​​​Chambois is located in the French Department of Orne, on the River Dives. In the centre of the town stands its 12th century medieval castle. This was once at the heart of the Battle of Normandy. On 16 August 1944, it was between this town and the commune of Trun that General Montgomery gave the order to close the Falaise pocket on what remained of the 7th German Army.​At the same time, the High Command had ordered the general withdrawal of the German armies along the River Seine. The soldiers of the American 90th Infantry Division were then 5km from Chambois, and the Polish forces of the 1st Armoured Division were 25km further north, in Jort. While the German forces resisted the American troops’ push to maintain an open gap, the Polish forces of the 10th Dragon Regiment and the 24th Lancers were progressing rapidly. On 17 August, the two Allied armies were only 9km apart, forming the bottleneck of a 32km by 16km pocket, in which nearly 100,000 German soldiers were trapped.On 19 August, the tanks of the Polish battle group of Colonel Zgorzelski climbed the hill of Mont Ormel, which dominated the outskirts of Chambois, before taking the town. In the evening, the Americans of the 2nd Battalion, 359th Regiment, US 90th Infantry Division, along with General Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division, joined forces with the Polish and Canadian troops who had arrived in the centre of the town. Chambois was taken, but the pocket was not closed.​For three days there was intense fighting around Trun, Saint-Lambert, Chambois, Coudehard and Tournai. German troops tried to flee by any possible means, breaking the existing encirclement by passing through Chambois. Of these troops, 45,000 managed to escape in the direction of the River Seine, however, 10,000 German men were killed and 50,000 were taken prisoner. The day of its liberation, Chambois experienced a complete nightmare of devastation that remains forever attached to this place of carnage.​​

​The road to Chambois cleared by the 53rd Division, 21 to 24 August 1944

The road to Chambois during the battle

The junction between American and Polish troops allowed the capture of Chambois on 19 August 1944.

​American and Polish soldiers during the Battle of Chambois

​At the foot of the castle in Chambois, a monument recalls that it was here that the Allies made their junction and put an end to the Battle of Normandy​

The monument of the Battle of Chambois

​​The Battle of Chambois​

​​​Chambois is located in the French Department of Orne, on the River Dives. In the centre of the town stands its 12th century medieval castle. This was once at the heart of the Battle of Normandy. On 16 August 1944, it was between this town and the commune of Trun that General Montgomery gave the order to close the Falaise pocket on what remained of the 7th German Army.​At the same time, the High Command had ordered the general withdrawal of the German armies along the River Seine. The soldiers of the American 90th Infantry Division were then 5km from Chambois, and the Polish forces of the 1st Armoured Division were 25km further north, in Jort. While the German forces resisted the American troops’ push to maintain an open gap, the Polish forces of the 10th Dragon Regiment and the 24th Lancers were progressing rapidly. On 17 August, the two Allied armies were only 9km apart, forming the bottleneck of a 32km by 16km pocket, in which nearly 100,000 German soldiers were trapped.On 19 August, the tanks of the Polish battle group of Colonel Zgorzelski climbed the hill of Mont Ormel, which dominated the outskirts of Chambois, before taking the town. In the evening, the Americans of the 2nd Battalion, 359th Regiment, US 90th Infantry Division, along with General Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division, joined forces with the Polish and Canadian troops who had arrived in the centre of the town. Chambois was taken, but the pocket was not closed.​For three days there was intense fighting around Trun, Saint-Lambert, Chambois, Coudehard and Tournai. German troops tried to flee by any possible means, breaking the existing encirclement by passing through Chambois. Of these troops, 45,000 managed to escape in the direction of the River Seine, however, 10,000 German men were killed and 50,000 were taken prisoner. The day of its liberation, Chambois experienced a complete nightmare of devastation that remains forever attached to this place of carnage.​​ Dans l’Orne, organisé autour de son donjon médiéval du 12e siècle, Chambois est au cœur de la bataille de Normandie. C’est entre Trun et Chambois que le Général Montgomery a donné l’ordre le 16 août 1944 de refermer la poche de Falaise sur ce qu’il reste de la 7e armée allemande. Dans le même temps, le repli général des armées allemandes sur la Seine a été ordonné par le Haut-Commandement. Les Américains de la 90e division d’infanterie sont alors à 5km de Chambois, les Polonais de la 1re DB, 25km plus au nord. Tandis que les Allemands résistent à la poussée américaine pour maintenir une brèche ouverte, les Polonais du 10e régiment de Dragon et du 24e régiment lanciers progressent rapidement. Le 17 août les deux armées alliées ne sont plus qu’à 9km l’une de l’autre, formant le goulet d’étranglement d’une poche de 32km sur 16km et dans laquelle près de 100 000 Allemands se retrouvent piégés.Le 19 les blindés du groupement tactique polonais du colonel Zgorzelski se sont hissés sur la colline du Mont Ormel qui domine les abords de Chambois avant de prendre le village. Dans la soirée les Américains du 2e bataillon du 359e régiment de la 90e division d’infanterie, auxquels s’est joint la 2e DB du général Leclerc, conjuguent leurs efforts et effectuent leur jonction avec les Polonais et les Canadiens arrivés dans le centre du bourg. Chambois est prises, mais la poche n’est pas pour autant fermée.Durant trois jours de combats intenses autour Trun, Saint-Lambert, Chambois, Coudehard et Tournai, les Allemands tentent de fuir par tous les chemins possibles, brisant l’encerclement en cours en passant par Chambois.45 000 d’entre eux parviennent à s’échapper en direction de la Seine. 10 000 hommes Allemands sont tués, 50 000 autres sont faits prisonniers.Le jour de sa libération Chambois est entièrement dévastée avec une vision de cauchemar qui restera durablement attaché à ce lieu de carnage. Chambois ligt in het Franse departement Orne, aan de rivier de Dives. In het centrum van de stad staat het middeleeuwse kasteel uit de 12e eeuw. Dit stond ooit centraal in de Slag om Normandië. Op 16 augustus 1944 was het tussen deze stad en de gemeente Trun dat generaal Montgomery het bevel gaf om de zak van Falaise af te sluiten voor wat overbleef van het 7e Duitse leger.Tegelijkertijd had het opperbevel de algemene terugtrekking van de Duitse legers langs de rivier de Seine bevolen. De soldaten van de Amerikaanse 90ste Infanteriedivisie bevonden zich toen op 5 km van Chambois en de Poolse troepen van de 1ste Pantserdivisie bevonden zich 25 km verder naar het noorden, in Jort. Terwijl de Duitse troepen zich verzetten tegen de Amerikaanse troepen om een open kloof te behouden, vorderden de Poolse troepen van het 10de Dragon Regiment en de 24ste Lancers snel. Op 17 augustus waren de twee geallieerde legers slechts 9 km van elkaar verwijderd en vormden ze de flessenhals van een zak van 32 km bij 16 km, waarin bijna 100.000 Duitse soldaten vastzaten.Op 19 augustus beklommen de tanks van de Poolse gevechtsgroep van kolonel Zgorzelski de heuvel Mont Ormel, die de buitenwijken van Chambois domineerde, voordat ze de stad innamen. s Avonds bundelden de Amerikanen van het 2de Bataljon, 359ste Regiment, US 90ste Infanteriedivisie, samen met de 2de Pantserdivisie van generaal Leclerc, hun krachten met de Poolse en Canadese troepen die in het centrum van de stad waren aangekomen. Chambois werd ingenomen, maar de zak werd niet gesloten.Drie dagen lang werd er hevig gevochten rond Trun, Saint-Lambert, Chambois, Coudehard en Doornik. Duitse troepen probeerden op alle mogelijke manieren te vluchten en doorbraken de bestaande omsingeling door via Chambois te gaan. Van deze troepen slaagden 45.000 erin te ontsnappen in de richting van de rivier de Seine, maar 10.000 Duitse mannen werden gedood en 50.000 gevangen genomen. Op de dag van de bevrijding beleefde Chambois een complete nachtmerrie van verwoesting die voor altijd verbonden blijft met deze plaats van slachting.

 Les combats de Chambois ​​The Battle of Chambois​ De slag bij Chambois

Toward Falaise, the main objective of the Allies was the Verrières Ridge, an elevated position overlooking the Caen-Falaise road, eight kilometres south of Caen.Two Canadian Infantry Divisions supported by the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade were involved in a fight against elements of three German Panzer divisions. The ridge was defended by German veterans who had been pushed back from Caen (liberated in two phases on 9 July and 19 July) and had established a strong defensive position there. As part of Operation Atlantic, the Canadian component of Operation Goodwood, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division crossed the Orne and the Odon rivers and established two bridgeheads at Vaucelles and Louvigny. However, after liberating Cormelles-le-Royal, Fleury and Louvigny, it remained blocked on July 19, on the crest of Verrières defended by the 9th SS Division and the 272nd Infantry Division. Four days of fighting were not enough to defeat the German grenadiers. The outbreak of a new offensive on 25 July, Operation Spring, allowed the infantry of the 2nd Canadian Division to invade Verrières in the morning and then, after having repelled three counterattacks during the day, to definitively liberate the village.However, the Canadians were unable to take the ridge from the hands of the Germans. In the fighting, the Canadian Black Watch battalion lost 315 men out of 325 initially engaged fighters, making 25 July the day with the most fatalities for Canadians since the Dieppe Raid of 1942. The crest of Verrières was finally taken during Operation Totalise on 7 August 1944.One kilometre north of the village of Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay, the Canadian Monument on Hill 67 commemorates the fighting in this area of several Canadian regiments. From this point, visitors can appreciate the panoramic view over the villages of Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay and May-sur-Orne as well as the Verrières Ridge.It was during this battle that Gérard Doré was killed. At sixteen years, he was the youngest of the Allied fighters to perish in Normandy. Doré, member of the Canadian infantry regiment of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, had falsified his identity card at the time of his voluntary engagement. Doré was fatally hit on 23 July 1944 by a machine gun shot in front of Verrières Ridge.

The main Canadian monument at Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay. 

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Canadian soldier near Fleury-sur-Orne during the early hours of 25 July 1944.

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20 July 1944, 7th Armoured Division Cromwell A27M tanks advancing in column towards Verrières.

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Hill 67 and the Verrières ridge 

L'objectif principal des Alliés était la crête de Verrières, une position surélevée vers Falaise qui dominait la route Caen-Falaise, à huit kilomètres au sud de Caen.Deux divisions d'infanterie canadiennes appuyées par la 2è brigade blindée canadienne s'opposèrent dans un combat contre des éléments de trois divisions allemandes de Panzer. La crête était défendue par des vétérans allemands qui avaient été repoussés de Caen (libérée en deux temps les 9 et 19 juillet) et y avaient établi une solide position défensive. La 2è division d'infanterie canadienne, élément de l'opération Goodwood, traversa les rivières Orne et Odon et deux têtes de pont furent installées à Vaucelles et à Louvigny dans le cadre de l'opération Atlantique. Après avoir libéré Cormelles-le-Royal, Fleury et Louvigny, la 2è division d'infanterie est stoppée le 19 juillet, sur la crête de Verrières défendue par la 9ème division SS et la 272ème division d’infanterie. Quatre jours de combats n’ont pas suffi à vaincre les grenadiers allemands. Le 25 juillet, une nouvelle offensive ayant pour nom Opération Spring, permet à l'infanterie de la 2ème division canadienne d'envahir Verrières dans la matinée. Après avoir repoussé trois contre-attaques dans la journée, la 2ème division canadienne parvient à libérer définitivement le village.Cependant, les Canadiens ne purent prendre la crête des mains des allemands. Dans les combats, le bataillon canadien Black Watch perdit 315 hommes sur 325 combattants initialement engagés, faisant du 25 juillet la journée la plus coûteuse en vie humaine pour les canadiens depuis le raid de Dieppe de 1942. La crête de Verrières est finalement prise lors de l’opération Totalise le 7 août 1944.À un kilomètre au nord du village de Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay, le monument canadien sur la côte 67 commémore les combats dans ce secteur de plusieurs régiments canadiens. À partir de cet endroit, les visiteurs peuvent découvrir la vue panoramique sur les villages de Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay et May-sur-Orne ainsi que sur la crête de Verrières.C’est au cours de cette bataille que Gérard Doré a été tué. Il meurt à l'âge de 16 ans et est considéré comme le plus jeune soldat Allié décédé en Normandie. Doré, membre du régiment d'infanterie canadien des Fusiliers Mont-Royal, avait menti sur son âge en falsifiant sa carte d'identité lors de son engagement volontaire. Doré est tué au combat par un tir de mitrailleuse pendant la bataille de la crête de Verrières, le 23 juillet 1944. Auf dem Weg nach Falaise war das Hauptziel der Alliierten der Verrières-Kamm, eine erhöhte Stellung über der Straße von Caen nach Falaise, acht Kilometer südlich von Caen.Zwei kanadische Infanteriedivisionen, unterstützt von der 2.&nbsp;kanadischen Panzerbrigade, waren am Kampf gegen Teile dreier deutscher Panzerdivisionen beteiligt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Der Kamm wurde von deutschen Veteranen verteidigt, die aus Caen zurückgedrängt worden waren (die Befreiung erfolgte in zwei Phasen am 9. und am 19.&nbsp;Juli) und dort eine starke Verteidigungsstellung bezogen hatten.Im Rahmen der Operation Atlantic, dem kanadischen Beitrag zur Operation Goodwood, überquerte die 2. kanadische Infanteriedivision die Flüsse Orne und Odon und errichtete bei Vaucelles und Louvigny zwei Brückenköpfe.&nbsp;Nach der Befreiung von Cormelles-le-Royal, Fleury und Louvigny blieb sie jedoch am 19.&nbsp;Juli auf dem Verrières-Kamm stecken, der von der 9.&nbsp;SS-Division und der 272.&nbsp;Infanteriedivision verteidigt wurde.&nbsp;Auch nach vier Tagen Kampf konnten die deutschen Grenadiere nicht besiegt werden.&nbsp;Mit dem Beginn einer neuen Offensive am 25.&nbsp;Juli, der Operation Spring, konnte die Infanterie der 2.&nbsp;kanadischen Division am Morgen in Verrières eindringen und nach der Abwehr von drei Gegenangriffen im Laufe des Tages das Dorf endgültig befreien.Allerdings gelang es den Kanadiern nicht, den Deutschen den Kamm abzuringen.&nbsp;Bei den Kämpfen verlor das kanadische Black-Watch-Bataillon von ursprünglich 325 eingesetzten Kämpfern 315. Damit war der 25.&nbsp;Juli der Tag mit den meisten kanadischen Gefallenen seit dem Überfall von Dieppe 1942.&nbsp;Der Höhenzug von Verrières wurde schließlich im Zuge der Operation Totalise am 7.&nbsp;August 1944 eingenommen.Einen Kilometer nördlich des Dorfes Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay erinnert das kanadische Denkmal auf dem Hügel 67 an die Kämpfe mehrerer kanadischer Regimenter in diesem Gebiet. Von dort aus hat man einen wunderschönen Ausblick auf die Dörfer Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay und May-sur-Orne sowie auf den Verrières-Kamm.Bei dieser Schlacht kam Gérard Doré ums Leben. Mit sechzehn Jahren war er der jüngste alliierte Kämpfer, der in der Normandie fiel.&nbsp;Doré, Angehöriger des kanadischen Infanterieregiments Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, hatte bei seinem freiwilligen Eintritt seinen Personalausweis gefälscht.&nbsp;Doré wurde am 23.&nbsp;Juli 1944 von einem Maschinengewehr vor dem Verrières-Kamm tödlich getroffen. Het hoofddoel van de geallieerden was de Verrières Ridge, in de buurt van Falaise. Het was een verhoogde positie die uitkeek op de weg van Caen naar Falaise, acht kilometer ten zuiden van Caen.Twee Canadese infanteriedivisies die werden ondersteund door de 2e Canadese Pantserbrigade waren betrokken bij een strijd tegen eenheden van drie Duitse Panzer-divisies. De heuvelrug werd verdedigd door Duitse veteranen die waren teruggedrongen uit Caen (bevrijd in twee fasen op 9 juli en 19 juli) en daar een sterke verdedigende positie hadden gecreëerd. Als onderdeel van Operatie Atlantic, de Canadese component van Operatie Goodwood, stak de 2e Canadese Infanteriedivisie de rivieren de Orne en de Odon over, en vestigde twee bruggenhoofden bij Vaucelles en Louvigny. Op 19 juli, na de bevrijding van Cormelles-le-Royal, Fleury en Louvigny, bleef de divisie echter steken bij de heuvelrug van Verrières, die werd verdedigd door de 9e SS-divisie en de 272e Infanteriedivisie. Vier dagen van strijd waren niet genoeg om de Duitse grenadiers te verslaan. Door de uitbraak van een nieuw offensief op 25 juli, Operatie Spring, kon de infanterie van de 2e Canadese divisie 's ochtends Verrières binnenvallen. Nadat er in de loop van de dag drie tegenaanvallen afgeslagen werden, kon het dorp definitief bevrijd worden.De Canadezen waren echter niet in staat om de heuvelrug uit Duitse handen te bevrijden. In de strijd verloor het Canadese bataljon de Black Watch 315 van de 325 strijders waarmee ze begonnen waren. 25 juli was hierdoor de dag met de meeste dodelijke slachtoffers voor de Canadezen sinds de Slag om Dieppe in 1942. De heuvelrug van Verrières werd uiteindelijk ingenomen tijdens Operatie Totalise op 7 augustus 1944.Op Hill 67, één kilometer ten noorden van het dorp Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay, staat het Canadese monument ter herdenking aan de strijd van verschillende Canadese regimenten in dit gebied. Vanaf dit punt kunnen bezoekers het panoramische uitzicht op de dorpen van Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay en May-sur-Orne evenals de Verrières Ridge bewonderen.Tijdens dit gevecht werd Gérard Doré gedood. Op zestienjarige leeftijd was hij de jongste geallieerde strijder die in Normandië overleed. Doré, lid van het Canadese infanterieregiment van Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, had zijn identiteitskaart vervalst ten tijde van zijn vrijwillige deelname. Doré werd op 23 juli 1944 dodelijk getroffen door een machinegeweerschot aan de voorzijde van Verrières Ridge.

 Cote 67 et la crête de Verrières  Hügel 67 und der Verrières-Kamm  Hill 67 en de Verrières Ridge 

​​​On the morning of 6 June&nbsp;1944, the British 3rd Infantry Division landed in front of Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Orne at 07:25. Within thirty mimuntes of that landing they were followed by No. 41 RM Commando who touched down at the western end of Hermanville.​Their objective was to capture Lion-sur-mer before linking with No. 48 RM Commando, 4th Special Service Brigade, who had landed on Juno Beach. Upon landing, No. 41 RM Commando began to regroup and headed for a German fortified position code named ‘Trout’ by the Allies. This was Wiederstandnest, WN21, consisting of two 50mm anti-tank guns, mortars and machine guns.​At the head of operations was Lieutenant-Colonel Gray who launched several assaults, but each one was unsuccessful. Without their radio equipment, all lost during the landing, the commandos could not communicate effectively to get fire support from the ships positioned offshore.​The German forces counter attacked in the afternoon and held out stopping No.41 RM Commando. WN21 was finally taken the next day, with the support of navy destroyers. It was with the help of the 1st South Lancashire Regiment, 2nd Lincolnshire Regiment and 2nd Royal Ulster Rifles, that the Commandos succeeded in liberating Lion-sur-mer and the castle of Haut-Lion on 7 June. Some small pockets of German resistance at Rue du Maréchal Foch and Rue de la Hève held untill 9 June.The British commandos paid a heavy price in liberating Lion-sur-Mer. In addition to the three officers killed or wounded on the beach, a Luftwaffe attack from German bombers caused the death of three new commandos and wounded nine others, including Gray himself.One month later, several Lionnais, residents of Lion-sur-Mer, were also among the dead. 15 civilians (including the Mayor) had taken refuge in a rescue station. They were killed in their sleep, affected by a parachute mine dropped from a German bomber on 2 July at dawn.To honour No.41 RM Commando, a plaque was fixed on Maritime Boulevard. A stele in memory of the Allied soldiers and civilian victims of 6 June 1944, and the square of 2 July 1944, recall the tragedies experienced by the inhabitants of Lion-sur-mer.

​The Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer (AVRE) at Lion-Sur-Mer is a memorial to the crews that landed at Sword Beach.

​AVRE, Lion-sur-Mer

​​The liberation of Lion-sur-mer

​​​On the morning of 6 June&nbsp;1944, the British 3rd Infantry Division landed in front of Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Orne at 07:25. Within thirty mimuntes of that landing they were followed by No. 41 RM Commando who touched down at the western end of Hermanville.​Their objective was to capture Lion-sur-mer before linking with No. 48 RM Commando, 4th Special Service Brigade, who had landed on Juno Beach. Upon landing, No. 41 RM Commando began to regroup and headed for a German fortified position code named ‘Trout’ by the Allies. This was Wiederstandnest, WN21, consisting of two 50mm anti-tank guns, mortars and machine guns.​At the head of operations was Lieutenant-Colonel Gray who launched several assaults, but each one was unsuccessful. Without their radio equipment, all lost during the landing, the commandos could not communicate effectively to get fire support from the ships positioned offshore.​The German forces counter attacked in the afternoon and held out stopping No.41 RM Commando. WN21 was finally taken the next day, with the support of navy destroyers. It was with the help of the 1st South Lancashire Regiment, 2nd Lincolnshire Regiment and 2nd Royal Ulster Rifles, that the Commandos succeeded in liberating Lion-sur-mer and the castle of Haut-Lion on 7 June. Some small pockets of German resistance at Rue du Maréchal Foch and Rue de la Hève held untill 9 June.The British commandos paid a heavy price in liberating Lion-sur-Mer. In addition to the three officers killed or wounded on the beach, a Luftwaffe attack from German bombers caused the death of three new commandos and wounded nine others, including Gray himself.One month later, several Lionnais, residents of Lion-sur-Mer, were also among the dead. 15 civilians (including the Mayor) had taken refuge in a rescue station. They were killed in their sleep, affected by a parachute mine dropped from a German bomber on 2 July at dawn.To honour No.41 RM Commando, a plaque was fixed on Maritime Boulevard. A stele in memory of the Allied soldiers and civilian victims of 6 June 1944, and the square of 2 July 1944, recall the tragedies experienced by the inhabitants of Lion-sur-mer.

