On 26 June General Von Schlieben surrenders; but during a week the Germans have ruined, destroyed and mined the harbor. Cherbourg is the key of the Allied forces supplying, in the end of August the harbor is operational again.
What to visit :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The Liberation Museum
---------------------------
This museum is located in a French Second Empire fort, at the top of the Montagne du Roule. No arm, nor uniform are presented in this museum which recalls, through expositions, the years of german occupation and the D-Day.
Address and telephone : Fort du Roule - 50100 Cherbourg
Tel : 02 33 23 02 23
Situated nearby the port :
------------------------------
The Sergeant Finley plaque
***********************
This plaque is in memory of sergeant William Finley of 9th American Infantry division, first soldier to step into the city hall on 26 June 1944. He was killed on 1st April 1945, he was 20 years old.
Situation : in front of city hall (follow the D901)
That's all for the US sector Folks
Next : Passing Sainte Honorine des Pertes , coming from Omaha Beach we enter the British Sector at Port-en-Bessin
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
Sgt Eagle- thanks for sharing. How did you have time to see all of that? Wow-- Maybe you should make a book for people to use--
I travel in Normandy since 4 years, and plan all my excursions and once I'm there i correct my notes so later I can share them with friends , I'm a good scrounger, so I allways find an Amercan, Belgian or British friend to share the car or I think I didn't tell it yet ....Marie Thérèse ,My host in Normandy makes publicity for my knowledge and I go with tourists as her guide ...for free (a receive a free meal) and they allways bring me back at the farm because they stay for several days in Colleville -Sur-Mer , my host considers me as apart of the family and is happy as larry when I come back every September since 4 years
And what about a book ? well I'm working on a second website with those same travel notes and pictures in the future .....NORMANDY -D-DAY it's my passion .
The site under construction , i'll give a sign when ready :
http://www.freewebs.com/sgt_eagle_s_scrapbook/
Currahee !!!!!!
Mark W/Belgium
Sgt Scrounger Eagle
And what about a book ? well I'm working on a second website with those same travel notes and pictures in the future .....NORMANDY -D-DAY it's my passion .
The site under construction , i'll give a sign when ready :
http://www.freewebs.com/sgt_eagle_s_scrapbook/
Currahee !!!!!!
Mark W/Belgium
Sgt Scrounger
Eagle
GREAT NEWS FOLKS , THE SCREAMING EAGLE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED THE FIRST PART OF MY NORMANDY HOLLIDAYS ROADBOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!
I FEEL GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
I FEEL GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
Here it is specialy for my British and Commonwealth friends
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BRITISH -CANADIAN SECTORS or Part 4
==============================
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
We hit the road again , knowing that I stay in Colleville-Sur-Mer we hit the D514 towards the first small village on the road to Arromanches only 6 km from Colleville-Sur-Mer ...
Sainte-honorine-des-Pertes and Port en Bessin
PORT-EN-BESSIN/SAINTE-HONORINE-DES-PERTES (Calvados - 9 et 13 km north of Bayeux)
=====================================================
Brief History:
---------------
The Americans and the British make junction
*************************************
Port-in-Bessin is a little fishing harbor west of Arromanches in Normandy, it is situated between two zones of landing, Omaha Beach, Vth American Corps sector, and Gold Beach, British XXXth Corps sector. The 47th Royal Marine Commando comes ashore east of Arromanches and progresses toward Port-en-Bessin; at night the Commando comes to a halt a few kilometers from the objective. On 7 June the British launch the attack with fighter bombers support; about forty men are killed to conquest the harbor western side. In the same day, Americans of 16th RCT, who land on Omaha beach, enter in Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and reach Huppain. On 8 June in the morning, British commandos liberate Port-en-Bessin and make junction with Americans of the 29th Infantry division.
What can You visit in Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes ?
.........................................................................
The Omaha 1944 archives museum
------------------------------------------
This museum presents archives documents : photographs and films about the Landing on Omaha Beach of the 1st Infantry division.
Situation : on D514 road, in the town center
What can you visit in Port en Bessin :
-------------------------------------------
We continue to follow the D514 and come in the Port-en-Bessin Harbor , back in 1944 this harbor was used as petroleum harbor by the Allies , nowadays it's a fishermen harbor .
Under-water wrecks museum
===================
This original museum presents the result of more than 25 years of under-water exploration, in the coastal Landing area. Divers managed to come in hundreds of wrecks, and many items related to the Normandy Landing, from a Sherman tank to a toothpaste tube.
Address and telephone : Bayeux road 14520 Commes
Tel : 02 31 21 17 06 - on the D6 road toward Bayeux, at the town exit.
General Montgomery monument
======================
This monument is in memory of general Montgomery, Commander of the 21st Army Group (1st American Army under general Bradley and 2nd British Army under general Dempsey). A meeting between the three Allied chiefs took place on 10 June 1944 in Port-en-Bessin.
Situation : on D6 road, at the crossroads of southern gate of the city, coming from bayeux
Georges Leygues cruiser plate
====================
This plate commemorates the action of croiseur G. Leygues, a warship of The Free French Navy Forces, which fire help to reduce Longues battery.
Situation : on a wall facing the town hall.
47th Royal Marine Commando plaque
========================
This plate commemorates the action of the 47th Royal Marine Commando, and of George Leygues and Montcalm cruisers sailors.
Situation : on a blockhouse in the harbor, at the foot of Vauban tower
Plaque au croiseur Montcalm
===================
Cette plaque rappelle l'action du croiseur Montcalm des Forces navales françaises libres qui qui a appuyé de son feu le débarquement américain sur Omaha Beach.
Situation : sur le mur de l'office du tourisme.
47th Royal Marine Commando stele
=========================
This stele is dedicated to the 47th Royal Marine Commando who was commanded by lieutenant colonel C. F. Philipps.
Situation : near the D514 road, at the gate of the city coming from Arromanches.
We make a small detour now to visit Bayeux, we're now on the D6 and we shall pass the Shipwrecks museum heading to Bayeux .
Short War History :
****************
Bayeux, twice liberated by the Allied forces
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
In the evening of 6 June 1944, the 56th Infantry brigade lands in Normandy on Gold Beach, and stops in front of Magny-en-Bessin. The 2nd Gloster patrols advance a few kilometers toward Bayeux, and enter the city by the north-eastern outskirts; the British soldiers distribute some cigarettes to the Bayeusains and promise to come back the following day.
The next morning, the city is liberated without any fighting.
On 14 June, General de Gaulle returns in France and gives a speech in Bayeux; he celebrates the true fighting France and restores the national authority.
Heading to Bayeux coming from port-en-Bessin you'll first encounter :
The British cemetery : 4 648 graves
-------------------------------------------
Bayeux is the largest British cemetery of the Second World War in France; 4 648 Allied and German soldiers are buried there : 3 935 British, 17 Australians, 8 New Zealander, 1 South-African, 25 Poles, 3 French, 2 Czechs, 2 Italians, 7 Russians, 466 Germans and 1 unknown. On a memorial are registered the names of 2 808 missing soldiers : 1 537 British, 270 Canadians and 1 South-African.
Situation: near the southern ring road of Bayeux (follow road-sign).
Then .....
The Normandy Battle museum
------------------------------------
This museum presents chronologically the Battle of Normandy. A slides projection reports the final episode of the Falaise Pocket. Two rooms, Overlord and Eisenhower, show weapons, uniforms and equipments. Outside, several tanks of the two sides are exposed.
Address and telephone : Fabian Ware boulevard 14400 Bayeux.
Tel : 02 31 92 93 41
Round the Museum :
British Churchill tank
------------------------
Slow and heavily armoured, this tank was outdated but its many versions made it the second most manufactured British tank of the Second World War.
Situation : near Memorial museum
German Hetzer tank
------------------------
This small tank destroyer of less than 15 tons weight was manufactured in great number in 1944 and 1945; its crew was of four men.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
American tank Sherman M4
--------------------------------
The American tank Sherman M4 made up main equipment of allied armoured divisions; armed with a 75 mm gun, it was steered by a four men team.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
American M10 tank
-----------------------
This M10 tank Destroyer was armed with a 76,2 mm gun, it could pierce 100 mm shielding at 900 meters range.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Sherwood Rangers stele
----------------------------
This stele is in memory of the Sherwood Rangers soldiers who were killed for freedom in Normandy.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Military Police corps stele
-----------------------------
This stele is dedicated to the men of the Military police corps, who died during 6 June 1944 D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Essex regiment stele
------------------------
This stele is in memory of the soldiers of the 2nd Essex regiment battalion, "the Pompadours", who were killed in France, Belgium and Holland from 6 June 1944 to 8 may 1945.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Now we're heading towards Bayeux town center :
---------------------------------------------------------
First we encounter the Bayeux Cathedral :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
What can we see their and in her neighborhood ?
56th Brigade plaque
-----------------------
In Notre-Dame cathedral one can see a plaque, in memory of the 56th British Infantry brigade.
Situation : in Notre-Dame cathedral, on the left side when entering.
50th Northumbrian division plaque
---------------------------------------
This plaque is dedicated to all soldiers of the 50th Northumbrian division, who gave their life for freedom and the liberation of France on the beaches of La Rivière, Le Hamel and Arromanches on 6 June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. Bayeux was the first French city liberated by the Allied troops, and this division entered the city on 7 June 1944.
Situation : on a wall, right of Notre-Dame cathedral
The General de Gaulle Memorial
-------------------------------------
The memorial is situated in the XVth and XVIIth century Governor hotel, it was the first headquarters of the republican authority of liberated France. One finds there reported the "meetings" of General de Gaulle with the city of Bayeux, and especially the 16 June 1944 speech. Photographs, memories, texts and archives films illustrate the events.
Address and telephone : 10, Bourbesner street - 14400 Bayeux
Tel.: 02 31 92 45 55
14 June 1944 pillar
----------------------
This stone pillar stands up between two rows of trees, it commemorates the first speech of general de Gaulle to liberated French people, on 14 June 1944
Situation : General de Gaulle place.
Other monuments en steles to see :
*****************************
The General de Gaulle monument
----------------------------------------
This monument commemorates special relationship between General de Gaulle and city of Bayeux.
Situation : at the western exit of Bayeux
General Eisenhower monument
------------------------------------
At the day of Normandy Landing, Dwight David Eisenhower was 54 years old; he was an experienced soldier since he commanded the Landing in North Africa in 1942. In 1943 he was named Allied Europe Forces Commander, and was assigned the huge task to manage the Landing in Normandy; "the right man in the right place", he successfully carried out this vast operation.
Situation : on the southern ring road of D572 toward Saint-Lô
A13 aerodrome stele
------------------------
From this advanced ground A13, built by the 846th Air Engineers battalion of the 9th US Air Force, took off the 373rd Combat group from 19 July to 19 August 1944, the 406th Combat group from 30 July to 17 August 1944, and the 394th Bombardment group from 25 August to 18 September 1944.
Situation : on the N13 road, at the exit of Vaucelles, on the right side going toward Cherbourg.
After visiting Bayeux it's time to hit the road again , we first take the D6 towards Port en Bessin again and then take the D514 towards Arromanches .
On the road we stop at Longues to visit the Longues Battery Site :
LONGUES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 8 km north of Bayeux)
====================================
THE BATTERY WAR HISTORY
************************
A battery of the Atlantic Wall surrenders
==========================
Situated west of Arromanches in Normandy, Longues-sur-Mer overlooks the ocean at the top of a 65 meters height cliff, a perfect position where the Germans have installed a four 150 mm guns battery. The Allies forces do not land troops in this area on 6 June 1944, but farther east at Le Hamel, Gold Beach zone. On the D-Day the battery fire on the allied fleet, but several battleships crushes the blockhouses under their fire and reduce the guns to silence; the battery of Longues-sur-Mer surrenders to the British the next day with the 184 men garrison.
Longues-sur-Mer battery
----------------------------
Four 150 mm guns of 19,5 kilometers range equiped this battery. A fire control casemate, hardly completed on 6 June 1944, was installed at the cliff edge.
Situation : access from the D514 road (follow the road-sign)
After this visit we hit the road again of to ARROMANCHES , just follow the D514 restarting from Longues-Sur-Mer .