​​​De Gaulle came ashore between Courseulles and Graye-sur-mer, where the destroyer ‘La Combattante’ had anchored offshore and on Mike sector of Juno Beach. He landed after long and difficult steps to gain authority and permission for him to go and visit the Allied bridgehead.De Gaulle was driven from Mike sector directly to the headquarters of General Montgomery in Creully. The French delegation, which was led by François Coulet and Colonel de Chevigné, headed to Bayeux where the General went go on to deliver an important speech.De Gaulle, Chief of France Combattante eventually entered Bayeux, and after being welcomed by the municipal council, he settled in the sub-prefecture. He appointed Coulet First Commissioner of the Republic for the liberated territories and Raymond Triboulet as new sub-prefect of the district of Bayeux. This was in place of the sub-prefect Rochat, who was dismissed immediately.​After greeting crowds in the streets of Bayeux, de Gaulle visited the Place du Château. It was here that he held a speech imposing the authority of the Provisional Government of the French Republic (GPRF). By placing in Bayeux as the first cogs of a new administration, De Gaulle intended to short-circuit the project of the Allies. The Allied plan was to establish a military administration in the liberated French territories, known as the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories (AMGOT).After leaving Bayeux, De Gaulle visited the small village of Isigny-sur-Mer. Located at a strategic point between the beaches of Utah and Omaha, up to 80% of the village had been destroyed by the devastating firepower of the American Navy. He then continued on to Grandcamps-les-Bains, west of the Pointe du Hoc. This was also liberated along with Isigny on 8 June. After this, De Gaulle returned to Courseulles, to board the Combattante and return to the port of Portsmouth, England.Today a Cross of Lorraine, installed in 1990, stands at the limit of the two communes of Courseulles and Graye-sur-mer, on the sandunes. It is 18 metres high and symbolises the return of General de Gaulle to French soil on 14 June 1944. This date was also four years almost to the day after his exile to London, where he launched his appeal to the Resistance on 18 June 1940.

​​General de Gaulle’s return to Normandy

​​​De Gaulle came ashore between Courseulles and Graye-sur-mer, where the destroyer ‘La Combattante’ had anchored offshore and on Mike sector of Juno Beach. He landed after long and difficult steps to gain authority and permission for him to go and visit the Allied bridgehead.De Gaulle was driven from Mike sector directly to the headquarters of General Montgomery in Creully. The French delegation, which was led by François Coulet and Colonel de Chevigné, headed to Bayeux where the General went go on to deliver an important speech.De Gaulle, Chief of France Combattante eventually entered Bayeux, and after being welcomed by the municipal council, he settled in the sub-prefecture. He appointed Coulet First Commissioner of the Republic for the liberated territories and Raymond Triboulet as new sub-prefect of the district of Bayeux. This was in place of the sub-prefect Rochat, who was dismissed immediately.​After greeting crowds in the streets of Bayeux, de Gaulle visited the Place du Château. It was here that he held a speech imposing the authority of the Provisional Government of the French Republic (GPRF). By placing in Bayeux as the first cogs of a new administration, De Gaulle intended to short-circuit the project of the Allies. The Allied plan was to establish a military administration in the liberated French territories, known as the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories (AMGOT).After leaving Bayeux, De Gaulle visited the small village of Isigny-sur-Mer. Located at a strategic point between the beaches of Utah and Omaha, up to 80% of the village had been destroyed by the devastating firepower of the American Navy. He then continued on to Grandcamps-les-Bains, west of the Pointe du Hoc. This was also liberated along with Isigny on 8 June. After this, De Gaulle returned to Courseulles, to board the Combattante and return to the port of Portsmouth, England.Today a Cross of Lorraine, installed in 1990, stands at the limit of the two communes of Courseulles and Graye-sur-mer, on the sandunes. It is 18 metres high and symbolises the return of General de Gaulle to French soil on 14 June 1944. This date was also four years almost to the day after his exile to London, where he launched his appeal to the Resistance on 18 June 1940.

​​​Like Caen, Colombelles had to be captured on the evening of 6 June 1944 by the British 3rd Infantry Division. This however was not the case, and it remained under German control.​Colombelles was situated to the south of the positions of the British 6th Airborne Division’s perimeter to the eastern side of the river Orne. It is in this town east of Caen, that a steel factory, the SMN (Société Métallurgique de Normandie) was situated. It had high chimneys that served as an observatory for the German forces from D-Day onwards.​In the following weeks and on a static front, Colombelles was subjected to regular bombardment and the village was gradually evacuated by the German forces. After several weeks of air attacks and heavy artillery fire, the factory was nothing more than a vast field of ruin. As a prelude to Operation Goodwood, which was to widen the narrow bridgehead to the south of Caen and project the Anglo-Canadians towards Falaise, the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division launched Operation Atlantic. The objective of this was to liberate the southern half of Caen.​An intense bombardment fell on the German positions, on the SMN plateau and on Colombelles at 06:00 on 17 July. 5,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped by a thousand bombers made up of RAF Lancaster and Halifax aircraft. This would be the front line between Colombelles-Mondeville-Giberville. This was the starting point of the corridor through which the British armoured Divisions (tanks) would push through.​One hour later, the units of the Canadian Infantry units attacked Colombelles: the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on the left flank, the Regiment de la Chaudière along the Orne, the North Shore Regiment in the centre.​The German 16th Luftwaffe Feld-Division offered strong resistance for the control of the factory of the SMN and its blast furnaces. At the Château de Colombelles, the enemy repelled the assaults of the Régiment de la Chaudière. A large number of Allied bombs fell on the castle to force the enemy from their positions.​At 17:00, Colombelles was in the hands of the Canadian forces while the fighting of the North Shore Regiment continued on the perimeter of the factory. On 19 July, Colombelles was completely liberated from German occupation, 80% of the area and buildings had been destroyed.​The inhabitants who, since 6 June 1944 had taken refuge and hidden in the underground quarries of Mondeville and Colombelles could finally leave after the end of the bombardments and fighting.

​​The Liberation of Colombelles

​​​Like Caen, Colombelles had to be captured on the evening of 6 June 1944 by the British 3rd Infantry Division. This however was not the case, and it remained under German control.​Colombelles was situated to the south of the positions of the British 6th Airborne Division’s perimeter to the eastern side of the river Orne. It is in this town east of Caen, that a steel factory, the SMN (Société Métallurgique de Normandie) was situated. It had high chimneys that served as an observatory for the German forces from D-Day onwards.​In the following weeks and on a static front, Colombelles was subjected to regular bombardment and the village was gradually evacuated by the German forces. After several weeks of air attacks and heavy artillery fire, the factory was nothing more than a vast field of ruin. As a prelude to Operation Goodwood, which was to widen the narrow bridgehead to the south of Caen and project the Anglo-Canadians towards Falaise, the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division launched Operation Atlantic. The objective of this was to liberate the southern half of Caen.​An intense bombardment fell on the German positions, on the SMN plateau and on Colombelles at 06:00 on 17 July. 5,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped by a thousand bombers made up of RAF Lancaster and Halifax aircraft. This would be the front line between Colombelles-Mondeville-Giberville. This was the starting point of the corridor through which the British armoured Divisions (tanks) would push through.​One hour later, the units of the Canadian Infantry units attacked Colombelles: the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on the left flank, the Regiment de la Chaudière along the Orne, the North Shore Regiment in the centre.​The German 16th Luftwaffe Feld-Division offered strong resistance for the control of the factory of the SMN and its blast furnaces. At the Château de Colombelles, the enemy repelled the assaults of the Régiment de la Chaudière. A large number of Allied bombs fell on the castle to force the enemy from their positions.​At 17:00, Colombelles was in the hands of the Canadian forces while the fighting of the North Shore Regiment continued on the perimeter of the factory. On 19 July, Colombelles was completely liberated from German occupation, 80% of the area and buildings had been destroyed.​The inhabitants who, since 6 June 1944 had taken refuge and hidden in the underground quarries of Mondeville and Colombelles could finally leave after the end of the bombardments and fighting.

​​​​80,000 men were allocated to this Operation. This included 60,000 from O'Connor’s 8th Corps and 20,000 from Bucknall’s 30th Corps and the 1st Canadian Corps. Nearly 600 tanks and 700 guns were mobilised. It was the first major operation of General Montgomery after the 6 June landings.​The operation of the British Second Army was planned on 22 June 1944 but launched on 26 June because the buildup was hampered by the ‘Great Storm’ that raged in the English Channel. This caused significant damage to the artificial harbour at Arromanches-les-Bains. The plan was to cross the Odon and Orne River valleys to the southwest of Caen.​It was the men of the 15th Scottish Infantry Division who launched themselves into action first, behind an artillery barrage known as a creeping or rolling barrage.The villages of Saint-Manvieu, Norrey, Fontenay-le-Pesnel and Cheux were totally in ruins but were liberated on the morning of 26 June. The next day, 27 June, the fighting continued in the Odon valley. Tourville, Mondrainville and Rauray were liberated.The bocage (Normandy hedgerows) was found to be a good ally to the German defenders. Thousands of British soldiers fell under the fire of mortars and rocket launchers, for the capture of a narrow corridor of 8km by 3km beyond the Odon. This became known as the ‘Scottish corridor’. 2,500 men of the 15th Scottish Infantry Division were lost during operation Epsom.​To break the British salient at Hill 112 held by the 11th Armoured Division, the German 2nd SS Panzer Corps had recently arrived from Poland. They conducted counter attacks on both banks of the Odon from 29 June.​On the evening of 29 June, the German divisions were repulsed by the combined actions of the Royal Air Force, the British Navy and the 15th Scottish Infantry Division. Hill 112, a strategic highpoint, was not captured by the 11th Armoured Division with only a small salient over the river Odon being captured. The village of Mouen was liberated in the morning.​The next day, 30 June, Montgomery ended Operation Epsom, fearing a larger German counterattack. The second British attempt to capture and liberate Caen had failed. The human toll was very heavy with 4,000 men of the 8th Corps either killed, wounded or missing in a span of 5 days.

​​Operation Epsom: Battle of the Odon

​​​​80,000 men were allocated to this Operation. This included 60,000 from O'Connor’s 8th Corps and 20,000 from Bucknall’s 30th Corps and the 1st Canadian Corps. Nearly 600 tanks and 700 guns were mobilised. It was the first major operation of General Montgomery after the 6 June landings.​The operation of the British Second Army was planned on 22 June 1944 but launched on 26 June because the buildup was hampered by the ‘Great Storm’ that raged in the English Channel. This caused significant damage to the artificial harbour at Arromanches-les-Bains. The plan was to cross the Odon and Orne River valleys to the southwest of Caen.​It was the men of the 15th Scottish Infantry Division who launched themselves into action first, behind an artillery barrage known as a creeping or rolling barrage.The villages of Saint-Manvieu, Norrey, Fontenay-le-Pesnel and Cheux were totally in ruins but were liberated on the morning of 26 June. The next day, 27 June, the fighting continued in the Odon valley. Tourville, Mondrainville and Rauray were liberated.The bocage (Normandy hedgerows) was found to be a good ally to the German defenders. Thousands of British soldiers fell under the fire of mortars and rocket launchers, for the capture of a narrow corridor of 8km by 3km beyond the Odon. This became known as the ‘Scottish corridor’. 2,500 men of the 15th Scottish Infantry Division were lost during operation Epsom.​To break the British salient at Hill 112 held by the 11th Armoured Division, the German 2nd SS Panzer Corps had recently arrived from Poland. They conducted counter attacks on both banks of the Odon from 29 June.​On the evening of 29 June, the German divisions were repulsed by the combined actions of the Royal Air Force, the British Navy and the 15th Scottish Infantry Division. Hill 112, a strategic highpoint, was not captured by the 11th Armoured Division with only a small salient over the river Odon being captured. The village of Mouen was liberated in the morning.​The next day, 30 June, Montgomery ended Operation Epsom, fearing a larger German counterattack. The second British attempt to capture and liberate Caen had failed. The human toll was very heavy with 4,000 men of the 8th Corps either killed, wounded or missing in a span of 5 days.

Formed in 1939, the 51st Highland Infantry Division was part of the territorial force; a great number of its men were taken prisoner in May 1940. After it was brought up to strength, the Division was engaged in the campaigns of North Africa in June 1942 and Sicily in July 1943. Highly experienced, the men were repatriated to Britain from November 1943 to prepare for Operation Overlord. On 6 June 1944, the 51st Highland Division landed on Juno Beach. The men first came into contact with the enemy at the German radar station in Douvres-la-Délivrande. From 9 June they fought in the woods of Bavent to the east of the Orne River, where the Division had come to reinforce the bridgehead of the 6th British Airborne, led by General Bullen-Smith. The Scottish Division was exhausted by a long battle against the firmly entrenched Germans. Therefore, it only had a supporting role in Operation Goodwood (18 - 21 July 1944), launched for the liberation of Caen. After a period of rest, the division was attached to the 2nd Canadian Corps. Now being under the command of General Rennie, they led an assault between 7 and 11 August to capture the town of Falaise during Operation Totalize. The division progressed with difficulty to Garcelles and Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil and veered eastwards to eventually reach Lisieux, which was liberated on 23 August 1944. After crossing the Seine, the Scots were given the symbolic mission to liberate the town of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux to avenge the humiliation of 1940. They fought their last battle in Normandy during the battle of Le Havre from 10 to 12 September 1944, before continuing towards the Netherlands and the Ardennes.

On 6 June 1944 the 51st Highland Division landed in Normandy on Gold Beach. The men were at the front line in the city of Douvres-la-Délivrande in Normandy and later on the east of the Orne River in a sector held by the 6th British Airborne. The Division took part in the operations Goodwood and Totalize. They also fought for the liberation of Le Havre.

Formed in 1939, the 51st Highland Infantry Division was part of the territorial force; a great number of its men were taken prisoner in May 1940. After it was brought up to strength, the Division was engaged in the campaigns of North Africa in June 1942 and Sicily in July 1943. Highly experienced, the men were repatriated to Britain from November 1943 to prepare for Operation Overlord.

On 6 June 1944, the 51st Highland Division landed on Gold Beach. The men first came into contact with the enemy at the German radar station in Douvres-la-Délivrande. From 9 June they fought in the woods of Bavent to the east of the Orne River, where the Division had come to reinforce the bridgehead of the 6th British Airborne, led by General Bullen-Smith. The Scottish Division was exhausted by a long battle against the firmly entrenched Germans. Therefore, it only had a supporting role in Operation Goodwood (18 - 21 July 1944), launched for the liberation of Caen. After a period of rest, the division was attached to the 2nd Canadian Corps. Now being under the command of General Rennie, they led an assault between 7 and 11 August to capture the town of Falaise during Operation Totalize. The division progressed with difficulty to Garcelles and Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil and veered eastwards to eventually reach Lisieux, which was liberated on 23 August 1944. After crossing the Seine, the Scots were given the symbolic mission to liberate the town of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux to avenge the humiliation of 1940. They fought their last battle in Normandy during the battle of Le Havre from 10 to 12 September 1944, before continuing towards the Netherlands and the Ardennes.

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The 51st Highland Division in Normandy

Créée en 1939, la 51e division d'infanterie des Highlands est issue des Forces territoriales britanniques ; un grand nombre de ses hommes ont été faits prisonniers en mai 1940. Une fois ses effectifs renfloués, la division participe aux campagnes d'Afrique du Nord en juin 1942 et en Sicile en juillet 1943. Très expérimentés, ses hommes sont rapatriés vers la Grande-Bretagne dès novembre 1943 pour préparer l'Opération Overlord. Le 6 juin 1944, la 51e division des Highlands débarque à Juno Beach. Le premier contact avec l'ennemi a lieu à la station radar allemande de Douvres-la-Délivrande. À partir du 9 juin, ses soldats combattent dans le bois de Bavent, à l'est de l'Orne, à l'endroit même où la division avait renforcé la tête de pont de la 6e division aéroportée britannique dirigée par le général Bullen-Smith. La division écossaise est alors épuisée par de longs combats contre des allemands fermement retranchés. Elle ne jouera donc qu'un rôle d'appui lors de l'Opération Goodwood (18 – 21 juillet 1944), lancée pour libérer la ville de Caen. Après une période de repos, la division est rattachée au 2e corps canadien. Désormais sous le commandement du général Rennie, elle dirige du 7 au 11 août une offensive pour reprendre la ville de Falaise (Opération Totalize). La division progresse difficilement vers Garcelles et Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil et fait un crochet vers l'Est pour atteindre Lisieux, qui sera libérée le 23 août 1944. Après avoir franchi la Seine, les Écossais se voient confier la mission symbolique de libérer la ville de Saint-Valéry-en-Caux afin de venger l'humiliation subie en 1940. Ils livreront leur dernier combat en Normandie lors de la bataille du Havre (du 10 au 12 septembre 1944), avant de poursuivre leur avancée vers les Pays-Bas et les Ardennes. Utworzona w 1939r., 51 Dywizja Highland wchodziła w skład sił lądowych. Duża jej część trafiła do niewoli w maju 1940 r. Po uzupełnieniu składu, dywizja brała udział w kampaniach w Afryce Północnej w czerwcu 1942 r. i na Sycylii w lipcu 1943r. Od listopada 1943 r. te dysponujące bogatym doświadczeniem oddziały repatriowano do Wielkiej Brytanii w przygotowaniu do operacji Overlord. 6 czerwca 1944 r. 51 Dywizja Highland wylądowała na Plaży „Juno”. Pierwszy kontakt z wrogiem nawiązała przy niemieckiej stacji radarowej w Douvres-la-Délivrande. Od 9 czerwca walczyła w lasach Bavent na wschód od Orne, gdzie wzmocniła przyczółek uchwycony przez 6 Brytyjską Dywizję Powietrznodesantową pod generałem Bullen-Smith. Dywizję szkocką wyczerpała długa wojna pozycyjna z dobrze okopanymi Niemcami. 51 Dywizja służyła wsparciem w Operacji Goodwood (18-21 lipca), podjętej dla wyzwolenia Caen. Po okresie odpoczynku, dywizję dołączono do Drugiego Korpusu Kanadyjskiego, z którym, pod łącznym dowództwem generała Rennie, w dniach 7 do 11 sierpnia 1944r. przeprowadziła natarcie w Operacji Totalize dla zdobycia Falaise. Dywizja posuwała się do przodu z trudnością aż do Garcelles i Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil, po czym odbiwszy na wschód dotarła do Lisieux oswobodzonego w dniu 23 sierpnia. Po przekroczeniu Sekwany, Szkoci dostali symboliczną misję wyzwolenia Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, by pomścić upokorzenie z 1940r. Ostatnią bitwę w Normandii stoczyli pod Le Havre w dniach od 10 do 12 września 1944 r., po czym wyruszyli dalej w na Holandię i Ardeny. De 51e Highland Divisie nam ook deel aan operaties Goodwood en Totalize. Ook vocht deze eenheid tijdens de bevrijding van Le Havre. De 51e Highland Infanterie Divisie werd samengesteld in 1939 en maakte deel uit van ‘the territorial force’. Een groot aantal van de divisies’ mannen waren gevangen genomen in mei 1940. Nadat de divisie weer qua kracht hersteld was, nam deze deel aan campagnes in Noord-Afrika (juni 1942) en Sicilië (juli 1943). De ervaren troepen werden teruggehaald naar Engeland om zich vanaf november 1943 voor te bereiden op Operatie Overlord. Op 6 juni 1944 landde de 51e Highland Divisie op Juno Beach. De mannen kwamen voor het eerst in gevecht met de Duisters in een radarstation in Douvres-la-Délivrande. Vanaf 9 juni vochten ze in de bossen van Bavent tot aan het oosten van de rivier de Orne waar de divisie heen was gegaan om het bruggenhoofd van de 6e Britse Luchtlandingsdivisie te versterken. De 51e Hihgland Divisie werd geleid door Generaal Bullen-Smith. De Schotse divisie was vermoeid na een lange strijd met de in loopgraven bivakkerende Duisters. Daardoor had de divisie alleen maar een ondersteunende rol bij Operatie Goodwood (18-21 juli 1944), waarvan het doel was om Caen te bevrijden. Na een periode van rust, werd de divisie samen gevoegd met het 2e Canadese Korps. Nu viel de eenheid onder het bevel van Generaal Rennie. Tijdens Operatie Totalize leidde ze tussen 7 en 11 augustus een aanval om de stad Falaise in te nemen. Met moeite vorderde de divisie naar Garcelles en Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil. Daarna ging het oostwaards om uiteindelijk Lisieux te bereiken. Deze stad werd bevrijd op 23 augustus 1944. Nadat ze de Seine waren overgestoken, werd de Schotten de symbolische missie gegeven om het stadje Saint-Valéry-en-Caux te bevrijden om zo wraak te nemen voor de vernedering van 1940. Ze vochten voor het laatst in Normandië tijdens de slag om Le Havre (10-12 september 1944). Daarna trokken ze verder naar de Ardennen en Nederland. Die 51. Highland Infanteriedivision beteiligte sich ab 1939 im Rahmen der britischen Territorialarmee an den Kampfhandlungen, wobei ein Großteil ihrer Soldaten im Mai 1940 in Gefangenschaft geriet. Nachdem die Division wieder Gefechtsstärke erreicht hatte, nahm sie an den Militäroperationen in Nordafrika (im Juni 1942) und in Sizilien (im Juli 1943) teil. Ab November 1943 wurden die sehr erfahrenen Männer nach Großbritannien zurückgeschickt, zur Vorbereitung auf die Operation Overlord. Am 6. Juni 1944 landete die 51. Highland Division am Juno Beach. Erste Feindberührungen erfolgten an der deutschen Radarstation in Douvres-la-Délivrande. Ab dem 9. Juni kämpfte die Division im Wald von Bavent östlich der Orne, wohin man sie zur Verstärkung des Brückenkopfes der 6. britischen Luftlandedivision unter General Bullen-Smith entsandt hatte. Da die Männer nach anhaltenden Kämpfen gegen die schwer verschanzten Deutschen erschöpft waren, spielten sie bei der Operation Goodwood (18. bis 21. Juli 1944) zur Befreiung von Caen nur eine unterstützende Rolle. Nach einer Ruhepause wurde die Division dem II. Kanadischen Korps angegliedert. Fortan unter dem Kommando von General Rennie, führten die Männer im Rahmen der Operation Totalize zwischen dem 7. und dem 11. August einen Angriff zur Einnahme der Stadt Falaise durch. Unter Schwierigkeiten rückte die Division auf Garcelles und Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil vor und scherte dann nach Osten aus, um schließlich die Stadt Lisieux zu erreichen, die am 23. August 1944 befreit wurde. Nach Überquerung der Seine erhielten die Schotten den symbolischen Auftrag, die Stadt Saint-Valéry-en-Caux zu befreien, als Vergeltung für die Demütigung von 1940. Ihre letzten Kampfhandlungen in der Normandie führten sie vom 10. bis 12. September 1944 bei der Schlacht um Le Havre aus, bevor sie in die Niederlande und die Ardennen vorrückten. Formed in 1939, the 51st Highland Infantry Division was part of the territorial force; a great number of its men were taken prisoner in May 1940. After it was brought up to strength, the Division was engaged in the campaigns of North Africa in June 1942 and Sicily in July 1943. Highly experienced, the men were repatriated to Britain from November 1943 to prepare for Operation Overlord. On 6 June 1944, the 51st Highland Division landed on Juno Beach. The men first came into contact with the enemy at the German radar station in Douvres-la-Délivrande. From 9 June they fought in the woods of Bavent to the east of the Orne River, where the Division had come to reinforce the bridgehead of the 6th British Airborne, led by General Bullen-Smith. The Scottish Division was exhausted by a long battle against the firmly entrenched Germans. Therefore, it only had a supporting role in Operation Goodwood (18 - 21 July 1944), launched for the liberation of Caen. After a period of rest, the division was attached to the 2nd Canadian Corps. Now being under the command of General Rennie, they led an assault between 7 and 11 August to capture the town of Falaise during Operation Totalize. The division progressed with difficulty to Garcelles and Saint-Aignan-de-Crasmenil and veered eastwards to eventually reach Lisieux, which was liberated on 23 August 1944. After crossing the Seine, the Scots were given the symbolic mission to liberate the town of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux to avenge the humiliation of 1940. They fought their last battle in Normandy during the battle of Le Havre from 10 to 12 September 1944, before continuing towards the Netherlands and the Ardennes.