ARROMANCHES (Calvados - 10 km north-west of Bayeux)
************************************************
Arromanches is liberated from inland
On Gold Beach in Normandy, the situation of Arromanches is particular : the beach is embedded between two twenty meters height cliffs, where fortins have been built by the Germans. At 7:30 a. m on 6 June 1944 the British troops are ordered to land eastward from Arromanches, in Le Hamel, without artillery support. The beach is protected by many concrete casemates and the breakthrough is only achieved in the afternoon with the support of tanks and reinforcements. The British tanks quickly move inland toward Saint-Côme-de-Fresné, and liberate Arromanches in the evening around 9:00 p. m.
What can you see and visit in Arromanches ?
______________________________________
The Landing museum
-------------------------
This museum was inaugurated in 1954; it explains, using a scale model and a film, how the formidable technical challenge of the Arromanches artificial harbour was managed. The liberation of Normandy is displayed through expositions devoted to the Nations who fought on the battlefield. Outside, military equipments are exposed.
Address and telephone : 6 Juin place - 14117 Arromanches
Tel : 02 31 22 34 31
British 25 pounders gun
---------------------------
This field artillery gun (Ordnance QF) was one of the most successful british weapon, it was used on every battlefield during the Second World War.
Situation : near the Landing museum
British antitank gun
-----------------------
This 6 pounders antitank gun was put into service at the end of 1941, and was delivered in great quantity to the Red Army.
Situation : near the Landing museum
American Half-track M3
---------------------------
This armoured half-tracked vehicle was the American standard vehicle; more than 40 000 vehicles were built, it was originally a troops transport but it knew a lot of versions.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Bofors gun
-------------
This 40 mm anti-aircraft gun was born in the factories of the swedish manufacturer AB Bofors, which sold its licence to many European countries; the Great-Britain and the United States built thousands for their armies.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Royal logistic Corps plate
-----------------------------
This plate points out the role played by the men of the Royal Army Service Corps, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Royal Army Pioneer Corps, the Army Catering Corps, and the Postal and Courier service of the Royal Engineers who took part in the Normandy Landing operations.
Situation : near the Landing museum
British Royal Navy plaque
------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the British sailors who drove boats and landingships that landed on the Normandy beaches in 1944. (“Lest we forget” – LST and Landing Craft association)
Situation : near the Landing museum
Monument “Mulberry” B
---------------------------
This monument remembers the essential part played by Arromanches artificial harbour from June to November 1944, it was inaugurated on 6 June 2000 by winston churchill’s daughter.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Sherman american tank
----------------------------
This tank belonged to General Leclerc 2nd Armoured division.
Situation : close to the Landing museum (take a street going up right of the Landing museum)
Arromanches 360
---------------------
In a nine screens circular room, one can watch a 18 minutes film entitled "Price of Freedom", made of archives and contemporary films.
Address and telephone : Chemin du calvaire BP 9 - 14117 Arromanches
.
Tel.: 02 31 22 30 30
Royal Engineers monument
--------------------------------
Situation : on the place near the observatory (near Arromanches 360 cinema)
Free French Air Forces stele
--------------------------------
This stele honors Air Force general Michel Fourquet, Companion of Liberation and Commander of the "Lorraine" squadron.
Situation : on the place near the observatory (near Arromanches 360 cinema).
That's all for now !
Next Part 5 : Arromanches -Riva Bella
--------------------------------------------
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BRITISH -CANADIAN SECTORS or Part 4
==============================
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
We hit the road again , knowing that I stay in Colleville-Sur-Mer we hit the D514 towards the first small village on the road to Arromanches only 6 km from Colleville-Sur-Mer ...
Sainte-honorine-des-Pertes and Port en Bessin
PORT-EN-BESSIN/SAINTE-HONORINE-DES-PERTES (Calvados - 9 et 13 km north of Bayeux)
=====================================================
Brief History:
---------------
The Americans and the British make junction
*************************************
Port-in-Bessin is a little fishing harbor west of Arromanches in Normandy, it is situated between two zones of landing, Omaha Beach, Vth American Corps sector, and Gold Beach, British XXXth Corps sector. The 47th Royal Marine Commando comes ashore east of Arromanches and progresses toward Port-en-Bessin; at night the Commando comes to a halt a few kilometers from the objective. On 7 June the British launch the attack with fighter bombers support; about forty men are killed to conquest the harbor western side. In the same day, Americans of 16th RCT, who land on Omaha beach, enter in Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and reach Huppain. On 8 June in the morning, British commandos liberate Port-en-Bessin and make junction with Americans of the 29th Infantry division.
What can You visit in Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes ?
.........................................................................
The Omaha 1944 archives museum
------------------------------------------
This museum presents archives documents : photographs and films about the Landing on Omaha Beach of the 1st Infantry division.
Situation : on D514 road, in the town center
What can you visit in Port en Bessin :
-------------------------------------------
We continue to follow the D514 and come in the Port-en-Bessin Harbor , back in 1944 this harbor was used as petroleum harbor by the Allies , nowadays it's a fishermen harbor .
Under-water wrecks museum
===================
This original museum presents the result of more than 25 years of under-water exploration, in the coastal Landing area. Divers managed to come in hundreds of wrecks, and many items related to the Normandy Landing, from a Sherman tank to a toothpaste tube.
Address and telephone : Bayeux road 14520 Commes
Tel : 02 31 21 17 06 - on the D6 road toward Bayeux, at the town exit.
General Montgomery monument
======================
This monument is in memory of general Montgomery, Commander of the 21st Army Group (1st American Army under general Bradley and 2nd British Army under general Dempsey). A meeting between the three Allied chiefs took place on 10 June 1944 in Port-en-Bessin.
Situation : on D6 road, at the crossroads of southern gate of the city, coming from bayeux
Georges Leygues cruiser plate
====================
This plate commemorates the action of croiseur G. Leygues, a warship of The Free French Navy Forces, which fire help to reduce Longues battery.
Situation : on a wall facing the town hall.
47th Royal Marine Commando plaque
========================
This plate commemorates the action of the 47th Royal Marine Commando, and of George Leygues and Montcalm cruisers sailors.
Situation : on a blockhouse in the harbor, at the foot of Vauban tower
Plaque au croiseur Montcalm
===================
Cette plaque rappelle l'action du croiseur Montcalm des Forces navales françaises libres qui qui a appuyé de son feu le débarquement américain sur Omaha Beach.
Situation : sur le mur de l'office du tourisme.
47th Royal Marine Commando stele
=========================
This stele is dedicated to the 47th Royal Marine Commando who was commanded by lieutenant colonel C. F. Philipps.
Situation : near the D514 road, at the gate of the city coming from Arromanches.
We make a small detour now to visit Bayeux, we're now on the D6 and we shall pass the Shipwrecks museum heading to Bayeux .
Short War History :
****************
Bayeux, twice liberated by the Allied forces
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
In the evening of 6 June 1944, the 56th Infantry brigade lands in Normandy on Gold Beach, and stops in front of Magny-en-Bessin. The 2nd Gloster patrols advance a few kilometers toward Bayeux, and enter the city by the north-eastern outskirts; the British soldiers distribute some cigarettes to the Bayeusains and promise to come back the following day.
The next morning, the city is liberated without any fighting.
On 14 June, General de Gaulle returns in France and gives a speech in Bayeux; he celebrates the true fighting France and restores the national authority.
Heading to Bayeux coming from port-en-Bessin you'll first encounter :
The British cemetery : 4 648 graves
-------------------------------------------
Bayeux is the largest British cemetery of the Second World War in France; 4 648 Allied and German soldiers are buried there : 3 935 British, 17 Australians, 8 New Zealander, 1 South-African, 25 Poles, 3 French, 2 Czechs, 2 Italians, 7 Russians, 466 Germans and 1 unknown. On a memorial are registered the names of 2 808 missing soldiers : 1 537 British, 270 Canadians and 1 South-African.
Situation: near the southern ring road of Bayeux (follow road-sign).
Then .....
The Normandy Battle museum
------------------------------------
This museum presents chronologically the Battle of Normandy. A slides projection reports the final episode of the Falaise Pocket. Two rooms, Overlord and Eisenhower, show weapons, uniforms and equipments. Outside, several tanks of the two sides are exposed.
Address and telephone : Fabian Ware boulevard 14400 Bayeux.
Tel : 02 31 92 93 41
Round the Museum :
British Churchill tank
------------------------
Slow and heavily armoured, this tank was outdated but its many versions made it the second most manufactured British tank of the Second World War.
Situation : near Memorial museum
German Hetzer tank
------------------------
This small tank destroyer of less than 15 tons weight was manufactured in great number in 1944 and 1945; its crew was of four men.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
American tank Sherman M4
--------------------------------
The American tank Sherman M4 made up main equipment of allied armoured divisions; armed with a 75 mm gun, it was steered by a four men team.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
American M10 tank
-----------------------
This M10 tank Destroyer was armed with a 76,2 mm gun, it could pierce 100 mm shielding at 900 meters range.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Sherwood Rangers stele
----------------------------
This stele is in memory of the Sherwood Rangers soldiers who were killed for freedom in Normandy.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Military Police corps stele
-----------------------------
This stele is dedicated to the men of the Military police corps, who died during 6 June 1944 D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Essex regiment stele
------------------------
This stele is in memory of the soldiers of the 2nd Essex regiment battalion, "the Pompadours", who were killed in France, Belgium and Holland from 6 June 1944 to 8 may 1945.
Situation : near the Memorial museum
Now we're heading towards Bayeux town center :
---------------------------------------------------------
First we encounter the Bayeux Cathedral :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
What can we see their and in her neighborhood ?
56th Brigade plaque
-----------------------
In Notre-Dame cathedral one can see a plaque, in memory of the 56th British Infantry brigade.
Situation : in Notre-Dame cathedral, on the left side when entering.
50th Northumbrian division plaque
---------------------------------------
This plaque is dedicated to all soldiers of the 50th Northumbrian division, who gave their life for freedom and the liberation of France on the beaches of La Rivière, Le Hamel and Arromanches on 6 June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. Bayeux was the first French city liberated by the Allied troops, and this division entered the city on 7 June 1944.
Situation : on a wall, right of Notre-Dame cathedral
The General de Gaulle Memorial
-------------------------------------
The memorial is situated in the XVth and XVIIth century Governor hotel, it was the first headquarters of the republican authority of liberated France. One finds there reported the "meetings" of General de Gaulle with the city of Bayeux, and especially the 16 June 1944 speech. Photographs, memories, texts and archives films illustrate the events.
Address and telephone : 10, Bourbesner street - 14400 Bayeux
Tel.: 02 31 92 45 55
14 June 1944 pillar
----------------------
This stone pillar stands up between two rows of trees, it commemorates the first speech of general de Gaulle to liberated French people, on 14 June 1944
Situation : General de Gaulle place.
Other monuments en steles to see :
*****************************
The General de Gaulle monument
----------------------------------------
This monument commemorates special relationship between General de Gaulle and city of Bayeux.
Situation : at the western exit of Bayeux
General Eisenhower monument
------------------------------------
At the day of Normandy Landing, Dwight David Eisenhower was 54 years old; he was an experienced soldier since he commanded the Landing in North Africa in 1942. In 1943 he was named Allied Europe Forces Commander, and was assigned the huge task to manage the Landing in Normandy; "the right man in the right place", he successfully carried out this vast operation.
Situation : on the southern ring road of D572 toward Saint-Lô
A13 aerodrome stele
------------------------
From this advanced ground A13, built by the 846th Air Engineers battalion of the 9th US Air Force, took off the 373rd Combat group from 19 July to 19 August 1944, the 406th Combat group from 30 July to 17 August 1944, and the 394th Bombardment group from 25 August to 18 September 1944.
Situation : on the N13 road, at the exit of Vaucelles, on the right side going toward Cherbourg.
After visiting Bayeux it's time to hit the road again , we first take the D6 towards Port en Bessin again and then take the D514 towards Arromanches .
On the road we stop at Longues to visit the Longues Battery Site :
LONGUES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 8 km north of Bayeux)
====================================
THE BATTERY WAR HISTORY
************************
A battery of the Atlantic Wall surrenders
==========================
Situated west of Arromanches in Normandy, Longues-sur-Mer overlooks the ocean at the top of a 65 meters height cliff, a perfect position where the Germans have installed a four 150 mm guns battery. The Allies forces do not land troops in this area on 6 June 1944, but farther east at Le Hamel, Gold Beach zone. On the D-Day the battery fire on the allied fleet, but several battleships crushes the blockhouses under their fire and reduce the guns to silence; the battery of Longues-sur-Mer surrenders to the British the next day with the 184 men garrison.
Longues-sur-Mer battery
----------------------------
Four 150 mm guns of 19,5 kilometers range equiped this battery. A fire control casemate, hardly completed on 6 June 1944, was installed at the cliff edge.
Situation : access from the D514 road (follow the road-sign)
After this visit we hit the road again of to ARROMANCHES , just follow the D514 restarting from Longues-Sur-Mer .
ARROMANCHES (Calvados - 10 km north-west of Bayeux)
************************************************
Arromanches is liberated from inland
On Gold Beach in Normandy, the situation of Arromanches is particular : the beach is embedded between two twenty meters height cliffs, where fortins have been built by the Germans. At 7:30 a. m on 6 June 1944 the British troops are ordered to land eastward from Arromanches, in Le Hamel, without artillery support. The beach is protected by many concrete casemates and the breakthrough is only achieved in the afternoon with the support of tanks and reinforcements. The British tanks quickly move inland toward Saint-Côme-de-Fresné, and liberate Arromanches in the evening around 9:00 p. m.
What can you see and visit in Arromanches ?
______________________________________
The Landing museum
-------------------------
This museum was inaugurated in 1954; it explains, using a scale model and a film, how the formidable technical challenge of the Arromanches artificial harbour was managed. The liberation of Normandy is displayed through expositions devoted to the Nations who fought on the battlefield. Outside, military equipments are exposed.
Address and telephone : 6 Juin place - 14117 Arromanches
Tel : 02 31 22 34 31
British 25 pounders gun
---------------------------
This field artillery gun (Ordnance QF) was one of the most successful british weapon, it was used on every battlefield during the Second World War.
Situation : near the Landing museum
British antitank gun
-----------------------
This 6 pounders antitank gun was put into service at the end of 1941, and was delivered in great quantity to the Red Army.
Situation : near the Landing museum
American Half-track M3
---------------------------
This armoured half-tracked vehicle was the American standard vehicle; more than 40 000 vehicles were built, it was originally a troops transport but it knew a lot of versions.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Bofors gun
-------------
This 40 mm anti-aircraft gun was born in the factories of the swedish manufacturer AB Bofors, which sold its licence to many European countries; the Great-Britain and the United States built thousands for their armies.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Royal logistic Corps plate
-----------------------------
This plate points out the role played by the men of the Royal Army Service Corps, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Royal Army Pioneer Corps, the Army Catering Corps, and the Postal and Courier service of the Royal Engineers who took part in the Normandy Landing operations.
Situation : near the Landing museum
British Royal Navy plaque
------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the British sailors who drove boats and landingships that landed on the Normandy beaches in 1944. (“Lest we forget” – LST and Landing Craft association)
Situation : near the Landing museum
Monument “Mulberry” B
---------------------------
This monument remembers the essential part played by Arromanches artificial harbour from June to November 1944, it was inaugurated on 6 June 2000 by winston churchill’s daughter.
Situation : near the Landing museum
Sherman american tank
----------------------------
This tank belonged to General Leclerc 2nd Armoured division.
Situation : close to the Landing museum (take a street going up right of the Landing museum)
Arromanches 360
---------------------
In a nine screens circular room, one can watch a 18 minutes film entitled "Price of Freedom", made of archives and contemporary films.
Address and telephone : Chemin du calvaire BP 9 - 14117 Arromanches
.
Tel.: 02 31 22 30 30
Royal Engineers monument
--------------------------------
Situation : on the place near the observatory (near Arromanches 360 cinema)
Free French Air Forces stele
--------------------------------
This stele honors Air Force general Michel Fourquet, Companion of Liberation and Commander of the "Lorraine" squadron.
Situation : on the place near the observatory (near Arromanches 360 cinema).
That's all for now !
Next Part 5 : Arromanches -Riva Bella
--------------------------------------------
Sgt Eagle /Mark W/Belgium
COMING SOON !!!!!!!!!! 
FROM ARROMANCHES to RIVA BELLA Mark W/ Sgt Eagle
Thanks for sharing your travel experiences Mark! 
I´ll be visiting Normandy next week so it´s a big help.
Pim
I´ll be visiting Normandy next week so it´s a big help.
Pim
At your Service , friend at your service
Currahee !!!!!!
Mark W
Currahee !!!!!!
Mark W
Wow. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Hoobler and Muck fan
Hoobler and Muck fan
Part 5 :
----------
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
From Arromanches to Riva Bella
***************************
We are hitting the road again , we leave our departure point , the location of the formal Port Winston ,ARROMANCHES and go to Courseuilles following the D514 , we reach the Canadian Sector ...Of Juno Beach , but inn first we visit the end point of the Gold beach sector ...Ver-Sur-Mer
VER-SUR-MER (Calvados - 15 km north-east of Caen)
===================================
Ver-Sur-Mer on D-DAY :(short history)
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
On 6 June 1944, the 50th Infantry division of General Graham lands in Normandy, on a five kilometers wide area on Gold Beach; the D-Day objective : Bayeux. The 2nd Devon clears up the beach at Le Hamel, the 47th Commando attacks Port-en-Bessin, the 69th Brigade lands on the beach in La Rivière supported by the tanks and naval artillery, the 5th Yorkshire takes the German positions around the lighthouse of Ver-sur-Mer. Landed at 8:20 a. m., the 7th Green Howard enters Ver-sur-Mer without meeting any resistance, and they neutralizes the battery of La Mare Fontaine making fifty prisoners.
Ver-Sur-Mer what to visit :
-------------------------------
Roadsigns indicate it :
The America Gold Beach museum
----------------------------------------
This museum is dedicated to two historical events, the history of the American Air-mail pioneers, and the preparation of the Landing by the British Secret Service; 69th Brigade assault is also reported. The main part of the documents and objects presented were offered by the veterans.
Address and telephone : 2, Admiral Byrd place - 14114 Ver-sur-Mer
Tel : 02 31 22 58 58
monuments , plates and steles :
-------------------------------------
Armoured vehicle Sexton
-----------------------------
This armoured vehicle was manufactured in Canada in 1941, it was developped on the chassis of the American tank M3 and was used as field artillery; it was armed with a 87,5 mm howitzer and was steered by a six men crew.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road, in the town center
50th Northumbrian division monument
--------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the artillery regiments of the 50th Northumbrian division who landed on this beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road, in the town center
Hertfordshire regiment monument
---------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the British troops that landed at Ver-sur-Mer, at dawn of 6 June 1944, the 2nd Hertfordshire regiment battalion, commanded by colonel J. R. Harper until 31 August 31, 1944. King sector red beach : major W. R. Nichols Green beach : major D. C. Slemek.
Situation : at the edge of the road D514, in the town center
Admiral Ramsay plate
-------------------------
This plate recalls that admiral Ramsay, commander of the Allied fleet, established his headquarter in this house during the battle.
Situation : at the edge of the road D514, in the town center
"Gold Inn" plate
-------------------
This plate recalls that from 6 June 1944 to 30 July, this inn was used as Headquarter of the 9th Beach group of the British royal Navy.
Situation : facing the America Gold Beach museum
50th DI stele
----------------
This stele announces the landing of the 50th British infantry division units, who landed on the beaches in Ver-sur-Mer.
Situation : at the edge of the D514 road, at the exit of the beach
We continue on the D514 , leaving Ver-Sur-Mer behind us and going to ...
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 18 km north of Caen)
=======================================
history on D-Day
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The breakthrough of the Canadians on Juno Beach
-----------------------------------------------------------
Juno Beach stretches from Ver-sur-Mer to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, it is the landing area of the 3rd Canadian infantry division commanded by General Keller. In Courseulles-sur-Mer the Germans have fortified the mouth of the river Seulles. On 6 June 1944, at 7:45 a. m. amphibious tanks of the 1st Hussars are launched three kilometers from the coast, but most of them sink because of the strong swell. Those that succeed in reaching the beach immediately open fire on the German positions; they enable the 7th Brigade to advance quickly and to liberate Courseulles-sur-Mer in a few hours. At the evening of 6 June, some 21,500 men and 3,200 vehicles have landed on Juno Beach.
what to visit ?
----------------
The Juno Beach Center
---------------------------
The Juno Beach Center intends to explain the part of Canada in the World War II. Several permanent and temporary expositions are on display.
Situation : west of the harbor, on the waterfront - Juno Beach Center, Free French avenue BP 104 - 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer
tél : 02 31 37 32 17
email : contact@junobeach.org
Steles ,monuments and plates
*************************
“La Combattante†stele
This stele is in memory of “La Combattante†navy sailors, a destroyer of the Free French Naval Forces, which brought back General de Gaulle in France at Courseulles-sur-Mer on 14 June 1944.
Situation: on the waterfront, a place in the town center
Sherman tank
----------------
This tank was recovered in 1970 two kilometers away in sea, it was restored before being exposed. Badges of units who fought in the area are welded to it.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
Royal Winnipeg Rifles monument
--------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the 7th Royal Brigade of the Winnipeg Rifles who was commanded by Lieutenant colonel J. M. Meldram. The soldiers of the RWR, called the "Black little devils", landed on Juno Beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
First Canadian Scottish stele
---------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the First Canadian Scottish regiment soldiers who landed on Juno beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, access to beach (near Liberation monument)
Regina Rifle stele
--------------------
This stele is in memory of the 458 dead of the Regina Rifle during the Second World War.
Situation : on the waterfront, access to beach (near Liberation monument)
Liberation Monument
------------------------
This monument recalls the liberation of Europe by the Allied forces on 6 June 1944, and the return in France of General de Gaulle at Courseulles-sur-Mer on 14 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
Notthingham bridge plate
-----------------------------
This plate commemorates the building of this bridge by the 8th Royal British Engineers company.
Situation : this bridge gives access to Croix de Lorraine monument
Croix de Lorraine monument
----------------------------------
This huge cross commemorates the return of General de Gaulle in France.
Situation : on the waterfront, west of city (follow the road-sign)
We leave Courseuilles -Sur-Mer following the D514 and go to ...
BERNIERES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 16 km north of Caen)
====================================
Short D-Day history :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The bravery of the Canadians facing German fire
---------------------------------------------------------
On 6 June 1944, the 3rd Canadian Infantry division commanded by General Keller land in Normandy on Juno Beach. At 8:05 a. m., the Queen's Own Rifles set foot on this Norman beach under bad conditions : the amphibious tanks are late, and the preliminary artillery bombing left without damage the German defences. The enemy machine-guns kill tens of men before being neutralized in close combat; the support of a battleship that approaches the coast and fires on the blockhouses at point blank range, enables the Canadians to reduce the German positions. Finally, at 8:30 a. m., the reinforcements and the tanks slam ashore, among them the French Canadians of La Chaudière regiment, Bernières-sur-Mer is liberated.
Monuments ,plates and steles
-----------------------------------
Queens Own Rifles blockhouse monument
-------------------------------------------------
This blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall opposed to the Canadians of the Queen's Own Rifles regiment, on 6 June 1944, inflicting them heavy losses on the beaches. A plate is also dedicated to the British soldiers of the 5th Hackney battalion the Royal Berkshire regiment and to the N °3 Beach group.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
Canadians stele
------------------
This monument is in memory of the Canadian soldiers who died on the beaches of Juno on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
La Chaudière regiment stele
---------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the French Canadians of La Chaudière regiment, commanded by lieutenant colonel Paul Mathieu, who landed there on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Fort Garry Horse plaque
----------------------------
This plate is in memory of the Canadian soldiers of the 10th Armoured regiment , Fort Garry Horse, who landed on these beaches on 6 June 1944, and liberated Bernières-sur-Mer.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Canadian soldiers stele
---------------------------
This stele is dedicated to all the Canadian soldiers of infantry, navy and airforce who were killed on beaches of Juno on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Liberation monument
-------------------------
This monument recalls the liberation of Europe, on 6 June 1944, by the Allied forces.