 La 51e division des Highlands en Normandie 51 Dywizja Highland w Normandii De 51e Highland Division in Normandië Die 51. (Highland) Division in der Normandie The 51st Highland Division in Normandy

​​​Lycée Malherbe became the main place for family reunification. Shelters were built with different rooms, a link with city services was established, and food stored and distributed. Others fleeing settled spontaneously in the Abbatiale (church of the abbey), or in the Palais de Justice, another improvised reception centre in Caen.The Lycée’s dining hall was turned into a hospital to treat the wounded. Huge red crosses were painted on the roof of the Lycée and the Bon Sauveur buildings to signal to allied planes that refugees were present in the centre of the city. Other red crosses were installed on the ground. For more than a month, nearly 10,000 people lived under the protection of the Red Cross flags.&nbsp;​Just days after the first bombings, more than 4,000 people occupied the Lycée, the abbey and its cloister. They ate food they had brought with them, or from provisions stored in the Lycée. However, these reserves were quickly exhausted. The Red Cross teams set off through the streets of Caen in search of food supplies. Gradually, the Lycée became a huge store of sugar, cheese, butter and pasta boxes. The kitchens offered two meals a day to all refugees: from 8 June 1,500 meals were prepared daily, which increased to 15,000 from 13 July.The bombing on 7 July completed the destruction of Caen. 2,500 tonnes of bombs exploded in the central districts, and the Allies launched their general offensive on the city. On 8 July, Canadian troops arrived at the gates of the city, and on 9 July they entered, joining with the British troops that afternoon. To celebrate the partial liberation of the city, an improvised ceremony took place by the entrance of the Lycée. United in front of a tricolor flag, British and Canadians soldiers, Red Cross teams and Civil Defence members, together with a few Caennais still present, began singing La Marseillaise, the French national anthem. It was the first time the song had been sung since June 1940.On 19 July, when the right riverbank was liberated by Canadian troops and the Caen FFI (French Forces of the Interior), there were 4,300 inhabitants in Caen. As the front line moved away from Caen, the Lycée Malherbe gradually emptied of its refugees, leaving the municipal services and allied authorities to organise the return to normal life of thousands of inhabitants, in a city largely destroyed, and bereaved.&nbsp;

Lycée Malherbe​

​Refugees in Lycée Malherbe cloister​

​A refugee couple with their child found refuge in the Lycée Malherbe​

​For hundreds of refugees in Caen, life resumes in the Abbey cloister​.

​From the first bombardments of 6 June, the Caen refugees took over the Lycée Malherbe, organised for months by the Civil Service.​

​Welcoming refugees at the entrance of Lycée Malherbe​

​​Abbaye aux Hommes and Lycée Malherbe : the "health havens" of the Battle of Caen

​​​Lycée Malherbe became the main place for family reunification. Shelters were built with different rooms, a link with city services was established, and food stored and distributed. Others fleeing settled spontaneously in the Abbatiale (church of the abbey), or in the Palais de Justice, another improvised reception centre in Caen.The Lycée’s dining hall was turned into a hospital to treat the wounded. Huge red crosses were painted on the roof of the Lycée and the Bon Sauveur buildings to signal to allied planes that refugees were present in the centre of the city. Other red crosses were installed on the ground. For more than a month, nearly 10,000 people lived under the protection of the Red Cross flags.&nbsp;​Just days after the first bombings, more than 4,000 people occupied the Lycée, the abbey and its cloister. They ate food they had brought with them, or from provisions stored in the Lycée. However, these reserves were quickly exhausted. The Red Cross teams set off through the streets of Caen in search of food supplies. Gradually, the Lycée became a huge store of sugar, cheese, butter and pasta boxes. The kitchens offered two meals a day to all refugees: from 8 June 1,500 meals were prepared daily, which increased to 15,000 from 13 July.The bombing on 7 July completed the destruction of Caen. 2,500 tonnes of bombs exploded in the central districts, and the Allies launched their general offensive on the city. On 8 July, Canadian troops arrived at the gates of the city, and on 9 July they entered, joining with the British troops that afternoon. To celebrate the partial liberation of the city, an improvised ceremony took place by the entrance of the Lycée. United in front of a tricolor flag, British and Canadians soldiers, Red Cross teams and Civil Defence members, together with a few Caennais still present, began singing La Marseillaise, the French national anthem. It was the first time the song had been sung since June 1940.On 19 July, when the right riverbank was liberated by Canadian troops and the Caen FFI (French Forces of the Interior), there were 4,300 inhabitants in Caen. As the front line moved away from Caen, the Lycée Malherbe gradually emptied of its refugees, leaving the municipal services and allied authorities to organise the return to normal life of thousands of inhabitants, in a city largely destroyed, and bereaved.&nbsp; Le Lycée Malherbe devient le principal lieu de regroupement des familles. Il a fallu y aménager des abris, établir la liaison avec les services de la ville, stocker et distribuer les vivres. D’autres s’installent spontanément dans l’Abbatiale Saint-Etienne ou le Palais de Justice, autres centres d’accueil improvisés. Le réfectoire du lycée est transformé en hôpital pour soigner les blessés légers. Pour signaler aux avions alliés la présence des réfugiés au cœur de la ville, d’immenses croix rouges sont peintes sur les toit du lycée, des bâtiments du Bon-Sauveur et du lycée de jeunes filles, tandis que d’autres sont peintes à même le sol. Pendant plus d’un mois, près de 10 000 personnes vont ainsi vivre sous la protection des drapeaux de la Croix-Rouge.Quelques jours après les premiers bombardements, plus de 4 000 personnes occupent le lycée, ainsi que l’abbaye et son cloître. Elles se nourrissent des vivres apportés avec elles ou des provisions stockées au lycée. Mais ces réserves sont vite épuisées. Les équipes de la Croix Rouge partent dans les rues de Caen, à la recherche de stocks de vivres. Progressivement le lycée devient un immense dépôt de sucre, fromage, beurre et boites de pâtes. Les cuisines du lycée s’organisent pour offrir deux fois par jour des repas à tous les réfugiés. 1 500 repas sont préparés par jour depuis le 8 juin. Ce sont 15 000 repas distribués au 13 juillet.Le bombardement du 7 juillet achève la destruction de Caen. 2 500 tonnes de bombes explosent dans les quartiers du centre. Les Alliés déclenchent leur offensive générale sur la ville. Le 8 juillet, les Canadiens sont aux portes de la ville. Le 9, ils entrent dans la ville et font leur jonction avec les Britanniques dans l’après-midi. Pour célébrer la libération partielle de Caen, une cérémonie est improvisée devant l’entrée du lycée. Rassemblés au pied d’un drapeau tricolore, Britanniques, Canadiens, équipes de la Croix Rouge et membres de la Défense Passive, entament avec quelques Caennais encore présents, une Marseillaise qui n’avait plus été chantée depuis juin 1940.Lorsque la rive droite est libérée le 19 juillet par les Canadiens et les FFI caennais, Caen compte 4 300 habitants.A mesure que la ligne de front s’éloigne de Caen, le Lycée Malherbe se vide progressivement de ses réfugiés, laissant les services municipaux et les autorités alliées organiser le retour à la vie de milliers de Caennais dans une ville largement détruite endeuillée. Lycée Malherbe werd de belangrijkste plaats voor gezinshereniging. Er werden schuilplaatsen met verschillende kamers gebouwd, er werd een verbinding met de stadsdiensten tot stand gebracht en er werd voedsel opgeslagen en uitgedeeld. Anderen die op de vlucht waren, vestigden zich spontaan in de Abbatiale (kerk van de abdij) of in het Palais de Justice, een ander geïmproviseerd opvangcentrum in Caen.De eetzaal van het Lycée werd omgebouwd tot een ziekenhuis om de gewonden te behandelen. Enorme rode kruizen werden op het dak van het Lycée en de Bon Sauveur gebouwen geschilderd om geallieerde vliegtuigen te laten weten dat er vluchtelingen in het centrum van de stad waren. Andere rode kruisen werden op de grond geplaatst. Meer dan een maand lang leefden bijna 10.000 mensen onder de bescherming van de vlaggen van het Rode Kruis. Slechts enkele dagen na de eerste bombardementen bezetten meer dan 4.000 mensen het Lycée, de abdij en het klooster. Ze aten voedsel dat ze hadden meegebracht of uit voorraden die in het Lycée waren opgeslagen. Deze reserves waren echter snel uitgeput. De teams van het Rode Kruis trokken door de straten van Caen op zoek naar voedselvoorraden. Geleidelijk aan werd het Lycée een enorme opslagplaats van suiker, kaas, boter en pastadozen. De keukens boden twee maaltijden per dag aan alle vluchtelingen: vanaf 8 juni werden er dagelijks 1.500 maaltijden bereid, wat vanaf 13 juli opliep tot 15.000.Het bombardement op 7 juli voltooide de vernietiging van Caen. 2500 ton bommen ontploften in de centrale districten en de Geallieerden lanceerden hun algemene offensief op de stad. Op 8 juli arriveerden Canadese troepen aan de poorten van de stad en op 9 juli trokken ze de stad binnen en voegden zich die middag bij de Britse troepen. Om de gedeeltelijke bevrijding van de stad te vieren, vond een geïmproviseerde ceremonie plaats bij de ingang van het Lycée. Verenigd voor een driekleurige vlag begonnen Britse en Canadese soldaten, Rode-Kruisteams en leden van de Civiele Verdediging, samen met enkele nog aanwezige Caennais, La Marseillaise, het Franse volkslied, te zingen. Het was de eerste keer dat het lied werd gezongen sinds juni 1940.Op 19 juli, toen de rechter rivieroever werd bevrijd door Canadese troepen en de Caen FFI (French Forces of the Interior), waren er 4.300 inwoners in Caen. Terwijl de frontlinie zich van Caen verwijderde, verdween het Lycée Malherbe geleidelijk aan van zijn vluchtelingen en moesten de gemeentelijke diensten en de geallieerde autoriteiten de terugkeer naar het normale leven organiseren voor duizenden inwoners van een grotendeels verwoeste en bedroefde stad.

 Le lycée Malherbe : un îlot sanitaire pendant la bataille de Caen ​​Abbaye aux Hommes and Lycée Malherbe : the "health havens" of the Battle of Caen​ Abbaye aux Hommes en Lycée Malherbe: de "gezondheidshavens" van de Slag om Caen

​​​After having been liberated on the afternoon of 6 June 1994 (D-Day), the village of Creully saw the BBC come to the castle. British soldiers worked within the chateau to install a radio studio for the BBC in the square tower. This first studio opened to reporters from all over the world on 7 June, but the first broadcast was made from here on 19 June 1944.In preparation for D-Day, the BBC engineers had prepared a mobile transmitter mounted on a truck with the plan that this would be able to work as soon as it arrived in Normandy. However, for technical reasons, the truck with the mobile transmitter was prohibited from embarking on the journey. A few days later, further difficulties arose in the distribution of transmitters, generators, amplifiers, microphones and other antennas, made complicated by the storms starting around 17 June.It was not until 19 June that all the equipment was landed at Arromanches. It was on this day that the first reports were successfully broadcasted from this tower at the Chateau to London. From this studio broadcasts were made by war correspondents of all nationalities. This included Frank Gillard, head of the BBC team in Creully, Pierre Lefèvre, French correspondent, Robin Duff for the American forces and the Australiann Chester Wilmot.This BBC studio stopped broadcasting on 21 July 1944, as other mobile studios had been installed towards the interior of Normandy after the capture of Caen and with the advance of the front. Château de Creully was also used as headquarters of General Montgomery.Today Château de Creully houses the BBC Radio Museum, immersing visitors in the world of war correspondents, communications and radio. This museum, which offers collections from the 1920s to the 1980s, is set up in part of the upper rooms of the castle, in four distinct spaces, up to the square tower where most war correspondents first begun to cover the Battle of Normandy.

​The Château de Creully houses the BBC radio Museum.

 ​Château de Creully in 2024

Creully was liberated by the British forces on the afternoon of 6 June 1944.

Château de Creully occupied by the British forces after the liberation of the village

 Château de Creully​​​ occupied by the British forces after the liberation of the village on 6 June 1944.

Château de Creully during summer 1944​

​​Château de Creully BBC studio

​​​After having been liberated on the afternoon of 6 June 1994 (D-Day), the village of Creully saw the BBC come to the chateau. British soldiers worked within the chateau to install a radio studio for the BBC in the square tower. This first studio opened to reporters from all over the world on 7 June, but the first broadcast was made from here on 19 June 1944.In preparation for D-Day, the BBC engineers had prepared a mobile transmitter mounted on a truck with the plan that this would be able to work as soon as it arrived in Normandy. However, for technical reasons, the truck with the mobile transmitter was prohibited from embarking on the journey. A few days later, further difficulties arose in the distribution of transmitters, generators, amplifiers, microphones and other antennas, made complicated by the storms starting around 17 June.It was not until 19 June that all the equipment was landed at Arromanches. It was on this day that the first reports were successfully broadcasted from this tower at the Chateau to London. From this studio broadcasts were made by war correspondents of all nationalities. This included Frank Gillard, head of the BBC team in Creully, Pierre Lefèvre, French correspondent, Robin Duff for the American forces and the Australiann Chester Wilmot.This BBC studio stopped broadcasting on 21 July 1944, as other mobile studios had been installed towards the interior of Normandy after the capture of Caen and with the advance of the&nbsp;front. Chateau de Cruelly was also used as headquarters of General Montgomery.Today Chateau de Creully houses the BBC Radio Museum, immersing visitors in the world of war correspondents, communications and radio. This museum, which offers collections from the 1920s to the 1980s, is set up in part of the upper rooms of the castle, in four distinct spaces, up to the square tower where most war correspondents first begun to cover&nbsp;the Battle of Normandy.

The Battery of Azeville can be found 7 km from Sainte-Mère-Eglise in Normandy. Built in 1941, it is one of the first buildings of the Atlantic Wall in France. The underground passageways and bunkers, which maintain some of their original camouflage, can be visited with a guided tour.

Marina Enrique via Flickr

hape662 via Flickr

Azeville Battery

 De Bunkers van Azeville bevindt zich op 7 km van Sainte-Mère-Eglise in Normandië. Gebouwd in 1941, is het een van de eerste gebouwen van de Atlantikwall in Frankrijk. De ondergrondse gangen en bunkers, die een deel van hun originele camouflage behouden, kunnen bezocht worden met een rondleiding. Bateria w Azeville znajduje się w odległości 7 kilometrów od Sainte-Mère-Eglise w Normandii. Wzniesiona w 1941 roku budowla jest jednym z pierwszych budynków powstałych na Wale Atlantyckim we Francji. Podczas oprowadzania z przewodnikiem możliwe jest zwiedzenie podziemnych korytarzy i bunkrów – niektóre z nich nadal zachowały swój pierwotny kamuflaż. Die Batterie d'Azeville liegt 7 Kilometer von Sainte-Mère-Eglise in der Normandie entfernt. Die Verteidigungsanlage wurde 1941 errichtet und gehört zu den ersten Bauwerken des Atlantikwalls in Frankreich. Die unterirdischen Gänge und Bunker, die teilweise noch ihre ursprüngliche Tarnbemalung aufweisen, können im Rahmen einer Führung besichtigt werden.

 De Bunkers van Azeville Bateria w Azeville Geschützbatterie von Azeville Batterie d’Azeville Azeville Battery

The Radar Museum in Douvres was built on the grounds of a former bunker. The museum presents the history of the site and the use of radar during the Second World War. It features two different rooms detailing the story of Douvres during the Nazi occupation, the liberation of the site and de-mining operations.

© Le Mémorial de Caen

1944 Radar Museum

 Het Radarmuseum in Douvres werd gebouwd op het terrein van een voormalige bunker. Het museum presenteert de geschiedenis van de locatie en het gebruik van radar tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het beschikt over twee verschillende kamers met details over het verhaal van Douvres tijdens de nazi-bezetting, de bevrijding van de locatie en ontmijningsoperaties. Muzeum Radaru w Douvres powstało na terenie dawnego bunkra. Muzeum przedstawia historię miejsca oraz zastosowanie radaru podczas II wojny światowej. Znajdują się tu dwa odrębne pomieszczenia, w których szczegółowo przedstawiona jest historia Douvres podczas nazistowskiej okupacji, wyzwolenie centrum oraz operacji rozminowania. Das Musée Radar 1944 in Douvres wurde auf dem Gelände eines ehemaligen Bunkers errichtet. Die Ausstellung dokumentiert die Entwicklung der Radarstation sowie den Einsatz von Radar im Zweiten Weltkrieg. In zwei verschiedene Räumen werden die Geschichte von Douvres während der NS-Besatzung, die Befreiung der Station und die Minenräumungsaktionen detailliert dargestellt.

 Het radarmuseum in Douvres Muzeum Radaru 1944 Radarmuseum 1944 Musée Radar 1944 1944 Radar Museum

​​An exhibition in the information centre uses examples to document what people suffered through during the war. It describes their fates and lets people have their say. The images and stories of death, suffering, destruction and war graves are juxtaposed with hopeful examples of reconciliation, understanding and friendship.Today, 21,245 German soldiers have found their resting place in La Cambe. 207 unknown dead and 89 who are known by name are laid to rest in the burial mound.In the summer of 1944, more than 100,000 people died during the fighting that followed the Allied landings in Normandy. At least 14,000 French civilians lost their lives. Even as the fighting in Normandy continued, the American Recovery and Identification Service already laid out two large cemeteries with both their own and German fallen, near the small village of La Cambe. After 1945, the American forces transferred their dead to the cemetery of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, 15 kilometres away. The bodies of the German soldiers were exhumed there and buried in La Cambe.​In 1954, at the beginning of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge's (German War Graves Commission) reburial work, La Cambe cemetery was already one of the largest provisional German military cemeteries of the Second World War in France, with about 8,000 dead. Subsequently, the remains of 12,000 German soldiers from 1,400 graves, as well as another 700 bodies found at scattered war sites in Normandy, were interred at La Cambe. On 21 September 1961, the La Cambe War Cemetery was officially inaugurated.​In 1957, an international youth camp took place under the motto "Reconciliation over the Graves". This was the first time that young people from several nations helped the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge to establish a war grave site in France. Next to the cemetery is Peace Park, opened by the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge in 1996. Here, 1,200 spherical maple trees grow as living symbols of peace and reconciliation. La Cambe was the first peace park of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge. In the following years, three more were built in Budaörs (Hungary) and Sologubovka (Russia).Accessibility information:​The barrier-free access to the cemetery was completed in 2012. A direct connection to the bus car park makes it possible to reach the war grave site by a short route and without much effort. In July 2016, the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge installed a stainless steel railing so that older visitors can also safely climb to the burial mound.

The cemetery of La Cambe is located near Omaha Beach. With around 21.200 graves it is the largest and best known German military cemetery in Normandy. In contrast to the Allied cemeteries, the setting is simple and sober, creating a serenity that urges the living to live in peace.

Of the six German military cemeteries in Normandy, La Cambe, counting 21.200 graves, is the largest and best known. The other German cemeteries are (in order of importance): Champigny/Saint-André-de-l’Eure, Mont-de-Huines, Marigny, Orglandes and Saint-Désir-de-Lisieux. In total, the remains of 80.000 German soldiers are buried in Normandy. Some soldiers died already before the Battle of Normandy, some in captivity thereafter.

The La Cambe cemetery dates from the summer of 1944, when the U.S. Army established two temporary cemeteries on the battlefield near the village of La Cambe, one reserved for U.S. soldiers, the other for the Germans.

After the war, the American Battle Monuments Commission decided to gather the remains of the U.S. soldiers in the cemetery of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. In the 1950’s, the administration of German cemeteries was entrusted to the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, a private humanitarian organization, charged by the Federal Republic of Germany with taking care of the German war dead abroad, under the motto ‘Versöhnung über den Gräbern’ (‘reconciliation above the graves’). An internationally sponsored peace park with 1.200 maple trees was completed in 2009.

Like other German military cemeteries of the two world wars, La Cambe reflects the status of the defeated. Unlike Allied cemeteries, the crosses and headstones are of a dark tone, in accordance with what the Treaty of Versailles had already established in 1919 for cemeteries of the First World War. The bucolic character of the present cemetery urges the visitors to live in peace.

The central monument of  la Cambe German military cemetery.

Benoît Grimbert / Le Mémorial de Caen

Calvados tourisme

La Cambe German Military Cemetery

Le site a été conçu par l'architecte Robert Tischler. L'un de ses principaux principes de conception est une entrée étroite par laquelle une seule personne à la fois peut pénétrer dans le cimetière. L'objectif de Tischler était d'amener les gens au repos et au silence lorsqu'ils pénètrent dans le mémorial. On retrouve cette entrée étroite dans presque tous les cimetières militaires qu'il a conçus. Les tombes communes sont au centre du site, tout comme le tumulus de près de six mètres de haut. Les croix individuelles sont remplacées par des groupes de croix symboliques qui ne portent aucun nom.Une exposition au centre d'information documente, à l'aide d'exemples, ce que les gens ont subi pendant la guerre. Elle décrit leur destin et donne la parole aux gens. Les images et les histoires de mort, de souffrance, de destruction et de tombes de guerre sont juxtaposées à des exemples pleins d'espoir de réconciliation, de compréhension et d'amitié.Aujourd'hui, 21 245 soldats allemands ont trouvé leur lieu de repos à La Cambe. 207 morts inconnus et 89 dont le nom est connu reposent dans le tumulus.Au cours de l'été 1944, plus de 100 000 personnes sont mortes au cours des combats qui ont suivi le débarquement des Alliés en Normandie. Au moins 14 000 civils français ont perdu la vie. Alors même que les combats se poursuivaient en Normandie, le service américain de récupération et d'identification avait déjà aménagé deux grands cimetières pour leurs morts et ceux des Allemands, près du petit village de La Cambe. Après 1945, les forces américaines ont transféré leurs morts au cimetière de Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, à 15 kilomètres de là. Les corps des soldats allemands y ont été exhumés et enterrés à La Cambe.En 1954, au début du Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge's (Commission allemande des sépultures de guerre), le cimetière de La Cambe était déjà l'un des plus grands cimetières militaires allemands provisoires de la Seconde Guerre mondiale en France, avec environ 8 000 morts. Par la suite, les restes de 12 000 soldats allemands provenant de 1 400 tombes, ainsi que 700 autres corps trouvés sur des sites de guerre dispersés en Normandie, ont été inhumés à La Cambe. Le 21 septembre 1961, le cimetière de La Cambe a été officiellement inauguré. En 1957, un camp international de jeunes a eu lieu sous la devise "Réconciliation sur les tombes". C'était la première fois que des jeunes de plusieurs nations aidaient le Volksbund à établir un site de sépulture de guerre en France. À côté du cimetière se trouve le parc de la paix, ouvert en 1996. Ici, 1 200 érables sphériques poussent comme des symboles vivants de la paix et de la réconciliation. La Cambe a été le premier parc de la paix du Volksbund. Dans les années qui ont suivi, trois autres ont été construits à Budaörs (Hongrie) et à Sologubovka (Russie).Informations sur l'accessibilité:L'accès sans barrière au cimetière a été achevé en 2012. Une connexion directe au parking des bus permet d'atteindre le site de la tombe de guerre par un chemin court et sans trop d'efforts. En juillet 2016, le Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge a installé une rampe en acier inoxydable afin que les visiteurs plus âgés puissent également monter en toute sécurité jusqu'au tumulus. Eine Ausstellung im Informationszentrum dokumentiert anhand von Beispielen, was Menschen während des Krieges durchlitten haben. Sie beschreibt ihre Schicksale und lässt die Menschen zu Wort kommen. Den Bildern und Geschichten von Tod, Leid, Zerstörung und Kriegsgräbern stehen hoffnungsvolle Beispiele von Versöhnung, Verständnis und Freundschaft gegenüber.Heute haben 21.245 deutsche Soldaten ihre Ruhestätte in La Cambe gefunden. 207 unbekannte Tote und 89 namentlich bekannte Tote sind im Grabhügel beigesetzt.Im Sommer 1944 starben mehr als 100.000 Menschen bei den Kämpfen nach der Landung der Alliierten in der Normandie. Mindestens 14.000 französische Zivilistinnen und Zivilisten verloren ihr Leben. Noch während die Kämpfe in der Normandie andauerten, legte der US-amerikanische Bergungs- und Identifizierungsdienst in der Nähe des kleinen Dorfes La Cambe bereits zwei große Friedhöfe mit eigenen und deutschen Gefallenen an. Nach 1945 überführten die amerikanischen Streitkräfte ihre Toten auf den 15 Kilometer entfernten Friedhof von St. Laurent-sur-Mer. Die Leichen der deutschen Soldaten wurden von dort exhumiert und in La Cambe beigesetzt.1954, zu Beginn der Umbettungsarbeiten des Volksbundes Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, war der Friedhof von La Cambe mit rund 8.000 Toten bereits einer der größten provisorischen deutschen Soldatenfriedhöfe des Zweiten Weltkriegs in Frankreich. In der Folgezeit wurden die sterblichen Überreste von 12.000 deutschen Soldaten aus 1.400 Gräbern sowie weitere 700 Leichen, die an verstreuten Kriegsschauplätzen in der Normandie gefunden wurden, in La Cambe beigesetzt. Am 21. September 1961 wurde der Kriegsfriedhof La Cambe offiziell eingeweiht.Im Jahr 1957 fand ein internationales Jugendlager unter dem Motto "Versöhnung über den Gräbern" statt. Es war das erste Mal, dass Jugendliche aus mehreren Nationen dem Volksbund halfen, eine Kriegsgräberstätte in Frankreich einzurichten. Neben dem Friedhof befindet sich der Friedenspark, der 1996 eröffnet wurde. Hier stehen 1.200 kugelförmige Ahornbäume als lebendige Symbole des Friedens und der Versöhnung. La Cambe war der erste Friedenspark des Volksbundes Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge. In den folgenden Jahren wurden drei weitere in Budaörs (Ungarn) und Sologubovka (Russland) errichtet.Informationen zur Zugänglichkeit:Der barrierefreie Zugang zum Friedhof wurde im Jahr 2012 fertiggestellt. Ein direkter Anschluss an den Busparkplatz ermöglicht es, die Kriegsgräberstätte auf kurzem Weg und ohne große Anstrengung zu erreichen. Im Juli 2016 installierte der Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge ein Edelstahlgeländer, damit auch ältere Besucher sicher auf den Grabhügel gelangen können. Op dit moment hebben 21.245 Duitse soldaten hun rustplaats gevonden in La Cambe. In de grafheuvel rusten 207 onbekende en 89 bij naam bekende doden. Een tentoonstelling in het informatiecentrum toont met voorbeelden wat mensen tijdens de oorlog meemaakten. Het beschrijft hun lot en laat mensen aan het woord. De beelden en verhalen van dood, lijden, verwoesting en oorlogsgraven worden afgewisseld met hoopvolle voorbeelden van verzoening, begrip en vriendschap.In de zomer van 1944 stierven meer dan 100.000 mensen tijdens de gevechten die volgden op de geallieerde landingen in Normandië. Minstens 14.000 Franse burgers verloren het leven. Al toen de gevechten in Normandië nog voortduurden legde de Amerikaanse Recovery and Identification Service bij het kleine dorpje La Cambe twee grote begraafplaatsen aan voor zowel eigen, als Duitse gesneuvelden. Na 1945 brachten de Amerikaanse troepen hun doden over naar de begraafplaats van St. Laurent-sur-Mer, 15 kilometer verderop. De lichamen van de Duitse soldaten daar werden opgegraven en herbegraven in La Cambe.In 1954 startte de Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (Duitse Oorlogsgravencommissie) herbegravingen. De begraafplaats van La Cambe was met ongeveer 8.000 graven toen al één van de grootste, voorlopige Duitse militaire begraafplaatsen in Frankrijk. Vervolgens werden de stoffelijke overschotten van 12.000 Duitse soldaten uit 1.400 graven en nog eens 700 lichamen uit verspreide oorlogslocaties in Normandië bijgezet op La Cambe. Op 21 september 1961 werd de oorlogsbegraafplaats van La Cambe officieel ingehuldigd.In 1957 vond er een internationaal jeugdkamp plaats onder het motto "Verzoening over de graven". Dit was de eerste keer dat jongeren uit verschillende landen de Volksbund hielpen bij het aanleggen van een oorlogsbegraafplaats. Naast de begraafplaats ligt het Vredespark met 1.200 bolvormige esdoorns als levende symbolen van vrede en verzoening. La Cambe was het eerste vredespark van de Volksbund. Later werden er nog drie gebouwd in Budaörs (Hongarije) en Sologubovka (Rusland).Toegankelijkheidsinformatie:De barrièrevrije toegang tot de begraafplaats werd in 2012 voltooid. Een directe verbinding met de busparkeerplaats maakt het mogelijk om via een korte route en zonder veel moeite de graven te bereiken. In juli 2016 installeerde de Volksbund een roestvrijstalen reling zodat ook oudere bezoekers de grafheuvel veilig kunnen beklimmen. ​​An exhibition in the information centre uses examples to document what people suffered through during the war. It describes their fates and lets people have their say. The images and stories of death, suffering, destruction and war graves are juxtaposed with hopeful examples of reconciliation, understanding and friendship.Today, 21,245 German soldiers have found their resting place in La Cambe. 207 unknown dead and 89 who are known by name are laid to rest in the burial mound.In the summer of 1944, more than 100,000 people died during the fighting that followed the Allied landings in Normandy. At least 14,000 French civilians lost their lives. Even as the fighting in Normandy continued, the American Recovery and Identification Service already laid out two large cemeteries with both their own and German fallen, near the small village of La Cambe. After 1945, the American forces transferred their dead to the cemetery of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, 15 kilometres away. The bodies of the German soldiers were exhumed there and buried in La Cambe.​In 1954, at the beginning of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge's (German War Graves Commission) reburial work, La Cambe cemetery was already one of the largest provisional German military cemeteries of the Second World War in France, with about 8,000 dead. Subsequently, the remains of 12,000 German soldiers from 1,400 graves, as well as another 700 bodies found at scattered war sites in Normandy, were interred at La Cambe. On 21 September 1961, the La Cambe War Cemetery was officially inaugurated.​In 1957, an international youth camp took place under the motto "Reconciliation over the Graves". This was the first time that young people from several nations helped the Volksbund establish a war grave site in France. Next to the cemetery is Peace Park, opened in 1996. Here, 1,200 spherical maple trees grow as living symbols of peace and reconciliation. La Cambe was the Volksbund's first peace park. In the following years, three more were built in Budaörs (Hungary) and Sologubovka (Russia).Accessibility information:​The barrier-free access to the cemetery was completed in 2012. A direct connection to the bus car park makes it possible to reach the war grave site by a short route and without much effort. In July 2016, the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge installed a stainless steel railing so that older visitors can also safely climb to the burial mound.

 Cimetière militaire allemand de La Cambe Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof La Cambe Duitse, militaire begraafplaats La Cambe La Cambe German Military Cemetery

​​​Once ashore in Normandy, General Montgomery, Commander of the 21st Army Group was responsible for all Allied ground forces. He wanted to be as close as possible to the front line of his units.​After various locations were considered, it was the Château de Creullet, in the valley of the Seulles, that was selected, on the bank opposite the village of Creully. It was here that his mobile command post was setup. On the large lawns at the back of the castle, he installed the three trailers, forming his tactical headquarters from 8 June 1944.At the boundary of the British sector of Gold, and Canadian sector of Juno, the village of Creully was liberated on the afternoon of 6 June by Canadian troops. Later, British troops moved into the village. The bridge over the river was to form a crossing point frequently used by Allied troops during the Battle of Normandy to advance south. Its proximity to the Lantheuil field aerodrome, once constructed, would only strengthen this strategic position of Creully during the summer of 1944.From here, Montgomery coordinated the main phases of the battle. During his stay at the castle, Montgomery was visited by many personalities including the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on 12 June, General de Gaulle on 14 June, General Eisenhower, commander in chief of the Allied forces on 15 June, and King George VI on 16 June.​It was also in Creully that the BBC war reporters settled on 7 June before their departure to the nearby Château de Creully as soon as a powerful transmitter were put into service at the top of its square tower.​The location of Montgomery HQ was kept secret until he left for another HQ in Blay, on 22 June 1944. Château de Creullet was spared damage by the war. It is now a private property and cannot be publicly accessed. On occasions its park is sometimes accessible for guided tours.

​General Montgomery speaking to the BBC war reporters in the park of Château de Creullet, June 1944​​.

General Montgomery at Château de Creullet

Prime Minister Winston Churchill and General Sir Bernard Montgomery & his dog (named Rommel) in Normandy at Montgomery's caravan at his headquarters at Chateau Creully, 7 August 1944

Montgomery at Chateau Creully

​The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke; Mr Winston Churchill; and the Commander of the 21st Army Group, General Sir Bernard Montgomery, at Montgomery's mobile headquarters in Normandy.​

General Montgomery’s mobile headquarters

​​General Montgomery’s tactical HQ at Château de Creullet

​​​Once ashore in Normandy, General Montgomery, Commander of the 21st Army Group was responsible for all Allied ground forces. He wanted to be as close as possible to the front line of his units.​After various locations were considered, it was the Château de Creullet, in the valley of the Seulles, that was selected, on the bank opposite the village of Creully. It was here that his mobile command post was setup. On the large lawns at the back of the castle, he installed the three trailers, forming his tactical headquarters from 8 June 1944.At the boundary of the British sector of Gold, and Canadian sector of Juno, the village of Creully was liberated on the afternoon of 6 June by Canadian troops. Later, British troops moved into the village. The bridge over the river was to form a crossing point frequently used by Allied troops during the Battle of Normandy to advance south. Its proximity to the Lantheuil field aerodrome, once constructed, would only strengthen this strategic position of Creully during the summer of 1944.From here, Montgomery coordinated the main phases of the battle. During his stay at the castle, Montgomery was visited by many personalities including the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on 12 June, General de Gaulle on 14 June, General Eisenhower, commander in chief of the Allied forces on 15 June, and King George VI on 16 June.​It was also in Creully that the BBC war reporters settled on 7 June before their departure to the nearby Château de Creully as soon as a powerful transmitter were put into service at the top of its square tower.​The location of Montgomery HQ was kept secret until he left for another HQ in Blay, on 22 June 1944. Château de Creullet was spared damage by the war. It is now a private property and cannot be publicly accessed. On occasions its park is sometimes accessible for guided tours. Une fois débarqué en Normandie, le général Montgomery, commandant du 21e groupe d'armées, est responsable de toutes les forces terrestres alliées. Il souhaite être le plus proche possible de la ligne de front de ses unités.Après avoir envisagé plusieurs emplacements, c'est le château de Creullet, dans la vallée de la Seulles, sur la rive opposée au village de Creully, qui est retenu . C'est là qu'il installe son poste de commandement mobile. Sur les grandes pelouses à l'arrière du château, il installe les trois roulottes qui constituent son état-major tactique à partir du 8 juin 1944.À la limite du secteur britannique de Gold et du secteur canadien de Juno, le village de Creully est libéré dans l'après-midi du 6 juin par les troupes canadiennes. Plus tard, les troupes britanniques s'installèrent dans le village. Le pont sur la rivière devait constituer un point de passage fréquemment utilisé par les troupes alliées pendant la bataille de Normandie pour avancer vers le sud. Sa proximité avec l'aérodrome de Lantheuil, une fois construit, ne fera que renforcer cette position stratégique de Creully durant l'été 1944.C'est de là que Montgomery coordonne les principales phases de la bataille. Durant son séjour au château, Montgomery reçoit la visite de nombreuses personnalités dont le Premier ministre britannique Winston Churchill le 12 juin, le général de Gaulle le 14 juin, le général Eisenhower, commandant en chef des forces alliées le 15 juin, et le roi George VI le 16 juin.C'est également à Creully que les reporters de guerre de la BBC s'installent le 7 juin avant leur départ pour le château de Creully tout proche, dès qu'un puissant émetteur sera mis en service au sommet de sa tour carrée.L'emplacement du QG de Montgomery est tenu secret jusqu'à son départ pour un autre QG à Blay, le 22 juin 1944. Le château de Creullet a été épargné par la guerre. Il est aujourd'hui une propriété privée et n'est pas accessible au public. Son parc est parfois accessible pour des visites guidées.

 Le QG du général Montgomery au Château de Creullet ​​General Montgomery’s tactical HQ at Château de Creullet

​​​The city of Caen and its surroundings is filled with vry old quarries. In the district of La Maladrerie, the quarry located 15 metres underground under the ‘Pépinières Kaskoreff’ was taken over from 16 June 1944, with the agreement of the German forces.At the beginning of July, more than 500 people found refuge there. Emergency teams took charge of straw bedding and supplies for the civillians. Some of the refugees would come just&nbsp;to spend the night in safety, before returning home the next day.​On 6 June 1944, D-Day, roads around Caen turned into an&nbsp;exodus. It is estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 people left Caen, and some rushed towards the quarries of Carpiquet or those of the Rue des Roches in Mondeville. There, 7,000 to 8,000 refugees crammed together, lit by carbide lamps in cramped conditions.In Fleury-sur-Orne there was vast number of mushroom farms located on the hillsides. These were used as shelters, with around fifteen two-storey galleries several hundred metres deep. The Fouquet, Pochiet or Saingt quarries, named after their owners, also welcomed several thousand civilians until the end of July 1944.As places of refuge, over time the underground quarries proved to be uncomfortable. For everyone, children and adults, infants and the elderly, it meant weeks of daily life in precarious and difficult conditions: it was damp and there was a lack of light, fresh air, lack, and hygiene. Most quarries, especially those in Caen, benefitted from the help of the Red Cross. Additionally, the owners themselves, Equipes d’Urgence (Emergency Teams), Equipes Nationales (National Teams), and volunteers worked alongside each other&nbsp;there daily. In some shelters water and electricity was installed to help with living conditions. By the end of the Battle of Caen, less than 50 people had died in the quarries of Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet and Fleury-sur-Orne.​Since 2023, the Maladrerie quarries have been open to visitors. Guided tours are organised and supervised by the Quarries Department and the City of Caen.

​In Caen, Fleury, Mondeville and around Caen the quarries welcomed the Norman refugees, protecting them from the bombing.

​Norman refugees in the quarries of Caen

​The refugees in the quarries of Fleury-sur-Orne waited a long time for their liberation.

Rifugiati normanni a Fleury-sur-Orne

In Caen the Glacière of the city, located on Rue d’Authie was a place for the Norman refugees during the battle of Caen.

Civilian refugees in the “Glacière” of Caen, Authie street.