Situation : on the waterfront
Journalists HQ plaque
-------------------------
A plaque, in front of this house, indicates it was the headquarter of british and canadian journalists, photographs and film makers during the Landing..
Situation : N°288,at the beginning of Régiment de La Chaudière street
Queen's Own Rifles stele
----------------------------
A plaque in front of this house indicates that it was liberated by the soldiers of Queen's Own Rifles of Canada on 6 June 1944, they suffered heavy losses in this place.
Situation : 6 June place
We leave Bernieres -Sur-Mer and following the D514 go to
LANGRUNE-SUR-MER/SAINT-AUBIN-SUR-MER (Calvados - 15 km north of Caen)
====================================================
Short D-Day history :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The special tanks open a breach in the Atlantic Wall
----------------------------------------------------------
On 6 June 1944, the North Shore Regiment of the 8th Canadian Brigade land in Normandy on Juno Beach; they fight against a regiment of the 716th German Infantry division. The Company A progresses easily west of Saint-Aubin, while the company B meets many obstacles. The support of Fort Garry Horse amphibious tanks is decisive, the special tanks neutralize anti-tank walls and blockhouses with explosive, and Lieutenant Colonel Buell can launch his companies inland; at the end of the day the Canadians clear Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer of the last German defenders. At Langrune-sur-Mer, street fighting cost fifty per cent losses to the 48th Royal Marines Commando, but in the evening of 6 June the Germans are pushed back from the town.
What to visit here ?
=============
Monuments , steles and plates :
------------------------------------
48th Royal Navy Commando monument Langrune-sur-Mer
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This monument commemorates the bridgehead established on 6 June 1944 by the 48th Royal Navy British commandos at Langrune-sur-Mer.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
Liberation monument Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
------------------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the Canadian units who landed on these beaches, and in particular to the North Shore regiment and the 48th Royal Navy Commando. The memory of the civil victims is honoured, and the monument recalls also the landing of Maurice Duclos, General de Gaulle messenger, on 4 August 1944,
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
German casemate Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------------
This blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall still shelters an anti tank gun, which fired on the Allied troops landing on Juno beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
10th Canadian Armoured regiment stele Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the 10th Canadian Armoured regiment (Fort Garry Horse) men, their amphibious tanks landed there on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
That's all for the moment folks .... TO BE CONTINUED
Sgt Eagle
----------
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
From Arromanches to Riva Bella
***************************
We are hitting the road again , we leave our departure point , the location of the formal Port Winston ,ARROMANCHES and go to Courseuilles following the D514 , we reach the Canadian Sector ...Of Juno Beach , but inn first we visit the end point of the Gold beach sector ...Ver-Sur-Mer
VER-SUR-MER (Calvados - 15 km north-east of Caen)
===================================
Ver-Sur-Mer on D-DAY :(short history)
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
On 6 June 1944, the 50th Infantry division of General Graham lands in Normandy, on a five kilometers wide area on Gold Beach; the D-Day objective : Bayeux. The 2nd Devon clears up the beach at Le Hamel, the 47th Commando attacks Port-en-Bessin, the 69th Brigade lands on the beach in La Rivière supported by the tanks and naval artillery, the 5th Yorkshire takes the German positions around the lighthouse of Ver-sur-Mer. Landed at 8:20 a. m., the 7th Green Howard enters Ver-sur-Mer without meeting any resistance, and they neutralizes the battery of La Mare Fontaine making fifty prisoners.
Ver-Sur-Mer what to visit :
-------------------------------
Roadsigns indicate it :
The America Gold Beach museum
----------------------------------------
This museum is dedicated to two historical events, the history of the American Air-mail pioneers, and the preparation of the Landing by the British Secret Service; 69th Brigade assault is also reported. The main part of the documents and objects presented were offered by the veterans.
Address and telephone : 2, Admiral Byrd place - 14114 Ver-sur-Mer
Tel : 02 31 22 58 58
monuments , plates and steles :
-------------------------------------
Armoured vehicle Sexton
-----------------------------
This armoured vehicle was manufactured in Canada in 1941, it was developped on the chassis of the American tank M3 and was used as field artillery; it was armed with a 87,5 mm howitzer and was steered by a six men crew.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road, in the town center
50th Northumbrian division monument
--------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the artillery regiments of the 50th Northumbrian division who landed on this beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road, in the town center
Hertfordshire regiment monument
---------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the British troops that landed at Ver-sur-Mer, at dawn of 6 June 1944, the 2nd Hertfordshire regiment battalion, commanded by colonel J. R. Harper until 31 August 31, 1944. King sector red beach : major W. R. Nichols Green beach : major D. C. Slemek.
Situation : at the edge of the road D514, in the town center
Admiral Ramsay plate
-------------------------
This plate recalls that admiral Ramsay, commander of the Allied fleet, established his headquarter in this house during the battle.
Situation : at the edge of the road D514, in the town center
"Gold Inn" plate
-------------------
This plate recalls that from 6 June 1944 to 30 July, this inn was used as Headquarter of the 9th Beach group of the British royal Navy.
Situation : facing the America Gold Beach museum
50th DI stele
----------------
This stele announces the landing of the 50th British infantry division units, who landed on the beaches in Ver-sur-Mer.
Situation : at the edge of the D514 road, at the exit of the beach
We continue on the D514 , leaving Ver-Sur-Mer behind us and going to ...
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 18 km north of Caen)
=======================================
history on D-Day
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The breakthrough of the Canadians on Juno Beach
-----------------------------------------------------------
Juno Beach stretches from Ver-sur-Mer to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, it is the landing area of the 3rd Canadian infantry division commanded by General Keller. In Courseulles-sur-Mer the Germans have fortified the mouth of the river Seulles. On 6 June 1944, at 7:45 a. m. amphibious tanks of the 1st Hussars are launched three kilometers from the coast, but most of them sink because of the strong swell. Those that succeed in reaching the beach immediately open fire on the German positions; they enable the 7th Brigade to advance quickly and to liberate Courseulles-sur-Mer in a few hours. At the evening of 6 June, some 21,500 men and 3,200 vehicles have landed on Juno Beach.
what to visit ?
----------------
The Juno Beach Center
---------------------------
The Juno Beach Center intends to explain the part of Canada in the World War II. Several permanent and temporary expositions are on display.
Situation : west of the harbor, on the waterfront - Juno Beach Center, Free French avenue BP 104 - 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer
tél : 02 31 37 32 17
email : contact@junobeach.org
Steles ,monuments and plates
*************************
“La Combattante†stele
This stele is in memory of “La Combattante†navy sailors, a destroyer of the Free French Naval Forces, which brought back General de Gaulle in France at Courseulles-sur-Mer on 14 June 1944.
Situation: on the waterfront, a place in the town center
Sherman tank
----------------
This tank was recovered in 1970 two kilometers away in sea, it was restored before being exposed. Badges of units who fought in the area are welded to it.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
Royal Winnipeg Rifles monument
--------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the 7th Royal Brigade of the Winnipeg Rifles who was commanded by Lieutenant colonel J. M. Meldram. The soldiers of the RWR, called the "Black little devils", landed on Juno Beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
First Canadian Scottish stele
---------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the First Canadian Scottish regiment soldiers who landed on Juno beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, access to beach (near Liberation monument)
Regina Rifle stele
--------------------
This stele is in memory of the 458 dead of the Regina Rifle during the Second World War.
Situation : on the waterfront, access to beach (near Liberation monument)
Liberation Monument
------------------------
This monument recalls the liberation of Europe by the Allied forces on 6 June 1944, and the return in France of General de Gaulle at Courseulles-sur-Mer on 14 June 1944.
Situation : on the waterfront, in the town center
Notthingham bridge plate
-----------------------------
This plate commemorates the building of this bridge by the 8th Royal British Engineers company.
Situation : this bridge gives access to Croix de Lorraine monument
Croix de Lorraine monument
----------------------------------
This huge cross commemorates the return of General de Gaulle in France.
Situation : on the waterfront, west of city (follow the road-sign)
We leave Courseuilles -Sur-Mer following the D514 and go to ...
BERNIERES-SUR-MER (Calvados - 16 km north of Caen)
====================================
Short D-Day history :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The bravery of the Canadians facing German fire
---------------------------------------------------------
On 6 June 1944, the 3rd Canadian Infantry division commanded by General Keller land in Normandy on Juno Beach. At 8:05 a. m., the Queen's Own Rifles set foot on this Norman beach under bad conditions : the amphibious tanks are late, and the preliminary artillery bombing left without damage the German defences. The enemy machine-guns kill tens of men before being neutralized in close combat; the support of a battleship that approaches the coast and fires on the blockhouses at point blank range, enables the Canadians to reduce the German positions. Finally, at 8:30 a. m., the reinforcements and the tanks slam ashore, among them the French Canadians of La Chaudière regiment, Bernières-sur-Mer is liberated.
Monuments ,plates and steles
-----------------------------------
Queens Own Rifles blockhouse monument
-------------------------------------------------
This blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall opposed to the Canadians of the Queen's Own Rifles regiment, on 6 June 1944, inflicting them heavy losses on the beaches. A plate is also dedicated to the British soldiers of the 5th Hackney battalion the Royal Berkshire regiment and to the N °3 Beach group.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
Canadians stele
------------------
This monument is in memory of the Canadian soldiers who died on the beaches of Juno on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
La Chaudière regiment stele
---------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the French Canadians of La Chaudière regiment, commanded by lieutenant colonel Paul Mathieu, who landed there on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Fort Garry Horse plaque
----------------------------
This plate is in memory of the Canadian soldiers of the 10th Armoured regiment , Fort Garry Horse, who landed on these beaches on 6 June 1944, and liberated Bernières-sur-Mer.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Canadian soldiers stele
---------------------------
This stele is dedicated to all the Canadian soldiers of infantry, navy and airforce who were killed on beaches of Juno on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront (near the blockhouse)
Liberation monument
-------------------------
This monument recalls the liberation of Europe, on 6 June 1944, by the Allied forces.
Situation : on the waterfront
Journalists HQ plaque
-------------------------
A plaque, in front of this house, indicates it was the headquarter of british and canadian journalists, photographs and film makers during the Landing..
Situation : N°288,at the beginning of Régiment de La Chaudière street
Queen's Own Rifles stele
----------------------------
A plaque in front of this house indicates that it was liberated by the soldiers of Queen's Own Rifles of Canada on 6 June 1944, they suffered heavy losses in this place.
Situation : 6 June place
We leave Bernieres -Sur-Mer and following the D514 go to
LANGRUNE-SUR-MER/SAINT-AUBIN-SUR-MER (Calvados - 15 km north of Caen)
====================================================
Short D-Day history :
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The special tanks open a breach in the Atlantic Wall
----------------------------------------------------------
On 6 June 1944, the North Shore Regiment of the 8th Canadian Brigade land in Normandy on Juno Beach; they fight against a regiment of the 716th German Infantry division. The Company A progresses easily west of Saint-Aubin, while the company B meets many obstacles. The support of Fort Garry Horse amphibious tanks is decisive, the special tanks neutralize anti-tank walls and blockhouses with explosive, and Lieutenant Colonel Buell can launch his companies inland; at the end of the day the Canadians clear Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer of the last German defenders. At Langrune-sur-Mer, street fighting cost fifty per cent losses to the 48th Royal Marines Commando, but in the evening of 6 June the Germans are pushed back from the town.
What to visit here ?
=============
Monuments , steles and plates :
------------------------------------
48th Royal Navy Commando monument Langrune-sur-Mer
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This monument commemorates the bridgehead established on 6 June 1944 by the 48th Royal Navy British commandos at Langrune-sur-Mer.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
Liberation monument Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
------------------------------------------------
This monument is dedicated to the Canadian units who landed on these beaches, and in particular to the North Shore regiment and the 48th Royal Navy Commando. The memory of the civil victims is honoured, and the monument recalls also the landing of Maurice Duclos, General de Gaulle messenger, on 4 August 1944,
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
German casemate Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------------
This blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall still shelters an anti tank gun, which fired on the Allied troops landing on Juno beach on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
10th Canadian Armoured regiment stele Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the 10th Canadian Armoured regiment (Fort Garry Horse) men, their amphibious tanks landed there on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the waterfront
That's all for the moment folks .... TO BE CONTINUED
Sgt Eagle
Mark, if I were a Brussels prosecutor, you would be my favorite policeman because of the way you document what you've seen. In a prosecution, I would be able to show the defense attorney your notes and simply start negotiating the number of years in the hoosegow his client would be doing.
Most excellent report. Thank you, Doug
Most excellent report. Thank you, Doug
Sgt. Eagle, the Mark of Distinction,
You, sir, are an incredible treasure and gift. Not only to friends and family of Easy Company but to the thousands who have read - and thousands more who will read - your posts in WildBillGuarnere.com. Many will one day visit Normandy, and many of them will be there because you have made Normandy and D-Day come alive for them.
Yours is obviously a work of love, and compiling this astonishing collection of historical records must take a terrible toll on your emotions.
My respects and most sincere thanks for your empassioned work,
Y.o.s.,
LongJohn
You, sir, are an incredible treasure and gift. Not only to friends and family of Easy Company but to the thousands who have read - and thousands more who will read - your posts in WildBillGuarnere.com. Many will one day visit Normandy, and many of them will be there because you have made Normandy and D-Day come alive for them.
Yours is obviously a work of love, and compiling this astonishing collection of historical records must take a terrible toll on your emotions.
My respects and most sincere thanks for your empassioned work,
Y.o.s.,
LongJohn
Dear Friends ,
I've met many guides in Normandy who explained much of what I write down to me , I alsoo speak a lot with old inhabitants of the region .
I think it's my duty , to make such a road book , a duty to the veterans and those who didn't survive D-Day .
Knowing the group of veterans is getting smaller every day , It's our duty to continue to tell their story and send people to those places where they all made the difference and gave us liberty back .
Yes , my police files are as much detailed as this , but as you know we serve and protect .
All I do now is putting my documentation flyers in one handy roadbook that evryone can print ...I don't have to say I'm making many friends in Normandy and on line , i was last asked to find some hotels for Vets and their family , near brussels airport , my adres was found on the net or given by the screaming eagles organisation .
I know that there are Normandy sites talking about the same thing , but I thought it was better to simplyfy this by putting it in a roadbook .
I've alsoo a handmade scrapbook about Omaha Beach in wich i detailed the wall how it was and hown it remains now .
It's a passion and I love doing this , I honor my both Resistance grandfathers by this .
Thank you for your support !
it encourages me to continue and i'm working on many other items .
Currahee !!!!!!!
Mark W.
I've met many guides in Normandy who explained much of what I write down to me , I alsoo speak a lot with old inhabitants of the region .
I think it's my duty , to make such a road book , a duty to the veterans and those who didn't survive D-Day .
Knowing the group of veterans is getting smaller every day , It's our duty to continue to tell their story and send people to those places where they all made the difference and gave us liberty back .
Yes , my police files are as much detailed as this , but as you know we serve and protect .
All I do now is putting my documentation flyers in one handy roadbook that evryone can print ...I don't have to say I'm making many friends in Normandy and on line , i was last asked to find some hotels for Vets and their family , near brussels airport , my adres was found on the net or given by the screaming eagles organisation .
I know that there are Normandy sites talking about the same thing , but I thought it was better to simplyfy this by putting it in a roadbook .
I've alsoo a handmade scrapbook about Omaha Beach in wich i detailed the wall how it was and hown it remains now .
It's a passion and I love doing this , I honor my both Resistance grandfathers by this .
Thank you for your support !
it encourages me to continue and i'm working on many other items .
Currahee !!!!!!!
Mark W.
The continuation of the trip from Arromanches to -Riva-Bella
=======================================
We hit the D 514 again and go to Douvres la Delivrande and her Radar Station .
DOUVRES-LA-DELIVRANDE (Calvados - 10 km north of Caen)
***************************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
In the evening of 6 June 1944, the Allied forces have succeeded in gaining a foothold on the beaches of Normandy, and establishing several bridgeheads. In some places of the coast German strongpoints still resist. Between Juno Beach and Sword Beach, the defenses of Douvres-la-Délivrande pushes back all the Canadian attacks. Douvres-la-Délivrande is an important station of air detection; it is defended by many concrete works, armed with guns, machine-guns, and surrounded by minefields. The position holds until 17 June, when a massive attack is launched; the 41 Royal Marine Commando, supported by the special tanks, drive some 230 men of the garrison to surrender.
What can you visit here ?
*********************
The Radar museum :
==============
This museum is located on the site of a German 1944 radar base. In two intact bunkers an exposition explains the evolution and how radars operated. Outside one can observe a rare german radar Würzburg.
Address and telephone : 14440 Douvres-la-Délivrande
Tel : 02 31 37 74 43 (on the D404 road, follow the road-sign)
Her British Cemetery: 1 123 graves
=======================
A small stone house with an arch indicates the gate of this cemetery were are buried 1 123 soldiers killed in Normandy, including 927 British, 11 Canadians, 3 Australians, 1 Pole, 180 Germans and 1 unknown.
Situation : at the southern gate of the town on the D7 road (follow the road-sign)
We leave Douvre La Delivrande and hit the road towards LUC-SUR-MER , we still are following the D514
LUC-SUR-MER/CRESSERONS (Calvados - 15 km and 10 km north of Caen)
**************************************************************
Short D-Day History
.............................
The German tanks counter-attack... on Berlin order
------------------------------------------------------------
The 46th Royal Marines Commando lands with the 3rd British Infantry division in Normandy on Sword Beach, on 6 June 1944. After reducing the beaches defenses, the tanks and the infantry move inland. The German High Command is uncertain; General Richter, commanding the sector, orders the 21st Panzer division tanks to counter attack, but the armoured divisions movements are decided in Berlin. The first German panzers start only in the early afternoon; a column moves out in the corridor between Juno Beach and Sword Beach, and reaches the coast at Luc-sur-Mer around 8:00 p. m.; but isolated and not strong enough, the Germans withdraw. The next day the British Commandos take the Petit Enfer position and liberate Luc-sur-Mer; meanwhile the 1st South Lancashire enters into Cresserons.
What can you visit here ?
================
Well Luc-Sur-Mer has 2 steles and 1 monument
Steles
====
Liberation stele :Luc-sur-Mer
---------------------------------
This stele commemorates the first commando action in Normandy on 28 September 1941, and the liberation of Luc-sur-Mer on 6 and 7 June 1944
Situation : in the town center, Tom Gordon Hemmings place
General Leclerc stele :Luc-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to general Leclerc, commander of the 2nd Armoured division.
Situation : in the town center, general Leclerc place
Monument
=======
22nd Dragoons monument :Cresserons
----------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the 22nd Dragoons regiment soldiers, 10th Armoured Brigade, who fell for the liberation of Cresserons in June 1944.
Situation : behind the city hall, 22nd Dragoons regiment place
We leave Luc-Sur-Mer and follow once again the D514 and head towards Ouistreham-Riva Bella . But in first we stop at :
COLLEVILLE MONTGOMERY (Calvados - 8 km north of Caen)
**************************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
Sword Beach is the eastern zone of the three beaches where the British troops are landing; the German units that occupy the defenses are second rank troops, like the "Osttruppen". The progression is rather fast on 6 June 1944. At 10:00 a. m., the powerful battery of Riva Bella made up with 65 concreted works is taken by the n° 4 Commando. The 1st Suffolk takes Colleville-Montgomery, and runs up then against the fortified position "Hillmann", where is the PC of a regiment of the 716th German infantry division. This battery is not fully completed on 6 June, and resist until 22:00 p. m..
What can you visit here :
-----------------------------
The Hillman strong point
----------------------------
The battery of Colleville Montgomery was unfinished on 6 June 1944, it was made up of three casemates for 150 mm guns.
Situation : on the road connecting Colleville-Montgomery to Bieville-Beuville
The J. R. Hunter plate
--------------------------
A plate on a blockhouse commemorates the heroic action of soldier J. R. Hunter who was wounded in destroying a german machine gun, he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery.
Situation : set on the commanding blockhouse
The Suffolk regiment plate (Hillman)
------------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of soldiers of the 1st batallion the Suffolk regiment, killed on 6 June 1944 for the liberation of Colleville Montgomery, and the capture of Hillman strongpoint.
Situation : on the main blockhouse at the entrance of the battery
The Memory monument
----------------------------
This monument is in memory of the Allied soldiers who died on Normandy beaches.
Situation : on the waterfront, facing a blockhouse
General Montgomery statue
--------------------------------
This statue recalls the action of General Montgomery, as commander of the Allied terrestrial Forces in Normandy.
Situation : on a place near the D514 road
General Montgomery Monument
-------------------------------------
This monument was erected where the first allied soldiers, killed during the first days of D-Day, were buried; the town decided then to associate its name to Marshal Montgomery, the monument recalls too the action of Captain Kieffer French commandos.
Situation : N°4 Commando street (100m away from General Montgomery statue)
The Kieffer Commandos monument :
-------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the French combattants of the British britannique N°4 Commando, under Philippe Kieffer, who landed in Ouistreham on 6 June 1944.
Situation : N°4 commando street (100m from general Montgomery statue)
We leave Colleville -Montgomery and go towards:
OUISTREHAM (Calvados - 14 km north of Caen)
****************************************
Short D-Day history :
...............................
Ouistreham is a small town at the mouth of the River Orne in Normandy. The first Frenchmen land there to liberate their homeland. On 6 June 1944, in the morning, the 177 green berets commanded by Sea Captain Kieffer set foot on the French ground under the enemy fire. They must take the lock and dam of the river Orne canal. The French suffer heavy losses and their attack is kept in check a long time by the machine-guns of a blockhouse, built on the site of an ancient casino. Thanks to the support of a British tank, the French drive German resistance from the field and reach their objective.
What can you visit out here ?
---------------------------------
Well Ouistreham -Riva Bella is Well known for his Great Bunker and the French Commando museum .
Museums
======
The Atlantic Wall museum or Great Bunker
-------------------------------------------------
This museum is located in a 17 height meters bunker, it was a control firing casemate of the Atlantic Wall. It revives the atmosphere of the fightings through reconstitution of rooms with material and uniform suited dummies. On last of the five floor, one can look at the landscape through a German rangefinder, and some heavy material is exposed outside
Address and telephon : 6 June avenue - 14150 Ouistreham
Tel : 02 31 97 28 69
N° 4 Commando Landing museum
----------------------------------------
In this museum one can see model scales, weapons, uniforms and objects reviving action of the Franco-British commandos who landed on Sword Beach.
Address and telephone : Alfred Thomas place - 14150 Ouistreham
Tel : 02 31 96 63 10
Monuments :
========
The Flame monument :
---------------------------
This monument symbolizes the sacrifice of the Free French combattants on 6 June 1944; several steles are dedicated to the French commandos who died in the fightings, and a small monument is dedicated to Commander Kieffer.
Situation : on the waterfront
The Liberation monument :
-------------------------------
This monument commemorates the landing of the Allied forces on 6 June 1944, and the liberation of Europe.
A plaque on the monument is dedicated to French and British soldiers of N°4 Commando who fell for liberation of France on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on D514 road, at the southern gate of Ouistreham
Stained Glass church Window:
===================
Allied soldiers stained-glass window
-----------------------------------------
Two remarkable stained-glass windows can be seen. The first one is dedicated to the First Commando brigade (commandos N°3, N°4, N°6 and N°45). The second one is in memory of the 51st Highlanders, it was made by a veteran engineer.
Situation : in the church of Ouistreham
So that's all folks don't miss the last part :
FROM CAEN TO PEGASUS BRIDGE
Currahee !!!!!!!!
Mark W / Sgt Eagle
=======================================
We hit the D 514 again and go to Douvres la Delivrande and her Radar Station .
DOUVRES-LA-DELIVRANDE (Calvados - 10 km north of Caen)
***************************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
In the evening of 6 June 1944, the Allied forces have succeeded in gaining a foothold on the beaches of Normandy, and establishing several bridgeheads. In some places of the coast German strongpoints still resist. Between Juno Beach and Sword Beach, the defenses of Douvres-la-Délivrande pushes back all the Canadian attacks. Douvres-la-Délivrande is an important station of air detection; it is defended by many concrete works, armed with guns, machine-guns, and surrounded by minefields. The position holds until 17 June, when a massive attack is launched; the 41 Royal Marine Commando, supported by the special tanks, drive some 230 men of the garrison to surrender.