​​Refugees from the quarries of Caen

​​​The city of Caen and its surroundings is filled with vry old quarries. In the district of La Maladrerie, the quarry located 15 metres underground under the ‘Pépinières Kaskoreff’ was taken over from 16 June 1944, with the agreement of the German forces.At the beginning of July, more than 500 people found refuge there. Emergency teams took charge of straw bedding and supplies for the civillians. Some of the refugees would come just&nbsp;to spend the night in safety, before returning home the next day.​On 6 June 1944, D-Day, roads around Caen turned into an&nbsp;exodus. It is estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 people left Caen, and some rushed towards the quarries of Carpiquet or those of the Rue des Roches in Mondeville. There, 7,000 to 8,000 refugees crammed together, lit by carbide lamps in cramped conditions.In Fleury-sur-Orne there was vast number of mushroom farms located on the hillsides. These were used as shelters, with around fifteen two-storey galleries several hundred metres deep. The Fouquet, Pochiet or Saingt quarries, named after their owners, also welcomed several thousand civilians until the end of July 1944.As places of refuge, over time the underground quarries proved to be uncomfortable. For everyone, children and adults, infants and the elderly, it meant weeks of daily life in precarious and difficult conditions: it was damp and there was a lack of light, fresh air and hygiene. Most quarries, especially those in Caen, benefitted from the help of the Red Cross. Additionally, the owners themselves, Equipes d’Urgence (Emergency Teams), Equipes Nationales (National Teams), and volunteers worked alongside each other&nbsp;there daily. In some shelters water and electricity was installed to help with living conditions. By the end of the Battle of Caen, less than 50 people had died in the quarries of Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet and Fleury-sur-Orne.​Since 2023, the Maladrerie quarries have been open to visitors. Guided tours are organised and supervised by the Quarries Department and the City of Caen. La ville de Caen et ses environs regorgent de très anciennes carrières. Dans le quartier de la Maladrerie, la carrière située à 15 mètres sous terre, sous les Pépinières Kaskoreff, est prise en charge à partir du 16 juin 1944, avec l'accord des forces allemandes.Début juillet, plus de 500 personnes y trouvent refuge. Des équipes d'urgence se chargent de la paille et du ravitaillement des civils. Certains réfugiés ne viennent que pour passer la nuit en sécurité, avant de rentrer chez eux le lendemain.Le 6 juin 1944, jour J, les routes autour de Caen se transforment en exode. On estime que 10 000 à 15 000 personnes quittent Caen, certaines se précipitent vers les carrières de Carpiquet ou celles de la rue des Roches à Mondeville. Là, 7 000 à 8 000 réfugiés s'entassent, éclairés par des lampes à carbure dans des conditions exiguës.A Fleury-sur-Orne, de nombreuses champignonnières sont installées sur les coteaux. Elles servent d'abris, avec une quinzaine de galeries à deux étages de plusieurs centaines de mètres de profondeur. Les carrières Fouquet, Pochiet ou Saingt, du nom de leurs propriétaires, accueillent également plusieurs milliers de civils jusqu'à la fin du mois de juillet 1944.Lieux de refuge, les carrières souterraines s'avèrent au fil du temps inconfortables. Pour tous, enfants et adultes, nourrissons et vieillards, ce sont des semaines de vie quotidienne dans des conditions précaires et difficiles : humidité, manque de lumière, d'air frais et d'hygiène. La plupart des carrières, notamment celles de Caen, ont bénéficié de l'aide de la Croix-Rouge. De plus, les propriétaires eux-mêmes, les Equipes d'Urgence, les Equipes Nationales et les bénévoles s'y côtoient quotidiennement. Dans certains abris, l'eau et l'électricité sont installées pour améliorer les conditions de vie. A la fin de la bataille de Caen, moins de 50 personnes ont trouvé la mort dans les carrières de Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet et Fleury-sur-Orne.Depuis 2023, les carrières de la Maladrerie sont ouvertes à la visite. Des visites guidées sont organisées et encadrées par le service des carrières et la Ville de Caen. In der Stadt Caen und ihrer Umgebung gibt es viele alte Steinbrüche. Im Stadtteil La Maladrerie wurde der Steinbruch, der sich 15 Meter unter den "Pépinières Kaskoreff" befindet, am 16. Juni 1944 mit Zustimmung der deutschen Streitkräfte übernommen.Anfang Juli fanden dort mehr als 500 Menschen Zuflucht. Notfallteams kümmerten sich um die Stroheinstreu und die Versorgung der Zivilbevölkerung. Einige der Flüchtlinge kamen nur, um die Nacht in Sicherheit zu verbringen, bevor sie am nächsten Tag nach Hause zurückkehrten.Am 6. Juni 1944, dem D-Day, verwandelten sich die Straßen rund um Caen in einen Exodus. Man schätzt, dass 10.000 bis 15.000 Menschen Caen verließen und sich in die Steinbrüche von Carpiquet oder die der Rue des Roches in Mondeville flüchteten. Dort drängten sich 7.000 bis 8.000 Flüchtlinge auf engstem Raum zusammen, beleuchtet von Karbidlampen.In Fleury-sur-Orne gab es eine große Anzahl von Pilzfarmen an den Hängen. Sie dienten als Schutzräume mit etwa fünfzehn zweistöckigen Stollen, die mehrere hundert Meter tief waren. Auch die Steinbrüche Fouquet, Pochiet oder Saingt, die nach ihren Besitzern benannt sind, nahmen bis Ende Juli 1944 mehrere tausend Zivilisten auf.Als Zufluchtsorte erwiesen sich die unterirdischen Steinbrüche im Laufe der Zeit als ungemütlich. Für alle, Kinder und Erwachsene, Säuglinge und ältere Menschen, bedeutete dies ein wochenlanges tägliches Leben unter prekären und schwierigen Bedingungen: Es war feucht, es fehlte an Licht, Frischluft, Mangel und Hygiene. Die meisten Steinbrüche, insbesondere die in Caen, wurden vom Roten Kreuz unterstützt. Außerdem arbeiteten dort täglich die Besitzer selbst, Equipes d'Urgence (Notfallteams), Equipes Nationales (Nationale Teams) und Freiwillige zusammen. In einigen Unterkünften wurden Wasser und Strom installiert, um die Lebensbedingungen zu verbessern. Bis zum Ende der Schlacht um Caen starben weniger als 50 Menschen in den Steinbrüchen von Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet und Fleury-sur-Orne.Seit 2023 sind die Steinbrüche der Maladrerie für Besucher geöffnet. Die Führungen werden von der Abteilung für Steinbrüche und der Stadt Caen organisiert und überwacht. De stad Caen en zijn omgeving is gevuld met zeer oude steengroeven. In de wijk La Maladrerie werd de steengroeve die zich 15 meter onder de grond onder de 'Pépinières Kaskoreff' bevond, vanaf 16 juni 1944 overgenomen met toestemming van de Duitse strijdkrachten.Begin juli vonden meer dan 500 mensen er hun toevlucht. Noodhulpteams zorgden voor stro en voorraden voor de burgers. Sommige vluchtelingen kwamen alleen om de nacht in veiligheid door te brengen, voordat ze de volgende dag naar huis terugkeerden.Op 6 juni 1944, D-Day, veranderden de wegen rond Caen in een uittocht. Naar schatting verlieten 10.000 tot 15.000 mensen Caen en sommigen haastten zich naar de steengroeven van Carpiquet of die van de Rue des Roches in Mondeville. Daar zaten 7.000 tot 8.000 vluchtelingen opeengepakt, verlicht door carbidlampen in benauwde omstandigheden.In Fleury-sur-Orne was er een groot aantal champignonkwekerijen op de hellingen. Deze werden gebruikt als schuilplaatsen, met ongeveer vijftien galerijen van twee verdiepingen van honderden meters diep. De steengroeven Fouquet, Pochiet of Saingt, genoemd naar hun eigenaars, herbergden ook enkele duizenden burgers tot eind juli 1944.Als toevluchtsoorden bleken de ondergrondse steengroeven na verloop van tijd oncomfortabel te zijn. Voor iedereen, kinderen en volwassenen, zuigelingen en ouderen, betekende het wekenlang dagelijks leven in precaire en moeilijke omstandigheden: het was er vochtig en er was een gebrek aan licht, frisse lucht en hygiëne. De meeste steengroeven, vooral die in Caen, kregen hulp van het Rode Kruis. Daarnaast werkten de eigenaars zelf, Equipes d'Urgence (Noodhulpteams), Equipes Nationales (Nationale Teams) en vrijwilligers er dagelijks samen. In sommige onderkomens werd water en elektriciteit aangelegd om de leefomstandigheden te verbeteren. Aan het einde van de Slag om Caen waren er minder dan 50 mensen omgekomen in de steengroeven van Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet en Fleury-sur-Orne.Sinds 2023 zijn de steengroeven van Maladrerie open voor bezoekers. Rondleidingen worden georganiseerd en begeleid door het departement Steengroeven en de stad Caen. La città di Caen e i suoi dintorni erano pieni di cave molto antiche. Nel quartiere di La Maladrerie, la cava situata a 15 metri di profondità sotto le "Pépinières Kaskoreff" fu occupata dal 16 giugno 1944, con l’accordo delle forze tedesche.All’inizio di luglio, più di 500 persone vi trovarono rifugio. Le squadre di emergenza si occuparono dei giacigli di paglia e dei rifornimenti per i civili. Alcuni rifugiati si recavano lì solo per passare la notte in sicurezza, per poi tornare a casa il giorno successivo.Il 6 giugno 1944, il D-Day, le strade intorno a Caen si trasformarono in un esodo. Si stima che da Caen partirono dalle 10.000 alle 15.000 persone, alcune delle quali si diressero verso le cave di Carpiquet o quelle di Rue des Roches a Mondeville. Lì, da 7.000 a 8.000 rifugiati si accalcarono, illuminati da lampade a carburo in condizioni anguste.A Fleury-sur-Orne c’era un gran numero di fattorie di funghi sulle colline. Queste venivano usate come rifugi, con una quindicina di gallerie a due piani, profonde diverse centinaia di metri. Anche le cave di Fouquet, Pochiet e Saingt, dal nome dei loro proprietari, accolsero diverse migliaia di civili fino alla fine di luglio 1944.Col tempo, le cave sotterranee si rivelarono scomode come rifugi. Per tutti — bambini e adulti, neonati e anziani — significarono settimane di vita quotidiana in condizioni difficili: umidità, assenza di luce, aria fresca e igiene. La maggior parte delle cave, soprattutto quelle di Caen, beneficiò dell’aiuto della Croce Rossa. Inoltre, i proprietari stessi, le Equipes d’Urgence (squadre di emergenza), le Equipes Nationales (squadre nazionali) e i volontari lavorarono quotidianamente al loro fianco. In alcuni rifugi furono installate acqua ed elettricità per migliorare le condizioni di vita. Alla fine della battaglia di Caen, meno di 50 persone erano morte nelle cave di Caen, Mondeville, Carpiquet e Fleury-sur-Orne.Dal 2023, le cave della Maladrerie sono aperte ai visitatori. Le visite guidate sono organizzate e supervisionate dal Dipartimento delle Cave e dalla Città di Caen.

 Les réfugiés des carrières de Caen ​​Refugees from the quarries of Caen  Vluchtelingen uit de steengroeven van Caen Rifugiati dalle cave di Caen Flüchtlinge aus den Steinbrüchen von Caen

​​Operation Tonga was undertaken by the men of the British 6th Airborne Division on 6 June 1944, D-Day. The operation was formed of several key objectives. These were to capture to the two bridges over the Orne river and Caen canal. Destroy five bridges over the Dives river and to neutralise the Merville gun battery.&nbsp;​The task to destroy the guns at the Merville Battery was allocated to Lieutenant Colonel Otway of the 9th Parachute Battalion. In total his allocation of men should have been around 600. They were to mainly parachute into drop zone V which was located to the west of Varavile. Some would land via Horsa gliders.&nbsp;​Drop zone V is located 1km to the southeast of the Rendez-Vous (RV) position. It can be accessed via the lane, Le Dé<s>e</s>b<s>p</s>arquement, which heads off towards it. The drop zone sat to the north and south of Chem de la Breche Binette. This is the lane that was used by Otway and his men to move to the RV position from the drop zone.&nbsp;​At 00:30, 6 June 1944, a group of Lancaster bombers carried out their pre bombardment of the Merville Battery. This resulted in many bombs missing the target and landing close to the first group of men from the 9th Parachute Battalion who had parachuted in. This was to the northern area of the RV. They were known as the Trowbridge Party. Shortly after this the main contingent of the men would parachute in.&nbsp;​Following the drop, Otway moved from the drop zone RV and arrived here at the RV point in Gonneville-en-Auge at 01:30. He was highly concerned as only a small number of his men had made the RV. Many being miss dropped, lost or killed in the landings. Otway knew that regardless of the number of men, he had to move forward from here and onto the Merville Battery to make the attack. If he did not, the guns would potentially have been able to fire on to Sword Beach and the landings as they came ashore in the morning. This was a great threat to the landings.&nbsp;​At 02:45 as Otway began to prepare to move for the battery a group of 40 men arrived. This took Otway’s numbers to 150 men in total. Otway should have had 600. He also had no heavy equipment for the attack which should have included mine detectors. His men needed to break through a mine field at the battery once there.&nbsp;​Otway and 150 men left from this RV and made their way along Rue du Douet Philibery and towards the battery. The memorial commemorates the men who made the attack on the Merville battery which is 1km north of this position.​&nbsp;

​This was the RV point used by Lt Col Otway and the men of the 9th Parachute Battalion. From here at 02:45 on 6 June 1994 the men moved off along the road towards the Merville Battery.​ 

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 ​​The memorial is located on the grass verge at the junction. The road off to the right leads off to the Merville Battery. The road opposite the memorial leads to drop zone V.​​ 

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​The memorial commemorates the men of the 9th Parachute Battalion that left from this point to attack the Merville Battery on 6 June 1944, D-Day

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​​9th Parachute Battalion Rendezvous Point​ 

​​Operation Tonga was undertaken by the men of the British 6th Airborne Division on 6 June 1944, D-Day. The operation was formed of several key objectives. These were to capture to the two bridges over the Orne river and Caen canal. Destroy five bridges over the Dives river and to neutralise the Merville gun battery.&nbsp;​The task to destroy the guns at the Merville Battery was allocated to Lieutenant Colonel Otway of the 9th Parachute Battalion. In total his allocation of men should have been around 600. They were to mainly parachute into drop zone V which was located to the west of Varavile. Some would land via Horsa gliders.&nbsp;​Drop zone V is located 1km to the southeast of the Rendez-Vous (RV) position. It can be accessed via the lane, Le Dé<s>e</s>b<s>p</s>arquement, which heads off towards it. The drop zone sat to the north and south of Chem de la Breche Binette. This is the lane that was used by Otway and his men to move to the RV position from the drop zone.&nbsp;​At 00:30, 6 June 1944, a group of Lancaster bombers carried out their pre bombardment of the Merville Battery. This resulted in many bombs missing the target and landing close to the first group of men from the 9th Parachute Battalion who had parachuted in. This was to the northern area of the RV. They were known as the Trowbridge Party. Shortly after this the main contingent of the men would parachute in.&nbsp;​Following the drop, Otway moved from the drop zone RV and arrived here at the RV point in Gonneville-en-Auge at 01:30. He was highly concerned as only a small number of his men had made the RV. Many being miss dropped, lost or killed in the landings. Otway knew that regardless of the number of men, he had to move forward from here and onto the Merville Battery to make the attack. If he did not, the guns would potentially have been able to fire on to Sword Beach and the landings as they came ashore in the morning. This was a great threat to the landings.&nbsp;​At 02:45 as Otway began to prepare to move for the battery a group of 40 men arrived. This took Otway’s numbers to 150 men in total. Otway should have had 600. He also had no heavy equipment for the attack which should have included mine detectors. His men needed to break through a mine field at the battery once there.&nbsp;​Otway and 150 men left from this RV and made their way along Rue du Douet Philibery and towards the battery. The memorial commemorates the men who made the attack on the Merville battery which is 1km north of this position.​&nbsp; L'opérationTonga a été entreprise par les hommes de la 6e division aéroportée britannique le 6 juin 1944, jour J. L'opération comportait plusieurs objectifs clés. Il s'agissait de capturer les deux ponts sur l'Orne et le canal de Caen. Détruire cinq ponts sur la Dives et neutraliser la batterie de Merville.La tâche de détruire les canons de la batterie de Merville est confiée au lieutenant-colonel Otway du 9e bataillon de parachutistes. Au total, son contingent d'hommes devait s'élever à environ 600. Ils devaient principalement être parachutés dans la zone de saut V, située à l'ouest de Varavile. Certains atterriront par l'intermédiaire de planeurs Horsa.La zone de saut V est située à 1 km au sud-est de la position Rendez-Vous(RDV). On y accède par le chemin Le débarquement. La drop zone se situe au nord et au sud du Chem de la Breche Binette. C'est ce chemin qui a été utilisé par Otway et ses hommes pour se rendre à la position RV depuis la zone de saut.À 00h30, le 6 juin 1944, un groupe d'avions bombardiers Lancaster effectue son pré-bombardement de la batterie de Merville. De nombreuses bombes manquent leur cible et atterrissent à proximité du premier groupe d'hommes du 9e Bataillon de parachutistes qui ont été parachutés. Ce groupe se trouvait dans la zone nord du RDV. Ils étaient connus sous le nom de Trowbridge Party. Peu après, le principal contingent d'hommes sera parachuté.Après le largage, Otway quitta la zone de parachutage et arriva au point de rassemblement de Gonneville-en-Auge à 1h30. Il était très inquiet car seul un petit nombre de ses hommes a réussi à être parachuté. Beaucoup d'entre eux ont été oubliés, perdus ou tués lors du débarquement. Otway sait que, quel que soit le nombre d'hommes, il doit avancer d'ici jusqu'à la Batterie de Merville pour lancer l'attaque. S'il ne le faisait pas, les canons auraient pu tirer sur la plage de Sword Beach et sur les débarquements qui auraient eu lieu le matin. Il s'agit là d'une grande menace pour la réussite des débarquements.À 2 h 45, alors qu'Otway commençait à se préparer à rejoindre la batterie, un groupe de 40 hommes arriva. Au total, les effectifs d'Otway ne n'étaient donc plus que de 150 hommes, alors qu'il aurait dû en avoir 600. Il n'avait pas non plus d'équipement lourd pour l'attaque, qui aurait dû comprendre des détecteurs de mines, car une fois sur place, ses hommes deviaent percer le champ de mines de la batterie.Otway et 150 hommes partirent de ce caravansérail et se dirigèrent vers la batterie en empruntant la rue du Douet Philibery. Le mémorial commémore les hommes qui ont attaqué la batterie de Merville, située à 1 km au nord de cette position.

 Point de rendez-vous du 9e bataillon de parachutistes  ​​9th Parachute Battalion Rendezvous Point​ 

​​​The airfield had been in the hands of German forces since the occupation in June 1940. Its capture and liberation was necessary for the Allies to support the liberation of Caen and advance towards the plain. The airfield itself was a fortified point that overlooked the western access of the city from a ridge line. However, due to the resistance of the 716th German Division, 21st Panzer Grenadier Regiments and that of the 12th SS Panzer Division from 7 June, the Canadian forces were prevented&nbsp;from achieving their objective.​The German garrison composed of the 26th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 12th SS ‘Hitlerjugend’ Panzer Division. This also included tanks of the 12th SS. A week into the Normandy campaign a static front formed. The Canadian forces were at the gates of the airfield to the north and west. On 4 July 1944, Operation Windsor was launched. The objective was to break the dead lock and to seize the village and its airfield.​After a violent pre-bombardment, supported by the naval shells of HMS Rodney and HMS Robert, 5,000 men of the Canadian 3rd Division (8th Brigade, North Shore Regiment and Regiment de la Chaudière) attacked Carpiquet. Violent street battles took place against the SS Panzer Grenadiers of the 12th SS Panzer Division, commanded by Kurt Meyer.​The ruined village was liberated in the early afternoon, under intense German bombing. Despite the deployment of reinforcements, the airfield was not captured following the assault of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. The German forces resisted strongly, protected and fighting from their concrete emplacements located around the buildings and hangars of the airfield.​After several attacks and counter-attacks, the Canadian forces withdrew at the end of the day. The ruined airfield was not taken until 7 July by the men of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, supported by Fort Garry Horse and the Regiment de la Chaudière. The airfield was liberated as part&nbsp;of Operation Charnwood. &nbsp;

​The airfield was beyond use due to heavy fighting and destruction that was caused from June to July 1944. The airfield remained unusable for some time.

Destroyed aircraft hangers at Carpiquet, July 1944

Fotogramma tratto dalle riprese della cinepresa di bordo di un Hawker Typhoon Mark IB pilotato dal Pilot Officer Rutherford del No. 182 Squadron della RAF, che mostra razzi in esplosione tra gli edifici del campo d'aviazione di Carpiquet, nei pressi di Caen, in Francia.

Il campo d'aviazione in rovina di Carpiquet, luglio 1944.

Il soldato canadese Leopold Marcoux con un prigioniero di guerra tedesco catturato durante la liberazione di Carpiquet.