What can you visit here ?
*********************
The Radar museum :
==============
This museum is located on the site of a German 1944 radar base. In two intact bunkers an exposition explains the evolution and how radars operated. Outside one can observe a rare german radar Würzburg.
Address and telephone : 14440 Douvres-la-Délivrande
Tel : 02 31 37 74 43 (on the D404 road, follow the road-sign)
Her British Cemetery: 1 123 graves
=======================
A small stone house with an arch indicates the gate of this cemetery were are buried 1 123 soldiers killed in Normandy, including 927 British, 11 Canadians, 3 Australians, 1 Pole, 180 Germans and 1 unknown.
Situation : at the southern gate of the town on the D7 road (follow the road-sign)
We leave Douvre La Delivrande and hit the road towards LUC-SUR-MER , we still are following the D514
LUC-SUR-MER/CRESSERONS (Calvados - 15 km and 10 km north of Caen)
**************************************************************
Short D-Day History
.............................
The German tanks counter-attack... on Berlin order
------------------------------------------------------------
The 46th Royal Marines Commando lands with the 3rd British Infantry division in Normandy on Sword Beach, on 6 June 1944. After reducing the beaches defenses, the tanks and the infantry move inland. The German High Command is uncertain; General Richter, commanding the sector, orders the 21st Panzer division tanks to counter attack, but the armoured divisions movements are decided in Berlin. The first German panzers start only in the early afternoon; a column moves out in the corridor between Juno Beach and Sword Beach, and reaches the coast at Luc-sur-Mer around 8:00 p. m.; but isolated and not strong enough, the Germans withdraw. The next day the British Commandos take the Petit Enfer position and liberate Luc-sur-Mer; meanwhile the 1st South Lancashire enters into Cresserons.
What can you visit here ?
================
Well Luc-Sur-Mer has 2 steles and 1 monument
Steles
====
Liberation stele :Luc-sur-Mer
---------------------------------
This stele commemorates the first commando action in Normandy on 28 September 1941, and the liberation of Luc-sur-Mer on 6 and 7 June 1944
Situation : in the town center, Tom Gordon Hemmings place
General Leclerc stele :Luc-sur-Mer
----------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to general Leclerc, commander of the 2nd Armoured division.
Situation : in the town center, general Leclerc place
Monument
=======
22nd Dragoons monument :Cresserons
----------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the 22nd Dragoons regiment soldiers, 10th Armoured Brigade, who fell for the liberation of Cresserons in June 1944.
Situation : behind the city hall, 22nd Dragoons regiment place
We leave Luc-Sur-Mer and follow once again the D514 and head towards Ouistreham-Riva Bella . But in first we stop at :
COLLEVILLE MONTGOMERY (Calvados - 8 km north of Caen)
**************************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
Sword Beach is the eastern zone of the three beaches where the British troops are landing; the German units that occupy the defenses are second rank troops, like the "Osttruppen". The progression is rather fast on 6 June 1944. At 10:00 a. m., the powerful battery of Riva Bella made up with 65 concreted works is taken by the n° 4 Commando. The 1st Suffolk takes Colleville-Montgomery, and runs up then against the fortified position "Hillmann", where is the PC of a regiment of the 716th German infantry division. This battery is not fully completed on 6 June, and resist until 22:00 p. m..
What can you visit here :
-----------------------------
The Hillman strong point
----------------------------
The battery of Colleville Montgomery was unfinished on 6 June 1944, it was made up of three casemates for 150 mm guns.
Situation : on the road connecting Colleville-Montgomery to Bieville-Beuville
The J. R. Hunter plate
--------------------------
A plate on a blockhouse commemorates the heroic action of soldier J. R. Hunter who was wounded in destroying a german machine gun, he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery.
Situation : set on the commanding blockhouse
The Suffolk regiment plate (Hillman)
------------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of soldiers of the 1st batallion the Suffolk regiment, killed on 6 June 1944 for the liberation of Colleville Montgomery, and the capture of Hillman strongpoint.
Situation : on the main blockhouse at the entrance of the battery
The Memory monument
----------------------------
This monument is in memory of the Allied soldiers who died on Normandy beaches.
Situation : on the waterfront, facing a blockhouse
General Montgomery statue
--------------------------------
This statue recalls the action of General Montgomery, as commander of the Allied terrestrial Forces in Normandy.
Situation : on a place near the D514 road
General Montgomery Monument
-------------------------------------
This monument was erected where the first allied soldiers, killed during the first days of D-Day, were buried; the town decided then to associate its name to Marshal Montgomery, the monument recalls too the action of Captain Kieffer French commandos.
Situation : N°4 Commando street (100m away from General Montgomery statue)
The Kieffer Commandos monument :
-------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of the French combattants of the British britannique N°4 Commando, under Philippe Kieffer, who landed in Ouistreham on 6 June 1944.
Situation : N°4 commando street (100m from general Montgomery statue)
We leave Colleville -Montgomery and go towards:
OUISTREHAM (Calvados - 14 km north of Caen)
****************************************
Short D-Day history :
...............................
Ouistreham is a small town at the mouth of the River Orne in Normandy. The first Frenchmen land there to liberate their homeland. On 6 June 1944, in the morning, the 177 green berets commanded by Sea Captain Kieffer set foot on the French ground under the enemy fire. They must take the lock and dam of the river Orne canal. The French suffer heavy losses and their attack is kept in check a long time by the machine-guns of a blockhouse, built on the site of an ancient casino. Thanks to the support of a British tank, the French drive German resistance from the field and reach their objective.
What can you visit out here ?
---------------------------------
Well Ouistreham -Riva Bella is Well known for his Great Bunker and the French Commando museum .
Museums
======
The Atlantic Wall museum or Great Bunker
-------------------------------------------------
This museum is located in a 17 height meters bunker, it was a control firing casemate of the Atlantic Wall. It revives the atmosphere of the fightings through reconstitution of rooms with material and uniform suited dummies. On last of the five floor, one can look at the landscape through a German rangefinder, and some heavy material is exposed outside
Address and telephon : 6 June avenue - 14150 Ouistreham
Tel : 02 31 97 28 69
N° 4 Commando Landing museum
----------------------------------------
In this museum one can see model scales, weapons, uniforms and objects reviving action of the Franco-British commandos who landed on Sword Beach.
Address and telephone : Alfred Thomas place - 14150 Ouistreham
Tel : 02 31 96 63 10
Monuments :
========
The Flame monument :
---------------------------
This monument symbolizes the sacrifice of the Free French combattants on 6 June 1944; several steles are dedicated to the French commandos who died in the fightings, and a small monument is dedicated to Commander Kieffer.
Situation : on the waterfront
The Liberation monument :
-------------------------------
This monument commemorates the landing of the Allied forces on 6 June 1944, and the liberation of Europe.
A plaque on the monument is dedicated to French and British soldiers of N°4 Commando who fell for liberation of France on 6 June 1944.
Situation : on D514 road, at the southern gate of Ouistreham
Stained Glass church Window:
===================
Allied soldiers stained-glass window
-----------------------------------------
Two remarkable stained-glass windows can be seen. The first one is dedicated to the First Commando brigade (commandos N°3, N°4, N°6 and N°45). The second one is in memory of the 51st Highlanders, it was made by a veteran engineer.
Situation : in the church of Ouistreham
So that's all folks don't miss the last part :
FROM CAEN TO PEGASUS BRIDGE
Currahee !!!!!!!!
Mark W / Sgt Eagle
Sgt Eagle,
Very informative, i have Major & Mrs. Holts book on Normandy, wish these posts were here 2 years ago, would have saved me a few quid
Tee.
Very informative, i have Major & Mrs. Holts book on Normandy, wish these posts were here 2 years ago, would have saved me a few quid
Tee.
It shure is a good book , this travel guide I'm making is based on what I saw and the Flyers I've collected during , my trips , made mostly by stop , bus or on foot .
Sad that I took Internet begin this year , but your guide is not lost as i said it's a good book to travel with
Currahee !!!!!!!
Mark W
Sad that I took Internet begin this year , but your guide is not lost as i said it's a good book to travel with
Currahee !!!!!!!
Mark W
End Part :
------------
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
From CAEN to PEGASUS BRIDGE
***************************
We move out of Ouistreham and hit the road again this time we follow the D515 towards :
CAEN (Calvados)
===========
Short D-Day history :
-------------------------
In the beginning of July 1944, Caen, the great Norman city and one of the initial objectives set for the D-Day, is not liberated yet. On 7 July, the Allied forces launch operation Charnwood which should liberate the city. The offensive begins with a massive bombing of the northern outskirts of Caen; on 9 July, at daybreak, units of the Royal Ulster Rifles enter into Caen from the north. Helped by the Resistance, they reach the river Orne in the beginning of the afternoon. In the west, the "Glens" move in the city, they are harassed by isolated groups of SS grenadiers. But the Allied forces cannot cross over the river Orne. Operation Goodwood launch on 18 July, east of Caen, conquers the city. Two days of furious fightings, between 18 and 19 July, are necessary to put an end to the sufferings of Caen population.
What can you see and visit ?
.........................................
The Caen Memorial Museum
----------------------------------
This museum "for Peace" was built on the site of the 1944 commanding blockhouse of German general Richter. It was inaugurated in 1988, it presents the political and strategic stakes of the XXth century. Through a scenographic progress in five stages it recalls the main moments of the Second World War. One can find a gallery of the Peace Nobel Prize in the basement.
Address and telephone : Dwight David Eisenhower place - 14066 Caen Cedex - Tel : 02 31 06 06 44
Monuments , Plates & Steles
==================
The 3rd Infantry division monument
------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of soldiers of the 3rd British infantry division who fought for the liberation of the city.
Situation : Liberation avenue, at the foot ot Caen castle battlemens
The FFI Raymond Chatelain plate
--------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of Raymond Chatelain second lieutenant FFI of the Scamaroni company, killed on 15 July 1944, while fighting side to side with men of the First Regina Rifle regiment.
Situation : on Vaucelles bridge
The Liberation stele
------------------------
This stele commemorates the first French flag fluttering since four years of german occupation, on 9 July 1944. It honors the memory of the Allied soldiers and the FFI combattants who died to liberate Caen.
Situation : Monseigneur des Hameaux place
The Glengarry Highlanders stele
-------------------------------------
This stele, "Up the Glens", is in memory of the Glengarry Highlanders, who were among the first Allied troops to enter in Caen.
Situation : ZI du Chemin vert, Authie street
The Canadian soldier plate
-------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the first Canadian soldiers who died to liberate Caen.
Situation : on a wall of the prefecture garden
from Caen We move out following Up the D513 towards (look at the roadsigns) :
For those who are at Riva Bella simply follow the D514 towards :
MERVILLE-FRANCEVILLE (Calvados - 5 km west of Cabourg)
======================================
Short D-Day History :
...............................
The 9th Parachutist battalion lands in Normandy on 6 June 1944, under the cover of darkness. Lieutenant colonel Otway’s men trained for months to take the Merville battery. A model of the battery, built in England, makes that the parachutists know every detail of the defense display. On D-Day, the operation begins in a tragic way : many parachutists drown in the marshes, the wind scatters the men on a wide area, and the main part of the heavy equipment is lost; however, the "Red Devils" launch the attack, they conquer the blockhouses of the battery one after the other. At 5:00 a. m. all is finished, the parachutists take a layback position in Le Plein and Le Hauger. The Allied troops will come back on 17 August to liberate Merville Franceville with operation Paddle; the Belgian Brigade Piron will enter into the town cleared of the enemy.
What can you visit here ?
-----------------------------
The Merville Battery museum
----------------------------------
The museum is located in a battery casemate n° 1. It recalls the fightings and the attack of the position by the British parachutists on 6 June 1944. It presents an important collection of weapons, equipments, uniforms and documents linked to battle.