Prigionieri catturati a Carpiquet

​​Canadian forces liberate Carpiquet

​​​The airfield had been in the hands of German forces since the occupation in June 1940. Its capture and liberation was necessary for the Allies to support the liberation of Caen and advance towards the plain. The airfield itself was a fortified point that overlooked the western access of the city from a ridge line. However, due to the resistance of the 716th German Division, 21st Panzer Grenadier Regiments and that of the 12th SS Panzer Division from 7 June, the Canadian forces were prevented&nbsp;from achieving their objective.​The German garrison composed of the 26th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 12th SS ‘Hitlerjugend’ Panzer Division. This also included tanks of the 12th SS. A week into the Normandy campaign a static front formed. The Canadian forces were at the gates of the airfield to the north and west. On 4 July 1944, Operation Windsor was launched. The objective was to break the dead lock and to seize the village and its airfield.​After a violent pre-bombardment, supported by the naval shells of HMS Rodney and HMS Robert, 5,000 men of the Canadian 3rd Division (8th Brigade, North Shore Regiment and Regiment de la Chaudière) attacked Carpiquet. Violent street battles took place against the SS Panzer Grenadiers of the 12th SS Panzer Division, commanded by Kurt Meyer.​The ruined village was liberated in the early afternoon, under intense German bombing. Despite the deployment of reinforcements, the airfield was not captured following the assault of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. The German forces resisted strongly, protected and fighting from their concrete emplacements located around the buildings and hangars of the airfield.​After several attacks and counter-attacks, the Canadian forces withdrew at the end of the day. The ruined airfield was not taken until 7 July by the men of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, supported by Fort Garry Horse and the Regiment de la Chaudière. The airfield was liberated as part&nbsp;of Operation Charnwood. &nbsp; L'aérodrome était aux mains des forces allemandes depuis l'occupation en juin 1940. La libération de l'aérodrome était nécessaire pour que les Alliés puissent soutenir la libération de Caen et avancer vers la plaine. L'aérodrome lui-même était un point fortifié qui surplombait l'accès ouest de la ville depuis une ligne de crête. Cependant, la résistance de la 716e division allemande, des 21e régiments de Panzer Grenadier et de la 12e division SS Panzer à partir du 7 juin empêche les forces canadiennes d'atteindre leur objectif.La garnison allemande présente à Carpiquet était composée du 26e régiment de panzers grenadiers SS, de la 12e division de panzers SS "Hitlerjugend". Elle comprenait également des chars de la 12e SS. Une semaine après le début de la campagne de Normandie, un front statique se forme. Les forces canadiennes se trouvent aux portes de l'aérodrome, au nord et à l'ouest. Le 4 juillet 1944, l'opération Windsor est lancée. L'objectif est de briser le front statique et de s'emparer du village et de son aérodrome.Après un violent pré-bombardement, soutenu par les obus navals du HMS Rodney et du HMS Robert, 5 000 hommes de la 3e division canadienne (8e brigade, North Shore Regiment et Régiment de la Chaudière) attaquent Carpiquet. De violents combats de rue ont lieu contre les grenadiers SS Panzer de la 12e division SS Panzer, commandée par Kurt Meyer.Le village en ruine est libéré en début d'après-midi, sous un intense bombardement allemand. Malgré le déploiement de renforts, l'aérodrome n'est pas capturé suite à l'assaut des Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Les forces allemandes résistent fermement, combattant depuis leurs emplacements en béton situés autour des bâtiments et des hangars de l'aérodrome.Après plusieurs attaques et contre-attaques, les forces canadiennes se retirent en fin de journée. L'aérodrome en ruine n'est pris que le 7 juillet par les hommes du Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, soutenus par le Fort Garry Horse et le Régiment de la Chaudière. L'aérodrome est libéré dans le cadre de l'opération Charnwood. Der Flugplatz befand sich seit der Besetzung im Juni 1940 in den Händen der deutschen Truppen. Seine Einnahme und Befreiung war notwendig, damit die Alliierten die Befreiung von Caen unterstützen und auf die Ebene vorrücken konnten. Der Flugplatz selbst war ein befestigter Punkt, der von einer Kammlinie aus den westlichen Zugang zur Stadt überblickte. Der Widerstand der 716. deutschen Division, des 21. Panzergrenadierregiments und der 12. SS-Panzerdivision ab dem 7. Juni hinderte die kanadischen Streitkräfte jedoch daran, ihr Ziel zu erreichen.Die deutsche Garnison bestand aus dem 26. SS-Panzergrenadierregiment und der 12. SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend". Dazu gehörten auch Panzer der 12. SS. Eine Woche nach Beginn des Normandie-Feldzugs bildete sich eine statische Front. Die kanadischen Streitkräfte standen vor den Toren des Flugplatzes im Norden und Westen. Am 4. Juli 1944 wurde die Operation Windsor eingeleitet. Ziel war es, die Blockade zu durchbrechen und das Dorf und seinen Flugplatz einzunehmen.Nach einem heftigen Vorbombardement, das von den Marinegeschützen HMS Rodney und HMS Robert unterstützt wurde, griffen 5.000 Mann der 3. kanadischen Division (8. Brigade, North Shore Regiment und Regiment de la Chaudière) Carpiquet an. Es kam zu heftigen Straßenkämpfen gegen die SS-Panzergrenadiere der 12. SS-Panzerdivision unter dem Kommando von Kurt Meyer.Das zerstörte Dorf wurde am frühen Nachmittag unter intensivem deutschen Bombenbeschuss befreit. Trotz des Einsatzes von Verstärkung wurde der Flugplatz nach dem Angriff der Royal Winnipeg Rifles nicht eingenommen. Die deutschen Truppen leisteten starken Widerstand und kämpften geschützt von ihren Betonstellungen aus, die sich um die Gebäude und Hangars des Flugplatzes herum befanden.Nach mehreren Angriffen und Gegenangriffen zogen sich die kanadischen Truppen am Ende des Tages zurück. Der zerstörte Flugplatz wurde erst am 7. Juli 1944 von den Männern der Queen's Own Rifles of Canada eingenommen, die von Fort Garry Horse und dem Regiment de la Chaudière unterstützt wurden. Die Befreiung des Flugplatzes erfolgte im Rahmen der Operation Charnwood. Het vliegveld was in handen van Duitse troepen sinds de bezetting in juni 1940. De inname en bevrijding ervan was noodzakelijk voor de Geallieerden om de bevrijding van Caen te ondersteunen en op te rukken naar de vlakte. Het vliegveld zelf was een versterkt punt dat vanaf een heuvelrug uitkeek over de westelijke toegang tot de stad. Maar door de weerstand van de 716de Duitse Divisie, 21ste Panzer Grenadier Regimenten en die van de 12de SS Panzer Divisie vanaf 7 juni, konden de Canadese troepen hun doel niet bereiken.Het Duitse garnizoen bestond uit het 26ste SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 12e SS 'Hitlerjugend' Panzer Division. Hieronder bevonden zich ook tanks van de 12e SS. Een week na de campagne in Normandië vormde zich een statisch front. De Canadese strijdkrachten stonden aan de poorten van het vliegveld in het noorden en westen. Op 4 juli 1944 werd Operatie Windsor gelanceerd. Het doel was om de patstelling te doorbreken en het dorp en het vliegveld in te nemen.Na een gewelddadig voorbombardement, ondersteund door de zeeschepen HMS Rodney en HMS Robert, vielen 5.000 mannen van de Canadese 3de Divisie (8ste Brigade, North Shore Regiment en Regiment de la Chaudière) Carpiquet aan. Er vonden gewelddadige straatgevechten plaats tegen de SS Panzer Grenadiers van de 12de SS Panzer Division, onder bevel van Kurt Meyer.Het verwoeste dorp werd in de vroege namiddag bevrijd onder hevige Duitse bombardementen. Ondanks de inzet van versterkingen werd het vliegveld niet veroverd na de aanval van de Royal Winnipeg Rifles. De Duitse troepen boden sterke weerstand, beschermd en vechtend vanuit hun betonnen stellingen rond de gebouwen en hangars van het vliegveld.Na verschillende aanvallen en tegenaanvallen trokken de Canadese troepen zich aan het eind van de dag terug. Het verwoeste vliegveld werd pas op 7 juli ingenomen door de mannen van de Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, gesteund door Fort Garry Horse en het Regiment de la Chaudière. Het vliegveld werd bevrijd als onderdeel van Operatie Charnwood.&nbsp;&nbsp; Questo campo d'aviazione fu in mano alle forze tedesche fin dall'occupazione del giugno 1940. La sua cattura e liberazione si rivelarono necessarie agli Alleati per sostenere l’avanzata su Caen e penetrare nella pianura. Il campo stesso costituiva un punto fortificato che dominava l’accesso occidentale alla città da una linea di cresta.Tuttavia, a causa della resistenza opposta dalla 716ª Divisione tedesca, dal 21° Reggimento Panzergrenadier e dalla 12ª Divisione SS Panzer a partire dal 7 giugno, le forze canadesi non riuscirono a raggiungere il loro obiettivo.La guarnigione tedesca era composta dal 26° Reggimento Panzergrenadier SS della 12ª Divisione SS Panzer “Hitlerjugend”, che includeva anche carri armati della medesima unità. A una settimana dall’inizio della campagna di Normandia, si stabilì un fronte statico. Le forze canadesi si attestarono alle porte del campo d’aviazione, a nord e a ovest.Il 4 luglio 1944 fu lanciata l’Operazione Windsor. L’obiettivo era quello di rompere il blocco e conquistare il villaggio e il campo d’aviazione.Dopo un violento bombardamento preliminare, sostenuto dai proiettili navali della HMS Rodney e della HMS Robert, 5.000 uomini della 3ª Divisione canadese (8ª Brigata, Reggimento North Shore e Reggimento de la Chaudière) attaccarono Carpiquet. Seguì un’intensa battaglia urbana contro i granatieri della 12ª Divisione SS Panzer, comandata da Kurt Meyer.Il villaggio, ormai in rovina, fu liberato nel primo pomeriggio, sotto un pesante bombardamento tedesco. Nonostante l’invio di rinforzi, il campo d’aviazione non venne conquistato durante l’assalto dei Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Le forze tedesche opposero una strenua resistenza, combattendo dalle postazioni in cemento armato poste attorno agli edifici e agli hangar.Dopo diversi attacchi e contrattacchi, le forze canadesi si ritirarono alla fine della giornata. Il campo d’aviazione, ormai devastato, fu infine conquistato il 7 luglio dagli uomini del Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, supportati dal Fort Garry Horse e dal Régiment de la Chaudière. La sua liberazione avvenne nell’ambito dell’Operazione Charnwood.

 Les forces canadiennes libèrent Carpiquet ​​Canadian forces liberate Carpiquet Canadese troepen bevrijden Carpiquet Le forze canadesi liberano Carpiquet Kanadische Streitkräfte befreien Carpiquet

​​The DD Sherman tank, known as ‘Bold,’ was a crucial part of the Canadian forces' assault on Juno Beach during D-Day on 6 June 1944. This amphibious Sherman tank, part of B Squadron of the 6th Armoured Regiment - 1st Hussars, launched into the water at approximately 07:15 from about four and a half kilometres off the coast, aiming to support the assault on German positions in Courseulles-sur-Mer. However, the rough seas and strong currents made the operation particularly difficult. While the tanks were designed to operate in roughly five kilometres per hour currents and difficult weather, the conditions on D-Day were far worse, leading to significant challenges.​‘Bold’ was one of the many DD tanks intended to land on Juno Beach, but it sank before reaching the shore. As Sergeant Léo Gariépy described, the tank's crew was subjected to heavy small-arms fire. As they neared the beach, the tank was struck by artillery. The crew struggled to escape as the tank filled with water, and while some men were rescued by landing craft, gunner Ross Tofflemire tragically drowned.​In total, only nine of the nineteen DD tanks in B Squadron made it to the beach, with ‘Bold’ among the casualties. The tank lay submerged in the waters off Courseulles-sur-Mer for years until a recovery operation led by Léo Gariépy. In 1971, ‘Bold’ was raised from the sea, restored, and placed as a monument in Courseulles-sur-Mer, near the Juno Beach Centre. There it stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on D-Day.​Today, ‘Bold’ remains a symbol of the 1st Hussars and their role in the pivotal battle for Normandy, ensuring that the soldiers who fought there are never forgotten.

‘Bald’ tank

​Léo Gariépy​

​‘Bald’ tank 

​Recovery of a 1st Hussars DD tank 

​​The DD Sherman tank, known as ‘Bold,’ was a crucial part of the Canadian forces' assault on Juno Beach during D-Day on 6 June 1944. This amphibious Sherman tank, part of B Squadron of the 6th Armoured Regiment - 1st Hussars, launched into the water at approximately 07:15 from about four and a half kilometres off the coast, aiming to support the assault on German positions in Courseulles-sur-Mer. However, the rough seas and strong currents made the operation particularly difficult. While the tanks were designed to operate in roughly five kilometres per hour currents and difficult weather, the conditions on D-Day were far worse, leading to significant challenges.​‘Bold’ was one of the many DD tanks intended to land on Juno Beach, but it sank before reaching the shore. As Sergeant Léo Gariépy described, the tank's crew was subjected to heavy small-arms fire. As they neared the beach, the tank was struck by artillery. The crew struggled to escape as the tank filled with water, and while some men were rescued by landing craft, gunner Ross Tofflemire tragically drowned.​In total, only nine of the nineteen DD tanks in B Squadron made it to the beach, with ‘Bold’ among the casualties. The tank lay submerged in the waters off Courseulles-sur-Mer for years until a recovery operation led by Léo Gariépy. In 1971, ‘Bold’ was raised from the sea, restored, and placed as a monument in Courseulles-sur-Mer, near the Juno Beach Centre. There it stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on D-Day.​Today, ‘Bold’ remains a symbol of the 1st Hussars and their role in the pivotal battle for Normandy, ensuring that the soldiers who fought there are never forgotten. Le char DD Sherman, connu sous le nom de " Bold ", a joué un rôle crucial dans l'assaut des forces canadiennes sur la plage Juno lors du jour J, le 6 juin 1944. Ce char amphibie Sherman, appartenant à l'escadron B du 6e régiment blindé - 1st Hussars, s'est jeté à l'eau vers 7 h 15, à environ quatre kilomètres et demi de la côte, dans le but de soutenir l'assaut contre les positions allemandes à Courseulles-sur-Mer. Cependant, la mer agitée et les forts courants ont rendu l'opération particulièrement difficile. Alors que les chars étaient conçus pour opérer dans des courants d'environ cinq kilomètres par heure et dans des conditions météorologiques difficiles, les conditions du jour J étaient bien pires, ce qui a donné lieu à des défis considérables.Le "Bold" était l'un des nombreux chars DD destinés à débarquer sur la plage Juno, mais il a coulé avant d'atteindre le rivage. Comme le décrit le sergent Léo Gariépy, l'équipage du char a été soumis à des tirs nourris d'armes légères. Alors qu'il s'approchait de la plage, le char a été touché par l'artillerie. L'équipage a lutté pour s'échapper alors que le char se remplissait d'eau. Certains hommes ont été secourus par une péniche de débarquement, mais le tireur Ross Tofflemire s'est tragiquement noyé.Au total, seuls neuf des dix-neuf chars DD de l'escadron B atteignirent la plage, le " Bold " faisant partie des victimes. Le char est resté immergé dans les eaux au large de Courseulles-sur-Mer pendant des années, jusqu'à ce qu'une opération de récupération soit menée par Léo Gariépy. En 1971, le "Bold" a été sorti de l'eau, restauré et placé comme monument à Courseulles-sur-Mer, près du Centre Juno Beach. Il témoigne ainsi de la bravoure et du sacrifice des hommes qui ont servi le jour J.Aujourd'hui, "Bold" reste un symbole du 1st Hussars et de son rôle dans la bataille cruciale pour la Normandie, garantissant que les soldats qui ont combattu là ne seront jamais oubliés. Der DD-Sherman-Panzer mit dem Namen „Bold“ war ein entscheidender Bestandteil des kanadischen Angriffs auf Juno Beach am D-Day, dem 6. Juni 1944. Dieser amphibische Sherman-Panzer gehörte zur B-Kompanie des 6. Panzerregiments – 1st Hussars und ging gegen 07:15 Uhr etwa viereinhalb Kilometer vor der Küste ins Wasser, um den Angriff auf die deutschen Stellungen bei Courseulles-sur-Mer zu unterstützen. Doch raue See und starke Strömungen erschwerten das Unternehmen erheblich. Obwohl die Panzer für Einsätze bei bis zu fünf Stundenkilometer Strömung und schlechtem Wetter konzipiert waren, übertrafen die Bedingungen am D-Day alle Erwartungen – mit schweren Folgen.„Bold“ war einer von vielen DD-Panzern, die auf Juno Beach landen sollten, sank jedoch, bevor er das Ufer erreichte. Wie Sergeant Léo Gariépy berichtete, geriet die Besatzung des Panzers unter heftiges Infanteriefeuer. Als sich das Fahrzeug dem Strand näherte, wurde es von Artillerie getroffen. Der Panzer begann sich mit Wasser zu füllen, die Besatzung kämpfte um das Überleben. Einige Männer konnten durch Landungsboote gerettet werden, doch Richtschütze Ross Tofflemire ertrank tragischerweise.Insgesamt erreichten nur neun der neunzehn DD-Panzer der B-Kompanie das Ufer – „Bold“ gehörte zu den Verlusten. Der Panzer lag jahrelang vor Courseulles-sur-Mer auf dem Meeresgrund, bis eine von Léo Gariépy initiierte Bergungsaktion begann. 1971 wurde „Bold“ aus dem Meer gehoben, restauriert und als Denkmal in Courseulles-sur-Mer, in der Nähe des Juno Beach Centre, aufgestellt.Heute steht „Bold“ als Symbol des Regiments der 1st Hussars und ihrer Rolle in der entscheidenden Schlacht um die Normandie – als bleibende Erinnerung an den Mut und das Opfer jener Männer, die am D-Day kämpften. De DD Sherman tank, bekend als 'Bold', was een cruciaal onderdeel van de aanval van de Canadese troepen op Juno Beach tijdens D-Day op 6 juni 1944. Deze amfibische Sherman tank, onderdeel van B Squadron van het 6th Armoured Regiment - 1st Hussars, ging om ongeveer 07.15 uur te water vanaf ongeveer vierenhalve kilometer van de kust, met als doel de aanval op Duitse stellingen in Courseulles-sur-Mer te ondersteunen. De ruwe zee en sterke stromingen maakten de operatie echter bijzonder moeilijk. Hoewel de tanks ontworpen waren om te opereren in stromingen van ongeveer vijf kilometer per uur en uitdagend weer, waren de omstandigheden op D-Day veel slechter, wat leidde tot aanzienlijke uitdagingen.'Bold' was één van de vele DD tanks die bedoeld was om op Juno Beach te landen, maar het zonk voordat het de kust bereikte. Zoals sergeant Léo Gariépy beschreef, werd de bemanning van de tank blootgesteld aan zwaar vuur met kleine wapens. Toen ze het strand naderden, werd de tank getroffen door artillerie. De bemanning worstelde om te ontsnappen terwijl de tank zich met water vulde en terwijl sommige mannen gered werden door landingsvaartuigen, verdronk schutter Ross Tofflemire op tragische wijze.In totaal haalden slechts negen van de negentien DD tanks van B Squadron het strand, met 'Bold' onder de slachtoffers. De tank lag jaren onder water in de wateren bij Courseulles-sur-Mer tot een bergingsoperatie onder leiding van Léo Gariépy. In 1971 werd de 'Bold' uit zee gehaald, gerestaureerd en als monument geplaatst in Courseulles-sur-Mer, vlakbij het Juno Beach Centre. Daar staat het als een testament voor de moed en opoffering van de mannen die dienden op D-Day.Vandaag de dag blijft 'Bold' een symbool van de 1st Hussars en hun rol in de cruciale slag om Normandië en zorgt ervoor dat de soldaten die daar vochten nooit worden vergeten. Ilcarro armato DD Sherman, noto come "Bold", fu una parte cruciale dell'assalto delle forze canadesi a Juno Beach durante il D-Day del 6 giugno 1944. Questo carro armato anfibio Sherman, appartenente allo Squadrone B del 6° Reggimento corazzato - 1° Ussari, si lanciò in acqua alle 07:15 circa da circa quattro chilometri e mezzo al largo della costa, con l'obiettivo di sostenere l'assalto alle posizioni tedesche a Courseulles-sur-Mer. Tuttavia, il mare agitato e le forti correnti resero l'operazione particolarmente difficile. Sebbene i carri armati fossero stati progettati per operare con correnti di circa cinque chilometri all'ora e in condizioni difficili, le condizioni del D-Day erano molto peggiori, il che comportò notevoli difficoltà.Il "Bold" era uno dei tanti carri armati DD destinati a sbarcare a Juno Beach, ma affondò prima di raggiungere la riva. Come descritto dal sergente Léo Gariépy, l'equipaggio del carro armato fu sottoposto a un pesante fuoco di armi leggere. Mentre si avvicinavano alla spiaggia, il carro armato fu colpito dall'artiglieria. L'equipaggio lottò per fuggire mentre il carro armato si riempiva d'acqua e, mentre alcuni uomini furono salvati dai mezzi da sbarco, il mitragliere Ross Tofflemire annegò tragicamente.Intotale, solo nove dei diciannove carri armati DD dello Squadrone B riuscirono a raggiungere la spiaggia, con il "Bold" tra le vittime. Il carro armato rimase sommerso nelle acque al largo di Courseulles-sur-Mer per anni, fino all'operazione di recupero condotta da Léo Gariépy. Nel 1971, il "Bold" fu recuperato dal mare, restaurato e posto come monumento a Courseulles-sur-Mer, vicino al Juno Beach Centre. Lì si trova come testimonianza del coraggio e del sacrificio degli uomini che hanno prestato servizio durante il D-Day.Oggi,"Bold" rimane un simbolo del 1° Ussaro e del suo ruolo nella battaglia cruciale per la Normandia, assicurando che i soldati che vi hanno combattuto non siano mai dimenticati.

 Herstel van een DD-tank van de 1st Hussars ​Recovery of a 1st Hussars DD tank ​ Récupération d'un char Duplex Drive Sherman du 1st Hussars Bergung eines DD-Schwimmpanzers der 1st Hussars Recupero di un carro armato del 1° Ussari DD 

​​Cosy’s Pillbox, situated on Juno Beach, played a pivotal role during the intense fighting on D-Day, 6 June 1944. This bunker witnessed a courageous and costly battle as part of the larger invasion of Normandy. It is named after Lieutenant Bill ‘Cosy’ Aitken of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Aitken was tasked with leading a platoon of fifteen men from B Company to capture the pillbox. They initially attacked with machine guns and grenades, successfully taking the position, but Lieutenant Aitken was critically wounded during the assault.​Reinforcements soon arrived, including engineers, who played a crucial role in clearing the fortification. These reinforcements, around 150 strong, continued the attack. A well-placed explosion eventually toppled the pillbox, and the German defenders surrendered, though at a high cost. Only 26 men from B Company survived this difficult battle.​The pillbox itself housed a 7.5cm gun, positioned to fire westward down the beach. It was part of a broader network of German fortifications known as ‘Widerstandsnest 31’ (Resistance Nest 31), designed to prevent the Allied landings.​Cosy’s Pillbox became a symbol of the determined and courageous efforts of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, who faced intense machine-gun fire and artillery as they assaulted the beach. Many soldiers, like Corporal Walter Klos and Lance Corporal Leslie Coull, lead assaults despite their wounds. After the capture of the pillbox, the soldiers continued their advance inland, clearing positions and enduring tremendous loss. B Company led by Captain Gower suffered 78% casualties during the assault that day.

​Cosy’s Pillbox ​

​Cosy’s Pillbox​

​​Cosy’s Pillbox, situated on Juno Beach, played a pivotal role during the intense fighting on D-Day, 6 June 1944. This bunker witnessed a courageous and costly battle as part of the larger invasion of Normandy. It is named after Lieutenant Bill ‘Cosy’ Aitken of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Aitken was tasked with leading a platoon of fifteen men from B Company to capture the pillbox. They initially attacked with machine guns and grenades, successfully taking the position, but Lieutenant Aitken was critically wounded during the assault.​Reinforcements soon arrived, including engineers, who played a crucial role in clearing the fortification. These reinforcements, around 150 strong, continued the attack. A well-placed explosion eventually toppled the pillbox, and the German defenders surrendered, though at a high cost. Only 26 men from B Company survived this difficult battle.​The pillbox itself housed a 7.5cm gun, positioned to fire westward down the beach. It was part of a broader network of German fortifications known as ‘Widerstandsnest 31’ (Resistance Nest 31), designed to prevent the Allied landings.​Cosy’s Pillbox became a symbol of the determined and courageous efforts of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, who faced intense machine-gun fire and artillery as they assaulted the beach. Many soldiers, like Corporal Walter Klos and Lance Corporal Leslie Coull, lead assaults despite their wounds. After the capture of the pillbox, the soldiers continued their advance inland, clearing positions and enduring tremendous loss. B Company led by Captain Gower suffered 78% casualties during the assault that day. La casemate de Cosy, située sur la plage de Juno Beach, a joué un rôle essentiel lors des combats intenses du jour J, le 6 juin 1944. Ce bunker a été le témoin d'une bataille coûteuse dans le cadre de l'invasion de la Normandie. Il porte le nom du lieutenant Bill "Cosy" Aitken du Royal Winnipeg Rifles, qui fait partie de la 7e brigade d'infanterie canadienne. Aitken fut chargé de diriger un peloton de quinze hommes de la compagnie B afin de capturer la casemate. Ils attaquèrent d'abord avec des mitrailleuses et des grenades et réussissèrent à prendre la position, mais le lieutenant Aitken fut grièvement blessé au cours de l'assaut.Des renforts arrivèrent bientôt, notamment des sapeurs, qui ont joué un rôle crucial dans le dégagement de la fortification. Ces renforts, au nombre de 150 environ, poursuivèrent l'attaque. Une explosion bien placée finit par renverser la casemate et les allemands se rendirent, au prix fort. Seuls 26 hommes de la compagnie B ont survécu à cette bataille.La casemate elle-même abritait un canon de 7,5 cm, positionné de manière à tirer vers l'ouest le long de la plage. Elle faisait partie d'un vaste réseau de fortifications allemandes connu sous le nom de "Widerstandsnest 31" (Nid de résistance 31), conçu pour empêcher les débarquements alliés.La casemate de Cosy est devenue un symbole des efforts des Royal Winnipeg Rifles, qui ont dû faire face à un feu nourri de mitrailleuses et d'artillerie lors de l'assaut de la plage. De nombreux soldats, comme le caporal Walter Klos et le caporal suppléant Leslie Coull, ont mené les assauts malgré leurs blessures. Après la prise de la casemate, les soldats ont continué leur progression vers l'intérieur des terres, nettoyant des positions et subissant d'énormes pertes. La compagnie B, dirigée par le capitaine Gower, a subi 78 % de pertes au cours de l'assaut ce jour-là. Cosys Bunker, gelegen am Juno Beach, spielte am D-Day, dem 6. Juni 1944, eine entscheidende Rolle während der heftigen Kämpfe. Dieser Unterstand war Schauplatz eines mutigen und verlustreichen Angriffs im Rahmen der alliierten Invasion in der Normandie. Benannt ist der Bunker nach Leutnant Bill „Cosy“ Aitken von den Royal Winnipeg Rifles, einem Teil der 7. kanadischen Infanteriebrigade. Aitken erhielt den Befehl, mit einem Zug von fünfzehn Mann der B-Kompanie den Bunker einzunehmen. Der erste Angriff erfolgte mit Maschinengewehren und Handgranaten – die Stellung konnte erobert werden, doch Leutnant Aitken wurde dabei schwer verwundet.Kurz darauf trafen Verstärkungen ein, darunter auch Pioniere, die eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Räumung der Stellung spielten. Insgesamt etwa 150 Mann setzten den Angriff fort. Eine gezielte Sprengung brachte den Bunker schließlich zum Einsturz, woraufhin sich die deutsche Besatzung ergab – jedoch zu einem hohen Preis: Nur 26 Soldaten der B-Kompanie überlebten diesen verlustreichen Kampf.Der Bunker selbst war mit einem 7,5 cm-Geschütz ausgestattet, das westlich den Strand entlang feuerte. Er war Teil eines größeren Netzes deutscher Verteidigungsanlagen namens Widerstandsnest 31, das errichtet worden war, um eine alliierte Landung zu verhindern.Cosys Bunker wurde zu einem Symbol für den entschlossenen und tapferen Einsatz der Royal Winnipeg Rifles, die sich unter schwerem Maschinengewehr- und Artilleriefeuer am Strand behaupteten. Viele Soldaten – wie Gefreiter Walter Klos und Obergefreiter Leslie Coull – führten trotz eigener Verwundungen den Angriff an. Nach der Einnahme des Bunkers rückten die Soldaten weiter ins Landesinnere vor, sicherten weitere Stellungen und erlitten dabei schwere Verluste. Die von Hauptmann Gower geführte B-Kompanie verzeichnete an diesem Tag eine Verlustrate von 78 %. Cosy's Pillbox, gelegen op Juno Beach, speelde een centrale rol tijdens de intense gevechten op D-Day, 6 juni 1944. Deze bunker was getuige van een moedige en kostbare strijd als onderdeel van de grotere invasie van Normandië. Hij is vernoemd naar luitenant Bill 'Cosy' Aitken van de Royal Winnipeg Rifles, onderdeel van de 7e Canadese Infanterie Brigade. Aitken moest een peloton van vijftien man van B Company leiden om de bunker te veroveren. Ze vielen aanvankelijk aan met machinegeweren en granaten en namen met succes de positie in, maar luitenant Aitken raakte ernstig gewond tijdens de aanval.Versterkingen arriveerden al snel, waaronder genieofficieren, die een cruciale rol speelden bij het ontruimen van het fort. Deze versterkingen, ongeveer 150 man sterk, zetten de aanval voort. Een goed geplaatste explosie gooide uiteindelijk de bunker omver en de Duitse verdedigers gaven zich over, zij het tegen een hoge prijs. Slechts 26 mannen van de B-compagnie overleefden deze moeilijke strijd.De bunker zelf herbergde een 7.5cm kanon dat in westelijke richting op het strand schoot. Het maakte deel uit van een breder netwerk van Duitse versterkingen bekend als 'Widerstandsnest 31' (Verzetsnest 31), ontworpen om de geallieerde landingen te verhinderen.Cosy's Pillbox werd een symbool van de vastberaden en moedige inspanningen van de Royal Winnipeg Rifles, die geconfronteerd werden met intens machinegeweervuur en artillerie toen ze het strand aanvielen. Veel soldaten, zoals korporaal Walter Klos en korporaal Leslie Coull, leidden de aanvallen ondanks hun verwondingen. Na de verovering van de pillendoos zetten de soldaten hun opmars landinwaarts voort, veroverden posities en leden enorme verliezen. B Company onder leiding van kapitein Gower leed 78% slachtoffers tijdens de aanval die dag. Il bunker diCosy, situato a Juno Beach, ha svolto un ruolo fondamentale durante gli intensi combattimenti del D-Day, il 6 giugno 1944. Questo bunker è stato testimone di una battaglia coraggiosa e costosa nell'ambito dell'invasione della Normandia. È intitolato al tenente Bill "Cosy" Aitken dei Royal Winnipeg Rifles, parte della 7ª Brigata di Fanteria canadese. Aitken fu incaricato di guidare un plotone di quindici uomini della compagnia B per catturare il fortino. Inizialmente attaccarono con mitragliatrici e granate, riuscendo a conquistare la posizione, ma il tenente Aitken fu gravemente ferito durante l'assalto.Ben presto arrivaronoi rinforzi, tra cui gli ingegneri, che svolsero un ruolo cruciale nello sgombero della fortificazione. Questi rinforzi, circa 150, continuarono l'attacco. Un'esplosione ben piazzata fece crollare il fortino e i difensori tedeschi si arresero, anche se a caro prezzo. Solo 26 uomini della Compagnia B sopravvissero a questa difficile battaglia.Ilfortino stesso ospitava un cannone da 7,5 cm, posizionato per sparare verso ovest lungo la spiaggia. Faceva parte di una più ampia rete di fortificazioni tedesche nota come "Widerstandsnest 31" (Nido di resistenza 31), progettata per impedire gli sbarchi alleati.LaCosy's Pillbox divenne un simbolo degli sforzi determinati e coraggiosi dei Royal Winnipeg Rifles, che affrontarono un intenso fuoco di mitragliatrici e artiglieria durante l'assalto alla spiaggia. Molti soldati, come il caporale Walter Klos e il caporale Leslie Coull, guidarono gli assalti nonostante le ferite. Dopo la cattura del fortino, i soldati continuarono ad avanzare verso l'interno, liberando le posizioni e subendo enormi perdite. La compagnia B guidata dal capitano Gower subì il 78% di perdite durante l'assalto di quel giorno.

 ​Cosy’s Pillbox ​Cosy’s Pillbox  La casemate de Cosy ​Cosys Bunker Il portapillole di Cosy

​​​The Sherman tank stands as a memorial to all armoured tank crews that served during the Second World War. The 8th Armoured Brigade attached to the British 50th Infantry Division landed in Sherman tanks to the east at Jig and King sectors of Gold on 6 June 1944.&nbsp;​​This Sherman tank is marked with insignia of the French 2nd Armoured Division which was commanded by General Leclerc. This Division landed on Utah beach on 1 August 1944 and began to push inland to liberate France. It was General Leclerc’s son who asked for this Sherman tank to be placed here at Arromanches-les-Bains years after the war.&nbsp;​The Sherman tank name is ‘Berry-au-Bac’, which is very significant in French history. The relevance to the name is that during the First World War in 1916, the French first used tanks in the area of the Chemin de Dames at the village of Berry-au-Bac. There is a memorial located there to commemorate this first tank battle conducted by the French.&nbsp;​​This particular Sherman is an M4A2 variant&nbsp; with a diesel engine. The American forces preferred the petrol variants, so as part of the lend lease programme to Allied nations, the French forces were issued with the diesel variant.&nbsp;​For the tank crews that served in the diesel Shermans, they we very aware of how quickly a petrol variant could ignite when hit by enemy rounds. Being in the diesel variant, if hit, gave the crew more of an opportunity to escape the tank. This added vital seconds which was the difference between life and death.&nbsp;​Trooper Alan King, who served in Sherman tanks of both diesel and petrol variants, stated that the day they had to hand over their diesel Shermans to be replaced by petrol ones was a bad day for them and they were reluctant to do so. Alan further stated that they had seen petrol Shermans get hit and the consequences of this.&nbsp;​A plaque attached to the tank commemorates General Leclerc.​&nbsp;

The Sherman tank memorial on top of WN43 overlooking Arromanches-les-Bains

Berry au Bac

The plaque remembers the tank crew who once served in Berry au Bac

Memorial Plaque

The 75mm armament of the Sherman Tank pointing outwards to see and looking out over the remains of the Mulberry Harbour

Sherman Tank 'Berry-au-Bac'

​​​The Sherman tank stands as a memorial to all armoured tank crews that served during the Second World War. The 8th Armoured Brigade attached to the British 50th Infantry Division landed in Sherman tanks to the east at Jig and King sectors of Gold on 6 June 1944.&nbsp;​​This Sherman tank is marked with insignia of the French 2nd Armoured Division which was commanded by General Leclerc. This Division landed on Utah beach on 1 August 1944 and began to push inland to liberate France. It was General Leclerc’s son who asked for this Sherman tank to be placed here at Arromanches-les-Bains years after the war.&nbsp;​The Sherman tank name is ‘Berry-au-Bac’, which is very significant in French history. The relevance to the name is that during the First World War in 1916, the French first used tanks in the area of the Chemin de Dames at the village of Berry-au-Bac. There is a memorial located there to commemorate this first tank battle conducted by the French.&nbsp;​​This particular Sherman is an M4A2 variant&nbsp; with a diesel engine. The American forces preferred the petrol variants, so as part of the lend lease programme to Allied nations, the French forces were issued with the diesel variant.&nbsp;​For the tank crews that served in the diesel Shermans, they we very aware of how quickly a petrol variant could ignite when hit by enemy rounds. Being in the diesel variant, if hit, gave the crew more of an opportunity to escape the tank. This added vital seconds which was the difference between life and death.&nbsp;​Trooper Alan King, who served in Sherman tanks of both diesel and petrol variants, stated that the day they had to hand over their diesel Shermans to be replaced by petrol ones was a bad day for them and they were reluctant to do so. Alan further stated that they had seen petrol Shermans get hit and the consequences of this.&nbsp;​A plaque attached to the tank commemorates General Leclerc.​&nbsp; Le char Sherman est un mémorial pour tous les équipages de chars blindés qui ont servi pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. La 8e brigade blindée rattachée à la 50e division d'infanterie britannique a débarqué dans des chars Sherman à l'est des secteurs Jig et King of Gold le 6 juin 1944.Ce char Sherman porte les insignes de la 2e Division blindée française, commandée par le général Leclerc. Cette division a débarqué sur la plage d'Utah le 1er août 1944 et a commencé à pousser à l'intérieur des terres pour libérer la France. C'est le fils du général Leclerc qui a demandé que ce char Sherman soit placé ici, à Arromanches-les-Bains, des années après la guerre.Le nom du char Sherman est "Berry-au-Bac", ce qui est très important dans l'histoire de France. En effet, pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, en 1916, les Français ont utilisé pour la première fois des chars d'assaut dans la région du Chemin de Dames, dans le village de Berry-au-Bac. Un mémorial a été érigé à cet endroit pour commémorer cette première bataille de chars menée par les Français.Ce Sherman est une variante du M4A2 avec un moteur diesel. Les forces américaines préféraient les variantes à essence et, dans le cadre du programme de prêt-bail aux nations alliées, les forces françaises ont reçu la variante diesel.Les équipages de chars qui ont servi dans les Shermans diesel savaient à quel point une variante à essence pouvait s'enflammer rapidement lorsqu'elle était touchée par des balles ennemies. Le fait d'être dans la variante diesel, en cas d'attaque, donnait à l'équipage plus de chances de s'échapper du char. Cela permettait de gagner des secondes vitales, ce qui faisait la différence entre la vie et la mort.Le soldatAlan King, qui a servi dans des chars Sherman diesel et essence, a déclaré que le jour où ils ont dû remettre leurs Sherman diesel pour les remplacer par des Sherman essence a été un mauvais jour pour eux et qu'ils étaient réticents à le faire. Alan a ajouté qu'ils avaient vu des Shermans à essence se faire percuter et qu'ils en avaient subi les conséquences.Une plaque apposée sur le char commémore le général Leclerc. De Sherman tank staat als gedenkteken voor alle pantsertankbemanningen die tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog hebben gediend. De 8th Armoured Brigade van de Britse 50th Infantry Division landde op 6 juni 1944 met Sherman tanks in het oosten bij Jig en King sectors of Gold.Deze Sherman tank is gemarkeerd met insignes van de Franse 2e Pantserdivisie die onder bevel stond van generaal Leclerc. Deze divisie landde op Utah Beach op 1 augustus 1944 en begon landinwaarts te stoten om Frankrijk te bevrijden. Het was de zoon van generaal Leclerc die jaren na de oorlog vroeg om deze Sherman tank hier in Arromanches-les-Bains te plaatsen.De naam vandeSherman tank is 'Berry-au-Bac', wat erg belangrijk is in de Franse geschiedenis. De relevantie van de naam is dat de Fransen tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog in 1916 voor het eerst tanks gebruikten in het gebied van de Chemin de Dames bij het dorp Berry-au-Bac. Er staat daar een monument om deze eerste tankslag van de Fransen te herdenken.Deze Sherman is een M4A2-variant met een dieselmotor. De Amerikaanse strijdkrachten gaven de voorkeur aan de benzinevarianten, dus als onderdeel van het leaseprogramma aan de Geallieerde naties, kregen de Franse strijdkrachten de dieselvariant.De tankbemanningen die in de diesel Shermans dienden, wisten hoe snel een benzinevariant kon ontbranden wanneer deze door vijandelijke kogels werd geraakt. In de dieselvariant had de bemanning bij een treffer meer kans om uit de tank te ontsnappen. Dit voegde vitale seconden toe en dat was het verschil tussen leven en dood.Trooper Alan King, die in Sherman tanks van zowel diesel- als benzinevarianten diende, verklaarde dat de dag dat ze hun diesel Shermans moesten inleveren om te worden vervangen door benzinetanks een slechte dag voor hen was en dat ze er tegenop zagen. Alan verklaarde verder dat ze hadden gezien hoe benzineshermans werden geraakt en wat de gevolgen daarvan waren.Een plaquette op de tank herdenkt Generaal Leclerc. Czołg Sherman 'Berry-au-Bac' stanowi pomnik wszystkich załóg czołgów pancernych, które służyły podczas II wojny światowej. 8 Brygada Pancerna dołączona do brytyjskiej 50 Dywizji Piechoty wylądowała czołgami Sherman na wschodzie w 2 sektorach (Jig i King) w strefie Gold 6 czerwca 1944 roku. Strefa Gold (Gold Beach) była nazwą jednego z pięciu obszarów lądowania aliantów w Normandii w 1944 roku. Czołg jest oznaczony insygniami francuskiej 2 Dywizji Pancernej dowodzonej przez generała Leclerca. Dywizja ta wylądowała na plaży Utah 1 sierpnia 1944 r. i zaczęła przemieszczać się w głąb lądu, aby wyzwolić Francję. To właśnie syn generała Leclerca poprosił o umieszczenie tego czołgu w Arromanches-les-Bains wiele lat po wojnie.Nazwa czołgu to „Berry-au-Bac”, nazwa ta ma duże znaczenie w historii Francji. Ma ona związek z tym, że podczas I wojny światowej, w 1916 r. Francuzi po raz pierwszy użyli czołgów w rejonie Chemin de Dames, właśnie w wiosce o nazwie Berry-au-Bac. Znajduje się tam pomnik upamiętniający ową bitwę.Ten konkretny Sherman to wariant M4A2 z silnikiem wysokoprężnym. Siły amerykańskie preferowały warianty benzynowe, więc w ramach programu leasingu dla państw alianckich, siły francuskie otrzymały wariant z silnikiem wysokoprężnym.Załogi czołgów, które służyły w Shermanach z silnikami wysokoprężnymi, doskonale zdawały sobie sprawę z tego, jak szybko wariant benzynowy może się zapalić po trafieniu pociskami wroga. Będąc w wariancie z silnikiem wysokoprężnym, w przypadku trafienia, załoga miała większą szansę na ucieczkę z czołgu. To dodawało ważnych sekund, które często decydowały o życiu lub śmierci.Żołnierz Alan King, który służył w czołgach Sherman zarówno z silnikiem wysokoprężnym, jak i benzynowym, stwierdził, że dzień, w którym musieli oddać swoje Shermany z silnikiem wysokoprężnym, aby zastąpić je benzynowymi, był dla nich złym dniem i zrobili to niechętnie. Stwierdził ponadto, że widzieli, jak benzynowe Shermany zostawały trafione i jakie były tego konsekwencje.Tablica przymocowana do czołgu upamiętnia generała Leclerca.

 Sherman tank 'Berry-au-Bac Sherman Tank 'Berry-au-Bac' Char Sherman "Berry-au-Bac"  Czołg Sherman 'Berry-au-Bac'

​​Floating piers and pierheads were known collectively as ‘Whale’. They were constructed of steel and concrete and had to float. The intention was that the ‘Whale’ was towed across the channel in suitable sections and erected on the spot at Arromanches-les-Bains or Vierville-sur-Mer.&nbsp;​The ’Whale’ was the vital component that consisted of ‘Beetle’ and the steel road. The ‘Beetle’ (floating concrete sections) were spaced out with the road section attached to the top: these were the ‘Whale’ element. These formed the roadways from the sea to enable the unloading of ships and crafts to allow the supplies and vehicles to come ashore.&nbsp;​Each ‘Whale’ needed to be anchored down into position to stop the floating roadways from drifting away with tide conditions or weather. The ‘Beetle’ component had the anchors attached to them.&nbsp;​On 8 June 1944, the first ‘Whale’ tows were sailed from 03:30 and then continued daily. The only time they were not allowed to be towed was when the weather conditions were unfavourable. On 12 June, five ‘Whale’ tows were lost on passage across the channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;​Nowadays, there are no complete ‘Whale’ sections remaining at Arromanches-les-Bains. However, what can still be seen of the ‘Whale’ are the ‘Beetle’ components. These are the concrete structures, lozenge shaped, that are visible on the beach in a line when the tide is out. They should not be climbed on or into.&nbsp;

The floating concrete sections know as 'Beetle' that would support the whale section

Beetle section

This single piece of 'Whale', the floating road, shows how vehicles would pass along from the sea to the land

Whale road section

On the beach, multiple sections of 'beetle' can be found clustered together

Beetle Cluster

This single span of 'Whale' is around 40 feet long. It would sit on top of two 'Beetle' sections that allowed it to float

The 'Beetle' concrete section sitting on the sand, in the background section of whale, floating roadway, can be seen