Address and telephone : 14810 Merville-Franceville
Tel : 02 31 91 47 53 (follow the road-sign)
A British artillery gun
-------------------------
This 5,5 inches gun was one of the best gun in service in the British army; it had a 16 kilometers range, and a team of 16 gunners.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The Colonel Otway stele
-----------------------------
This monument honors Colonel Otway, Commander of the 9th parachutist battalion.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The 9th Parachutist battalion stele
---------------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the 9th Parachutist battalion, of the Royal Navy and RAF who enabled to capture this battery at 5 o'clock in the morning on 6 June 1944.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The Landing commitee stele
--------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the Allied soldiers and the people of Merville Franceville killed in June, July and August 1944 during the fightings for the liberation of the town.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
The Piron Brigade stele
---------------------------
This stele is dedicated to the soldiers and non commissioned officers Boon Zenon, Raquet François, Poncelet Guy and De Ridder Raymond of the Belgian Brigade Piron, killed on 18 August 1944 during the fightings for the liberation of Merville Franceville.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
The 45th RMC stele
-----------------------
This stele is in memory of the 35 soldiers of the 45th Royal Marine Commando fallen in Merville Franceville from 6 to 8 June 1944.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
And now we've two solutions : For those who come from can we continue following the D513 , For those coming from Riva - Bella follow the D514 .
We are going towards :
AMFREVILLE/LE HAUGER (Calvados - 10 km north-east of Caen)
*****************************************************
Short D-Day History
-----------------------
During the night of 6 June 1944, the mission of the 6th British Airborne division is to ensure the left flank of the landing area Sword Beach in Normandy. Neutralizing a battery, destroying or seizing several bridges, the objectives are numerous. In awkward conditions the parachutists launch out into assault. At dawn, all the targets are nearly reached, but positions are still precarious; one of the missions of the 1st Special Brigade commanded by Lord Lovat is to reinforce the 6th Airborne. In the beginning of the afternoon the n° 3 Commando crosses Pegasus Bridge and bivouacks in Amfreville foreseeing a German counter-attack. Around 8:00 p. m. the n°4 Commando, including the French under Commander Kieffer, settles around Le Hauger.
What can you visit and see here ?
.................................................
The N°6 Commando stele - Amfreville
----------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N° 6 Commando soldiers, who were killed during D-Day and in July 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The N°3 Commando stele - Amfreville (Le Plein)
--------------------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N° 3 Commando soldiers who liberated Amfreville on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The Special First brigade Service monument-Amfreville
----------------------------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to First special brigade service soldiers, who died in Normandy from June to July 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The 4th Brigade stele -Le Hauger
---------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to 4th Brigade soldiers who stay in this area from June to August 1944.
Situation : on the D37B road, between Amfreville and Salenelles
The Colonel Dawson stele - Le Hauger
---------------------------------------------
This stele is to the memory of colonel Robert Dawson, chief of N°4 commando on 6 june 1944.
Situation : Le Hauger locality (or Le Hoger) colonel Dawson place, at the exit of Amfreville on the left, on the D37B road toward Salenelles.
The N°4 commando stele - Le Hauger
--------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N°4 commando who fought in the area on 6 june 1944. on the stele one may read a quotation of Montrose : " Hengither fears his fate too much, or his deserts are small, who dare not put it to the touch, to win or loose it all "
Situation : Le Hauger locality (or Le Hoger) colonel Dawson place, at the exit of Amfreville on the left, on the D37B road toward Salenelles
From here out we hit the road again and move towards the n earby situated
village of :
RANVILLE (Calvados - 6 km north-east of Caen)
****************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
The parachutists are the first soldiers to set the foot on the Norman ground; the 6th Airborne division under General Gale is assigned the mission to control the bridges on the river Orne and the canal of Caen, and neutralize the guns of the battery of Merville. On 5 June 1944, Major Howard’s parachutists board their Horsa gliders. They are made of light wood, they are broader than longer, and the rear pull away at the landing to make the men quickly evacuate it. On 6 June at 0:20 a. m., they land full on the target; in a few minutes the bridge on the river Orne at Ranville is taken.
What can you Visit Here ?
_____________________
Well see next page
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!
Mark W/Sgt Eagle
------------
Sgt Eagle in Normandy
===============
My NORMANDY holidays
================
A Screaming Eagle associate on OMAHA BEACH
===============================
An encounter between the present and the past:
===============================
From CAEN to PEGASUS BRIDGE
***************************
We move out of Ouistreham and hit the road again this time we follow the D515 towards :
CAEN (Calvados)
===========
Short D-Day history :
-------------------------
In the beginning of July 1944, Caen, the great Norman city and one of the initial objectives set for the D-Day, is not liberated yet. On 7 July, the Allied forces launch operation Charnwood which should liberate the city. The offensive begins with a massive bombing of the northern outskirts of Caen; on 9 July, at daybreak, units of the Royal Ulster Rifles enter into Caen from the north. Helped by the Resistance, they reach the river Orne in the beginning of the afternoon. In the west, the "Glens" move in the city, they are harassed by isolated groups of SS grenadiers. But the Allied forces cannot cross over the river Orne. Operation Goodwood launch on 18 July, east of Caen, conquers the city. Two days of furious fightings, between 18 and 19 July, are necessary to put an end to the sufferings of Caen population.
What can you see and visit ?
.........................................
The Caen Memorial Museum
----------------------------------
This museum "for Peace" was built on the site of the 1944 commanding blockhouse of German general Richter. It was inaugurated in 1988, it presents the political and strategic stakes of the XXth century. Through a scenographic progress in five stages it recalls the main moments of the Second World War. One can find a gallery of the Peace Nobel Prize in the basement.
Address and telephone : Dwight David Eisenhower place - 14066 Caen Cedex - Tel : 02 31 06 06 44
Monuments , Plates & Steles
==================
The 3rd Infantry division monument
------------------------------------------
This monument is in memory of soldiers of the 3rd British infantry division who fought for the liberation of the city.
Situation : Liberation avenue, at the foot ot Caen castle battlemens
The FFI Raymond Chatelain plate
--------------------------------------
This plate is in memory of Raymond Chatelain second lieutenant FFI of the Scamaroni company, killed on 15 July 1944, while fighting side to side with men of the First Regina Rifle regiment.
Situation : on Vaucelles bridge
The Liberation stele
------------------------
This stele commemorates the first French flag fluttering since four years of german occupation, on 9 July 1944. It honors the memory of the Allied soldiers and the FFI combattants who died to liberate Caen.
Situation : Monseigneur des Hameaux place
The Glengarry Highlanders stele
-------------------------------------
This stele, "Up the Glens", is in memory of the Glengarry Highlanders, who were among the first Allied troops to enter in Caen.
Situation : ZI du Chemin vert, Authie street
The Canadian soldier plate
-------------------------------
This plate is in memory of the first Canadian soldiers who died to liberate Caen.
Situation : on a wall of the prefecture garden
from Caen We move out following Up the D513 towards (look at the roadsigns) :
For those who are at Riva Bella simply follow the D514 towards :
MERVILLE-FRANCEVILLE (Calvados - 5 km west of Cabourg)
======================================
Short D-Day History :
...............................
The 9th Parachutist battalion lands in Normandy on 6 June 1944, under the cover of darkness. Lieutenant colonel Otway’s men trained for months to take the Merville battery. A model of the battery, built in England, makes that the parachutists know every detail of the defense display. On D-Day, the operation begins in a tragic way : many parachutists drown in the marshes, the wind scatters the men on a wide area, and the main part of the heavy equipment is lost; however, the "Red Devils" launch the attack, they conquer the blockhouses of the battery one after the other. At 5:00 a. m. all is finished, the parachutists take a layback position in Le Plein and Le Hauger. The Allied troops will come back on 17 August to liberate Merville Franceville with operation Paddle; the Belgian Brigade Piron will enter into the town cleared of the enemy.
What can you visit here ?
-----------------------------
The Merville Battery museum
----------------------------------
The museum is located in a battery casemate n° 1. It recalls the fightings and the attack of the position by the British parachutists on 6 June 1944. It presents an important collection of weapons, equipments, uniforms and documents linked to battle.
Address and telephone : 14810 Merville-Franceville
Tel : 02 31 91 47 53 (follow the road-sign)
A British artillery gun
-------------------------
This 5,5 inches gun was one of the best gun in service in the British army; it had a 16 kilometers range, and a team of 16 gunners.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The Colonel Otway stele
-----------------------------
This monument honors Colonel Otway, Commander of the 9th parachutist battalion.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The 9th Parachutist battalion stele
---------------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the 9th Parachutist battalion, of the Royal Navy and RAF who enabled to capture this battery at 5 o'clock in the morning on 6 June 1944.
Situation : near the Battery museum
The Landing commitee stele
--------------------------------
This stele is in memory of the Allied soldiers and the people of Merville Franceville killed in June, July and August 1944 during the fightings for the liberation of the town.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
The Piron Brigade stele
---------------------------
This stele is dedicated to the soldiers and non commissioned officers Boon Zenon, Raquet François, Poncelet Guy and De Ridder Raymond of the Belgian Brigade Piron, killed on 18 August 1944 during the fightings for the liberation of Merville Franceville.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
The 45th RMC stele
-----------------------
This stele is in memory of the 35 soldiers of the 45th Royal Marine Commando fallen in Merville Franceville from 6 to 8 June 1944.
Situation : in the center of the town, facing the Post office
And now we've two solutions : For those who come from can we continue following the D513 , For those coming from Riva - Bella follow the D514 .
We are going towards :
AMFREVILLE/LE HAUGER (Calvados - 10 km north-east of Caen)
*****************************************************
Short D-Day History
-----------------------
During the night of 6 June 1944, the mission of the 6th British Airborne division is to ensure the left flank of the landing area Sword Beach in Normandy. Neutralizing a battery, destroying or seizing several bridges, the objectives are numerous. In awkward conditions the parachutists launch out into assault. At dawn, all the targets are nearly reached, but positions are still precarious; one of the missions of the 1st Special Brigade commanded by Lord Lovat is to reinforce the 6th Airborne. In the beginning of the afternoon the n° 3 Commando crosses Pegasus Bridge and bivouacks in Amfreville foreseeing a German counter-attack. Around 8:00 p. m. the n°4 Commando, including the French under Commander Kieffer, settles around Le Hauger.
What can you visit and see here ?
.................................................
The N°6 Commando stele - Amfreville
----------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N° 6 Commando soldiers, who were killed during D-Day and in July 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The N°3 Commando stele - Amfreville (Le Plein)
--------------------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N° 3 Commando soldiers who liberated Amfreville on 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The Special First brigade Service monument-Amfreville
----------------------------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to First special brigade service soldiers, who died in Normandy from June to July 1944.
Situation : in the town center, on the church place
The 4th Brigade stele -Le Hauger
---------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to 4th Brigade soldiers who stay in this area from June to August 1944.
Situation : on the D37B road, between Amfreville and Salenelles
The Colonel Dawson stele - Le Hauger
---------------------------------------------
This stele is to the memory of colonel Robert Dawson, chief of N°4 commando on 6 june 1944.
Situation : Le Hauger locality (or Le Hoger) colonel Dawson place, at the exit of Amfreville on the left, on the D37B road toward Salenelles.
The N°4 commando stele - Le Hauger
--------------------------------------------
This stele is dedicated to N°4 commando who fought in the area on 6 june 1944. on the stele one may read a quotation of Montrose : " Hengither fears his fate too much, or his deserts are small, who dare not put it to the touch, to win or loose it all "
Situation : Le Hauger locality (or Le Hoger) colonel Dawson place, at the exit of Amfreville on the left, on the D37B road toward Salenelles
From here out we hit the road again and move towards the n earby situated
village of :
RANVILLE (Calvados - 6 km north-east of Caen)
****************************************
Short D-Day History :
...............................
The parachutists are the first soldiers to set the foot on the Norman ground; the 6th Airborne division under General Gale is assigned the mission to control the bridges on the river Orne and the canal of Caen, and neutralize the guns of the battery of Merville. On 5 June 1944, Major Howard’s parachutists board their Horsa gliders. They are made of light wood, they are broader than longer, and the rear pull away at the landing to make the men quickly evacuate it. On 6 June at 0:20 a. m., they land full on the target; in a few minutes the bridge on the river Orne at Ranville is taken.
What can you Visit Here ?
_____________________
Well see next page
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!
Mark W/Sgt Eagle
Continuation of From CAEN to PEGASUS BRIDGE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Location : Ranville
---------------------
VISIT ;
---------
The British cemetery : 2 562 graves
-------------------------------------------
The military cemetery of Ranville is close to the local cemetery, where are buried the first British soldier killed on 6 June 1944. 2 562 soldiers rest there, including 2 151 British, 76 Canadians, 1 Australian, 1 Belgian, 322 Germans and 2 unknowns.
Situation : in the town center, near the church (follow the road-sign)
The Jim Wright plate
------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the GNR/signaller Jim Wright FOORA MID 6 June 1944 (6th Airborne division).
Situation : in the local cemetery, on the chapel wall
The Scottish parachutists plaque
-------------------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the Scottish parachutists killed in Normandy; it was inaugurated on 18 October 1994, on behalf of General Alastair Pearson.
Situation : on a bench near the mill (facing the cemetery gate)
The June 1944 stele
------------------------
This stele was built in September 1944, by soldiers of the Royal Engineers of the 6th Airborne division.
Situation : in the army cemetery, left of the headstone
The Belgian soldiers plaque
--------------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the Belgian combattants of the Piron brigade, who were killed on August 1944.
Situation : facing the cemetery entrance, on the mill wall
The Major Strafford plate
-----------------------------
This plate is in memory of Major Strafford, MBE HQ of the 6th Airborne division.
Situation : on a wall, near the mill .
The General Gale stele
---------------------------
This monument is in memory of General Sir Richard Gale who commanded the 6th Airborne division, and liberated Ranville in night from 5 to 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the court of the town hall.
Now here's a plate that's been object of many discusions , even right now :
The First liberated town of France plaque (Or was it Ste -Mere - Eglise ?)
-----------------------------------------------
This plaque commemorates the liberation of Ranville, the first town of France to be liberated on 6 June 1944 at 2:30 a. m. by the 13th Lancashire battalion, the Parachute regiment.
Situation : in the town center, 6 June 1944 place
The Horsa bridge stele
--------------------------
This stele recalls that on the D-Day a horsa glider, piloted by R. Howard and F. W Baacke, landed near that bridge with a section of the Ox and Bucks light infantry commanded by lieutenant D. Fox, and Royal Engineers commanded by lieutenant H. J. Bence. They captured the bridge, and were reinforced with a second section commanded by sergeant S. Pearson and lieutenant L. Guthrie.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road , near the bridge on the river Orne.
The Pegasus Memorial Museum
------------------------------------
This museum was inaugurated in 2000, it is dedicated to the British Airborne troops. Walking round you can see a map in relief, uniforms and weapons, a lot of objects and Bill Millin bagpipe. Outside, near the museum, you discover the original Pegasus bridge, it makes you understand the importance of the 6th Airborne division's mission.
Address and telephone : Major Howard avenue - 14860 Ranville tél : 02 31 78 19 44
The Major Howard stele
----------------------------
This stele is in memory of major Howard, commander of Ox and Bucks regiment.
Situation : facing the entrance of Memorial Pegasus
Our trip reaches the end , the next town on the other side of the Orne River when You stand in Ranville is the Pegasus Bridge village and the place were the famous Cafe Gondree is located , ladies and gentlemen you're entering :
BENOUVILLE/SAINT-AUBIN-D'ARQUENAY (Calvados - 6 et 10 km north-east of Caen)
***********************************************************************
Short D-Day history :
...............................
The 5th Parachutist brigade of the 6th British Airborne division is in charge of a special mission in the first hours of the Landing in Normandy. On 6 June 1944 the parachutists have to seize and hold the bridges on the river Orne, and block the German reinforcements way. Around 1:00 a. m. the 150 men under major Howard land aboard their gliders near the bridges and capture their objectives. The German soldiers who were guarding the Benouville Bridge are soon neutralized. The commandos are joined by the parachutists of the 7th Brigade, and repell several German counter-attacks. At 1:00 p. m., Lord Lovat’s Commandos brigade reinforces the position. The commandos of N°3 troop in vanguard liberate Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay.
What can you Visit here ?
-----------------------------
Pegasus bridge
==========
The Pegasus bridge on the channel of Caen is a recent bridge. The old bridge can be seen beside the Pegasus Memorial; its code name was Euton 1, Euton 2 was that of Ranville bridge on the river Orne.
Situation : across the channel of the river Orne, on the D514 road .
Café Gondrée - Benouville
==================
This small cafe was occupied by a couple, who were the first Normans to be liberated on the D-Day.
Situation : facing to the Pegasus bridge .
The Major Howard stele - Benouville
========================
This stele honors Major John Howard who commanded company D of the 6th Airborne division, and captured the bridge of Bénouville in night of 6 June 1944.
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge .
Liberation monument- Benouville
=====================
This monument recalls the liberation by the Allied forces, on 6 June 1944, of the banks of the river Orne.
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge.
A British Centaur Tank - Benouville
=======================
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge.
Liberation plaque - Benouville
===================
This plaque commemorates the liberation of the first city hall in France and in Normandy on 6 june 1944.
Situation : on the front of the city hall.
7th Parachute regiment monument -Benouville
==============================
This monument is dedicated to the 7th Light infantry battalion the parachute regiment.
Situation : in the town, on the D514 crossroads
The First Speciale Service brigade monument -Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay
=============================================
This monument is in memory of the soldiers of N°3, N°4, N°6 and N°45 commandos of the First Special Service brigade, killed in the liberation of Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay on 6 june 1944.
Situation : on the town place, in a corner in the far end.
Well my friends , we've reached the end of our Normandy trip , as you see there are many places, museums and monuments to see and visit , I'm returning every year to take pictures and to make reports about what happened and what it means to the Norman Population , those reports will appear in the Screaming Eagle Magazine , but I'll share them with you here at WBG 's.
For those who'll go to Normandy ...Well have a fine and safe trip .
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE END OF SGT EAGLE'S ROADBOOK TROUGH NORMANDY : A SCREAMING EAGLE ON OMAHA BEACH .
Sgt Eagle /Mark W.
May 2004
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Location : Ranville
---------------------
VISIT ;
---------
The British cemetery : 2 562 graves
-------------------------------------------
The military cemetery of Ranville is close to the local cemetery, where are buried the first British soldier killed on 6 June 1944. 2 562 soldiers rest there, including 2 151 British, 76 Canadians, 1 Australian, 1 Belgian, 322 Germans and 2 unknowns.
Situation : in the town center, near the church (follow the road-sign)
The Jim Wright plate
------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the GNR/signaller Jim Wright FOORA MID 6 June 1944 (6th Airborne division).
Situation : in the local cemetery, on the chapel wall
The Scottish parachutists plaque
-------------------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the Scottish parachutists killed in Normandy; it was inaugurated on 18 October 1994, on behalf of General Alastair Pearson.
Situation : on a bench near the mill (facing the cemetery gate)
The June 1944 stele
------------------------
This stele was built in September 1944, by soldiers of the Royal Engineers of the 6th Airborne division.
Situation : in the army cemetery, left of the headstone
The Belgian soldiers plaque
--------------------------------
This plaque is in memory of the Belgian combattants of the Piron brigade, who were killed on August 1944.
Situation : facing the cemetery entrance, on the mill wall
The Major Strafford plate
-----------------------------
This plate is in memory of Major Strafford, MBE HQ of the 6th Airborne division.
Situation : on a wall, near the mill .
The General Gale stele
---------------------------
This monument is in memory of General Sir Richard Gale who commanded the 6th Airborne division, and liberated Ranville in night from 5 to 6 June 1944.
Situation : in the court of the town hall.
Now here's a plate that's been object of many discusions , even right now :
The First liberated town of France plaque (Or was it Ste -Mere - Eglise ?)
-----------------------------------------------
This plaque commemorates the liberation of Ranville, the first town of France to be liberated on 6 June 1944 at 2:30 a. m. by the 13th Lancashire battalion, the Parachute regiment.
Situation : in the town center, 6 June 1944 place
The Horsa bridge stele
--------------------------
This stele recalls that on the D-Day a horsa glider, piloted by R. Howard and F. W Baacke, landed near that bridge with a section of the Ox and Bucks light infantry commanded by lieutenant D. Fox, and Royal Engineers commanded by lieutenant H. J. Bence. They captured the bridge, and were reinforced with a second section commanded by sergeant S. Pearson and lieutenant L. Guthrie.
Situation : at the side of the D514 road , near the bridge on the river Orne.
The Pegasus Memorial Museum
------------------------------------
This museum was inaugurated in 2000, it is dedicated to the British Airborne troops. Walking round you can see a map in relief, uniforms and weapons, a lot of objects and Bill Millin bagpipe. Outside, near the museum, you discover the original Pegasus bridge, it makes you understand the importance of the 6th Airborne division's mission.
Address and telephone : Major Howard avenue - 14860 Ranville tél : 02 31 78 19 44
The Major Howard stele
----------------------------
This stele is in memory of major Howard, commander of Ox and Bucks regiment.
Situation : facing the entrance of Memorial Pegasus
Our trip reaches the end , the next town on the other side of the Orne River when You stand in Ranville is the Pegasus Bridge village and the place were the famous Cafe Gondree is located , ladies and gentlemen you're entering :
BENOUVILLE/SAINT-AUBIN-D'ARQUENAY (Calvados - 6 et 10 km north-east of Caen)
***********************************************************************
Short D-Day history :
...............................
The 5th Parachutist brigade of the 6th British Airborne division is in charge of a special mission in the first hours of the Landing in Normandy. On 6 June 1944 the parachutists have to seize and hold the bridges on the river Orne, and block the German reinforcements way. Around 1:00 a. m. the 150 men under major Howard land aboard their gliders near the bridges and capture their objectives. The German soldiers who were guarding the Benouville Bridge are soon neutralized. The commandos are joined by the parachutists of the 7th Brigade, and repell several German counter-attacks. At 1:00 p. m., Lord Lovat’s Commandos brigade reinforces the position. The commandos of N°3 troop in vanguard liberate Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay.
What can you Visit here ?
-----------------------------
Pegasus bridge
==========
The Pegasus bridge on the channel of Caen is a recent bridge. The old bridge can be seen beside the Pegasus Memorial; its code name was Euton 1, Euton 2 was that of Ranville bridge on the river Orne.
Situation : across the channel of the river Orne, on the D514 road .
Café Gondrée - Benouville
==================
This small cafe was occupied by a couple, who were the first Normans to be liberated on the D-Day.
Situation : facing to the Pegasus bridge .
The Major Howard stele - Benouville
========================
This stele honors Major John Howard who commanded company D of the 6th Airborne division, and captured the bridge of Bénouville in night of 6 June 1944.
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge .
Liberation monument- Benouville
=====================
This monument recalls the liberation by the Allied forces, on 6 June 1944, of the banks of the river Orne.
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge.
A British Centaur Tank - Benouville
=======================
Situation : near the Pegasus bridge.
Liberation plaque - Benouville
===================
This plaque commemorates the liberation of the first city hall in France and in Normandy on 6 june 1944.
Situation : on the front of the city hall.
7th Parachute regiment monument -Benouville
==============================
This monument is dedicated to the 7th Light infantry battalion the parachute regiment.
Situation : in the town, on the D514 crossroads
The First Speciale Service brigade monument -Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay
=============================================
This monument is in memory of the soldiers of N°3, N°4, N°6 and N°45 commandos of the First Special Service brigade, killed in the liberation of Saint-Aubin-d'Arquenay on 6 june 1944.
Situation : on the town place, in a corner in the far end.
Well my friends , we've reached the end of our Normandy trip , as you see there are many places, museums and monuments to see and visit , I'm returning every year to take pictures and to make reports about what happened and what it means to the Norman Population , those reports will appear in the Screaming Eagle Magazine , but I'll share them with you here at WBG 's.
For those who'll go to Normandy ...Well have a fine and safe trip .
Currahee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE END OF SGT EAGLE'S ROADBOOK TROUGH NORMANDY : A SCREAMING EAGLE ON OMAHA BEACH .
Sgt Eagle /Mark W.
May 2004
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