Whale and Beetle

Whale component of a Mulberry Harbour

​​Floating piers and pierheads were known collectively as ‘Whale’. They were constructed of steel and concrete and had to float. The intention was that the ‘Whale’ was towed across the channel in suitable sections and erected on the spot at Arromanches-les-Bains or Vierville-sur-Mer.&nbsp;​The ’Whale’ was the vital component that consisted of ‘Beetle’ and the steel road. The ‘Beetle’ (floating concrete sections) were spaced out with the road section attached to the top: these were the ‘Whale’ element. These formed the roadways from the sea to enable the unloading of ships and crafts to allow the supplies and vehicles to come ashore.&nbsp;​Each ‘Whale’ needed to be anchored down into position to stop the floating roadways from drifting away with tide conditions or weather. The ‘Beetle’ component had the anchors attached to them.&nbsp;​On 8 June 1944, the first ‘Whale’ tows were sailed from 03:30 and then continued daily. The only time they were not allowed to be towed was when the weather conditions were unfavourable. On 12 June, five ‘Whale’ tows were lost on passage across the channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;​Nowadays, there are no complete ‘Whale’ sections remaining at Arromanches-les-Bains. However, what can still be seen of the ‘Whale’ are the ‘Beetle’ components. These are the concrete structures, lozenge shaped, that are visible on the beach in a line when the tide is out. They should not be climbed on or into.&nbsp; Les piles et les têtes de piles flottantes étaient connues sous le nom de "baleine". Elles étaient construites en acier et en béton et devaient flotter. L'objectif était de remorquer la "Baleine" à travers le canal en sections appropriées et de l'ériger sur place à Arromanches-les-Bains ou à Vierville-sur-Mer.La "Baleine" était l'élément vital composé du "Scarabée" et de la route en acier. Les "Beetle" (sections flottantes en béton) étaient espacées et la section routière était attachée au sommet : c'était l'élément "Whale". Ils formaient les voies de circulation à partir de la mer pour permettre le déchargement des navires et des embarcations afin de permettre aux fournitures et aux véhicules d'arriver sur le rivage.Chaque"baleine" devait être ancrée en position pour empêcher les routes flottantes de dériver en fonction de la marée ou des conditions météorologiques. Les composants du "Beetle" étaient équipés d'ancres.Le 8 juin 1944, les premiers remorquages de la "Baleine" ont été effectués à partir de 03h30 et se sont poursuivis tous les jours. Le seul moment où ils n'étaient pas autorisés à être remorqués était lorsque les conditions météorologiques étaient défavorables. Le 12 juin, cinq remorques "Whale" ont été perdues lors de la traversée de la Manche.Aujourd'hui, il ne reste plus de sections complètes de la "Baleine" à Arromanches-les-Bains. Cependant, ce que l'on peut encore voir de la "Baleine", ce sont les éléments du "Scarabée". Il s'agit des structures en béton, en forme de losange, qui sont visibles sur la plage en ligne lorsque la marée est basse. Il est interdit de grimper dessus ou d'y pénétrer. Drijvende pieren en pierhoofden stonden bekend als 'Whale'. Ze waren gemaakt van staal en beton en moesten drijven. Het was de bedoeling dat de 'Whale' in geschikte delen over het kanaal werd gesleept en ter plekke bij Arromanches-les-Bains of Vierville-sur-Mer werd opgebouwd.De 'Whale' was het vitale onderdeel dat bestond uit de 'Beetle' en de stalen weg. De 'Beetle' (drijvende betonnen secties) werden uit elkaar geplaatst met het weggedeelte aan de bovenkant bevestigd: deze vormden het 'Whale'-element. Deze vormden de wegen vanaf zee om het lossen van schepen en vaartuigen mogelijk te maken, zodat de voorraden en voertuigen aan land konden komen.Elke 'Whale' moest op zijn plaats worden verankerd om te voorkomen dat de drijvende wegen zouden wegdrijven bij eb of vloed. Aan de 'Beetle' component waren de ankers bevestigd.Op 8 juni 1944 werden de eerste 'Whale' sleepschepen vanaf 03:30 uitgezet en daarna dagelijks voortgezet. De enige keer dat er niet gesleept mocht worden was als de weersomstandigheden ongunstig waren. Op 12 juni gingen vijf 'Whale' sleepschepen verloren tijdens de overtocht door het kanaal.Tegenwoordig zijn er geen complete 'Whale'-secties meer over in Arromanches-les-Bains. Wat nog wel te zien is van de 'Whale' zijn de 'Beetle' onderdelen. Dit zijn de betonnen structuren, ruitvormig, die bij eb in een lijn op het strand zichtbaar zijn. Je mag er niet op of in klimmen. Pływające pomosty i głowice pomostów były znane pod wspólną nazwą „Wieloryb”. Były one zbudowane ze stali i betonu i musiały unosić się na wodzie. W zamierzeniu „Wieloryb” miał być holowany przez kanał w częściach i wznoszony na miejscu w Arromanches-les-Bains lub Vierville-sur-Mer.„Wieloryb” był kluczowym elementem, który składał się z „Chrząszcza” i stalowej drogi. „Chrząszcze” (pływające sekcje betonowe) były rozmieszczone w odstępach z fragmentem drogi przymocowanym do górnej części: były to elementy „wieloryba”. Tworzyły one jezdnie od strony morza, umożliwiające rozładunek statków i innych jednostek pływających, aby umożliwić pojazdom i dostawom dostanie się na ląd.Każdy „wieloryb” musiał być zakotwiczony, aby zapobiec dryfowaniu pływających dróg w zależności od warunków pływowych lub pogodowych. „Chrząszcze” miały przymocowane kotwice.W dniu 8 czerwca 1944 r. pierwsze holowania „Wielorybów” rozpoczęły się o godzinie 03:30 i były kontynuowane codziennie. Holowanie nie było możliwe tylko wtedy, gdy warunki pogodowe były niekorzystne. Przykładowo, 12 czerwca pięć holowników „Wieloryb” zostało utraconych podczas przejścia przez kanał w niedogodnych okolicznościach.Obecnie w Arromanches-les-Bains nie ma już pełnych fragmentów „Wielorybów”. To, co wciąż można zobaczyć, to elementy „Chrząszcza”. Są to betonowe konstrukcje w kształcie pastylek, które są widoczne na plaży podczas odpływu. Nie należy się na nie wspinać ani do nich wchodzić.

 Walviscomponent van een Moerbeihaven Whale component of a Mulberry Harbour Composant baleine (port de Mulberry) Wielorybi składnik w Porcie Mulberry

​​​On 23 March 1942, Adolf Hitler issued Fuhrer Directive No. 40 which was the order for the creation of an Atlantic Wall. 6,200km of coastline needed to be defended. They used slave labour, such as Organisation Todt, and conscripted workers to build hundreds of defensive positions.&nbsp;​WN43 is located on the seafront of the town of Arromanches-les-Bains. Here, the position was manned by the Wehrmacht (army) I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division.&nbsp;​The Atlantic Wall defences in the town were light as they were connected to the stronger defensive positions of WN42 located to the east, and WN44 located to the west.&nbsp;​The beach front was narrow and in 1942 the access to the beach was blocked by a 60m long Panzermauer (Anti-Tank Wall). This included multiple concrete positions that allowed them to fire down onto the beach area and promenade. This was all surrounded with barbed wire to add further defences. Within a large concrete ringstand was a 50mm cannon that could be turned 360 degrees. This was located to the western side of the square that protrudes out into the beach area in front of where the Hotel la Marine is now found.&nbsp;​A total of eight fixed Flammenverfer (Flame Throwers) were set out along the promenade area with a further two that were mobile and could be positioned around the town.&nbsp;​On 6 June 1944, one final position was still under construction. This was a R667 concrete casemate that would have overlooked the beaches where the museum now stands. Even as the Allies approached the undertaking of Operation Overlord, the German Atlantic Wall was far from complete.&nbsp;​Only a few visible remains of the concrete defences that made up WN43 are left. There are two concrete emplacements along the promenade path that leads west from the front of the museum down to the far end of the beach.​&nbsp;

Sat to the eastern end of the beach, these positions look down towards the beach area. This included an anti-aircraft gun fixed on a concrete position, a 40mm Bofors gun used by the British forces

WN43 Positions

This German concrete position is on the promenade and overlooks the beach area. It was used as a rifle or machine gun position to defend the beach area.

WN43 Tobruk

An anti-tank wall was built as part of the defensive position to prevent any landings being able to exit the beach area

WN43 Anti-Tank Wall

Wiederstandnest 43 (WN43)

​​​On 23 March 1942, Adolf Hitler issued Fuhrer Directive No. 40 which was the order for the creation of an Atlantic Wall. 6,200km of coastline needed to be defended. They used slave labour, such as Organisation Todt, and conscripted workers to build hundreds of defensive positions.&nbsp;​WN43 is located on the seafront of the town of Arromanches-les-Bains. Here, the position was manned by the Wehrmacht (army) I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division.&nbsp;​The Atlantic Wall defences in the town were light as they were connected to the stronger defensive positions of WN42 located to the east, and WN44 located to the west.&nbsp;​The beach front was narrow and in 1942 the access to the beach was blocked by a 60m long Panzermauer (Anti-Tank Wall). This included multiple concrete positions that allowed them to fire down onto the beach area and promenade. This was all surrounded with barbed wire to add further defences. Within a large concrete ringstand was a 50mm cannon that could be turned 360 degrees. This was located to the western side of the square that protrudes out into the beach area in front of where the Hotel la Marine is now found.&nbsp;​A total of eight fixed Flammenverfer (Flame Throwers) were set out along the promenade area with a further two that were mobile and could be positioned around the town.&nbsp;​On 6 June 1944, one final position was still under construction. This was a R667 concrete casemate that would have overlooked the beaches where the museum now stands. Even as the Allies approached the undertaking of Operation Overlord, the German Atlantic Wall was far from complete.&nbsp;​Only a few visible remains of the concrete defences that made up WN43 are left. There are two concrete emplacements along the promenade path that leads west from the front of the museum down to the far end of the beach.​&nbsp; Le 23 mars 1942, Adolf Hitler publie la directive du Führer n° 40, qui ordonne la création d'un mur de l'Atlantique. Il s'agit de défendre 6 200 km de côtes. Des centaines de positions défensives ont été construites à l'aide d'esclaves, comme l'Organisation Todt, et de travailleurs conscrits. WN43 est situé sur le front de mer de la ville d'Arromanches-les-Bains. Ici, la position était tenue par le Wehrmacht (armée) I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division. Lesdéfenses du Mur de l'Atlantique dans la ville étaient légères car elles étaient reliées aux positions défensives plus solides de WN42, située à l'est, et de WN44, située à l'ouest .Le front de mer était étroit et en 1942, l'accès à la plage fut bloqué par un Panzermauer (mur antichar )de 60 mètres de long . Ce mur comprenait de multiples positions en béton qui permettaient de tirer sur la plage et la promenade. Le tout était entouré de fils barbelés pour renforcer les défenses. À l'intérieur d'une grande tribune en béton se trouvait un canon de 50 mm qui pouvait être tourné à 360 degrés. Il était situé à l'ouest de la place qui s'étend sur la plage, devant l'hôtel La Marine. Au total, huit Flammenverfer (lance-flammes) fixes étaient disposés le long de la promenade et deux autres étaient mobiles et pouvaient être positionnés dans la ville .Le 6 juin 1944, une dernière position était encore en construction. Il s'agissait d'une casemate en béton R667 qui devait surplomber les plages où se trouve aujourd'hui le musée. Alors que les Alliés s'apprêtaient à entreprendre l'opération Overlord, le mur allemand de l'Atlantique était loin d'être achevé. Ilne reste que quelques vestiges visibles des défenses en béton qui constituaient le WN43. Deux emplacements en béton se trouvent le long du sentier de promenade qui mène à l'ouest de l'entrée du musée jusqu'à l'extrémité de la plage. Op 23 maart 1942 vaardigde Adolf Hitler Fuhrer Directive No. 40 uit, het bevel voor de bouw van een Atlantikwall. 6.200 km kustlijn moest worden verdedigd. Ze gebruikten slavenarbeid, zoals Organisation Todt, en dienstplichtige arbeiders om honderden verdedigingsposities te bouwen. WN43 ligt aan de kust van de stad Arromanches-les-Bains. Hier werd de positie bemand door het Wehrmacht (leger) I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infanterie Divisie. De verdedigingswerken van de Atlantikwall in de stad waren licht omdat ze verbonden waren met de sterkere verdedigingsposities van WN42 in het oosten en WN44 in het westen. Het strandfront was smal en in 1942 werd de toegang tot het strand geblokkeerd door een 60 meter lange Panzermauer (antitankmuur). Deze omvatte meerdere betonnen posities die hen in staat stelden te vuren op het strand en de boulevard. Dit alles was omringd met prikkeldraad voor nog meer verdediging. Binnen een grote betonnen ringstaander stond een 50mm kanon dat 360 graden gedraaid kon worden. Dit stond aan de westkant van het plein dat uitsteekt in het strandgebied voor het Hotel la Marine. In totaal stonden er acht vaste Flammenverfer (vlammenwerpers) langs de promenade en nog eens twee die mobiel waren en rond de stad geplaatst konden worden. Op 6 juni 1944 was er nog een laatste positie in aanbouw. Dit was een R667 betonnen kazemat die uitkeek over de stranden waar nu het museum staat. Zelfs toen de Geallieerden het begin van Operatie Overlord naderden, was de Duitse Atlantikwall nog lang niet voltooid. Slechts enkele zichtbare overblijfselen van de betonnen verdedigingswerken die deel uitmaakten van WN43 zijn overgebleven. Er zijn twee betonnen opstellingen langs het promenadepad dat vanaf de voorkant van het museum naar het uiterste puntje van het strand in westelijke richting loopt. 23 marca 1942 roku Adolf Hitler wydał Dyrektywę Fuhrera nr 40, która zawierała rozkaz utworzenia Wału Atlantyckiego - konieczna była obrona 6 200 km linii brzegowej. Do budowy setek pozycji obronnych wykorzystano niewolniczą siłę roboczą, np. dostarczaną przez Organizację Todt, oraz robotników poborowych.WN43 znajduje się nad brzegiem morza w mieście Arromanches-les-Bains. Pozycja ta była obsadzona przez I. Pułk Grenadierów Wehrmachtu 916, 352 Dywizja Piechoty (I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division).Obrona Wału Atlantyckiego w mieście była stosunkowo słaba, ponieważ była połączona z silniejszymi pozycjami obronnymi WN42 na wschodzie i WN44 na zachodzie.Plaża była wąska, a w 1942 roku dostęp do niej został zablokowany przez 60-metrowy Panzermauer (mur przeciwczołgowy). Obejmował on wiele betonowych stanowisk, które umożliwiały ostrzał plaży i promenady. Całość była otoczona drutem kolczastym w celu zapewnienia dodatkowej obrony. Wewnątrz dużego betonowego pierścienia znajdowało się działo 50 mm, które można było obracać o 360 stopni. Znajdowało się ono po zachodniej stronie placu, który wychodzi na plażę naprzeciwko miejsca, w którym obecnie stoi Hotel la Marine.Łącznie wzdłuż promenady ustawiono osiem stałych Flammenverfer (miotaczy ognia), a kolejne dwa były ruchome i można je było rozmieścić wokół miasta.W dniu 6 czerwca 1944 r. jedno z ostatnich stanowisk było jeszcze w budowie. Była to betonowa kazamata R667, z której roztaczał się widok na plaże, na których obecnie znajduje się muzeum. Nawet gdy alianci zbliżali się do rozpoczęcia operacji Overlord, niemiecki Wał Atlantycki był daleki od ukończenia.Do dziś zachowało się jedynie kilka widocznych pozostałości betonowych umocnień, które tworzyły WN43. Wzdłuż ścieżki promenady, która prowadzi na zachód od frontowej części muzeum do odległego końca plaży, znajdują się dwa betonowe stanowiska.

 Wiederstandsnest 43 (WN43) Wiederstandnest 43 (WN43) Wiederstandnest 43 (WN43) Wiederstandnest 43 (WN43)

​​​The Royal Engineers lead the construction programme of the Mulberry Harbour, whilst the Royal Navy assisted in its coordination, planning, deployment and assembly.​&nbsp;​Brigadier Bruce White was the Royal Engineer who led the construction of the harbour. He was a veteran of the First World War and also an engineer by trade and had been appointed the Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport by the war office. He oversaw the construction of components around the UK at secret locations and ensured the tight security of what was being constructed.&nbsp;​In May 1944, there was concern around the top-secret security of the harbour due to a broadcast on German radio where traitor, William Joyce, stated they knew what the Allies were doing with the caissons and that the Germans would help sink them when they were brought across the channel.&nbsp;​Hundreds of Royal Engineers, alongside the Royal Navy, constructed the harbour in position when it reached the shore of Arromanches-les-Bains. The great storm in late June caused significant damage, but it was repaired and put back into action by the Engineers.&nbsp;​By 19 June 1944, more than a million men had landed. Between 15 to 18 June, nearly 19,000 Americans and 16,000 British soldiers were brought ashore. The daily average disembarkation of supplies to the artificial harbour was at 25,000 tonnes and 2,000 vehicles.​&nbsp;​The Engineers kept the port operational until late 1944.​&nbsp;

Royal Engineers Memorial in Arromanches-les-Bains, 2017

Situated in front of a section of 'whale' (floating roadway), from the Mulberry Harbour. The memorial commemorates the Royal Engineers who played a role in constructing the harbour

Royal Engineers Memorial

​​​The Royal Engineers lead the construction programme of the Mulberry Harbour, whilst the Royal Navy assisted in its coordination, planning, deployment and assembly.​&nbsp;​Brigadier Bruce White was the Royal Engineer who led the construction of the harbour. He was a veteran of the First World War and also an engineer by trade and had been appointed the Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport by the war office. He oversaw the construction of components around the UK at secret locations and ensured the tight security of what was being constructed.&nbsp;​In May 1944, there was concern around the top-secret security of the harbour due to a broadcast on German radio where traitor, William Joyce, stated they knew what the Allies were doing with the caissons and that the Germans would help sink them when they were brought across the channel.&nbsp;​Hundreds of Royal Engineers, alongside the Royal Navy, constructed the harbour in position when it reached the shore of Arromanches-les-Bains. The great storm in late June caused significant damage, but it was repaired and put back into action by the Engineers.&nbsp;​By 19 June 1944, more than a million men had landed. Between 15 to 18 June, nearly 19,000 Americans and 16,000 British soldiers were brought ashore. The daily average disembarkation of supplies to the artificial harbour was at 25,000 tonnes and 2,000 vehicles.​&nbsp;​The Engineers kept the port operational until late 1944.​&nbsp; Les Royal Engineers ont dirigé le programme de construction du Mulberry Harbour, tandis que la Royal Navy a contribué à sa coordination, à sa planification, à son déploiement et à son assemblage. Le brigadier Bruce White était l'ingénieur royal qui a dirigé la construction du port. Vétéran de la Première Guerre mondiale et ingénieur de métier, il avait été nommé directeur des ports et du transport fluvial par le ministère de la guerre. Il a supervisé la construction d'éléments dans tout le Royaume-Uni, dans des lieux secrets, et a veillé à la sécurité de ce qui était en train d'être construit.En mai 1944, la sécurité ultra secrète du port a suscité des inquiétudes en raison d'une émission de radio allemande dans laquelle le traître William Joyce déclarait qu'il savait ce que les Alliés faisaient avec les caissons et que les Allemands aideraient à les couler lorsqu'ils traverseraient la Manche.Des centaines d'ingénieurs royaux, aux côtés de la Royal Navy, ont construit le port en position lorsqu'il a atteint le rivage d'Arromanches-les-Bains. La grande tempête de la fin juin a causé d'importants dégâts, mais les ingénieurs ont pu réparer et remettre le port en service.Le19 juin 1944, plus d'un million d'hommes ont débarqué. Entre le 15 et le 18 juin, près de 19 000 Américains et 16 000 Britanniques sont débarqués. Le débarquement quotidien moyen de matériel dans le port artificiel s'élève à 25 000 tonnes et 2 000 véhicules. Le génie a maintenu le port opérationnel jusqu'à la fin de l'année 1944. De Royal Engineers leidden het bouwprogramma van de Mulberry Harbour, terwijl de Royal Navy assisteerde bij de coördinatie, planning, inzet en montage. Brigadier Bruce White was de Royal Engineer die de bouw van de haven leidde. Hij was een veteraan uit de Eerste Wereldoorlog en ook ingenieur van beroep en was door het oorlogskabinet benoemd tot Directeur Havens en Binnenvaart. Hij hield toezicht op de bouw van onderdelen in het Verenigd Koninkrijk op geheime locaties en zorgde voor de strenge beveiliging van wat er werd gebouwd.In mei 1944 was er bezorgdheid over de topgeheime beveiliging van de haven vanwege een uitzending op de Duitse radio waarin verrader William Joyce verklaarde dat ze wisten wat de Geallieerden met de caissons deden en dat de Duitsers zouden helpen ze tot zinken te brengen als ze over het kanaal werden gebracht.Honderden Royal Engineers, naast de Royal Navy, bouwden de haven in positie toen het de kust van Arromanches-les-Bains bereikte. De grote storm eind juni veroorzaakte aanzienlijke schade, maar de haven werd gerepareerd en weer in gebruik genomen door de Royal Engineers.Op 19 juni 1944 waren meer dan een miljoen mannen geland. Tussen 15 en 18 juni werden bijna 19.000 Amerikanen en 16.000 Britse soldaten aan land gebracht. De dagelijkse gemiddelde ontscheping van voorraden in de kunstmatige haven bedroeg 25.000 ton en 2.000 voertuigen. De Royal Engineers hielden de haven operationeel tot eind 1944. Royal Engineers kierowali programem budowy portu Mulberry, podczas gdy Królewska Marynarka Wojenna pomagała w jego planowaniu, rozmieszczeniu i montażu.Brygadier Bruce White był Królewskim Inżynierem, który kierował budową portu. Był on weteranem pierwszej wojny światowej, a także inżynierem z zawodu i został mianowany dyrektorem ds. portów i śródlądowego transportu wodnego przez biuro wojenne. Nadzorował budowę komponentów w Wielkiej Brytanii w tajnych lokalizacjach i zapewniał ścisłe bezpieczeństwo tego, co było budowane.W maju 1944 r. pojawiły się obawy o bezpieczeństwo portu z powodu audycji w niemieckim radiu, w której zdrajca William Joyce stwierdził, że wie, co alianci robią z kesonami (elementy sztucznego portu) i że Niemcy mogą je zatopić, gdy zostaną przewiezione przez kanał.Setki Królewskich Inżynierów, wraz z Królewską Marynarką Wojenną, zbudowało port przy brzegu Arromanches-les-Bains. Wielki sztorm pod koniec czerwca spowodował znaczne uszkodzenia, ale zostały one naprawione i port przywrócono do działania.Do 19 czerwca 1944 r. w Arromanches wylądowało ponad milion żołnierzy. Pomiędzy 15 a 18 czerwca na ląd przybyło prawie 19 000 Amerykanów i 16 000 Brytyjczyków. Średnia dzienna ilość dostaw zapasów do sztucznego portu wynosiła 25 000 ton i 2 000 pojazdów.Inżynierowie utrzymywali port w gotowości operacyjnej do końca 1944 roku.

 Gedenkteken voor de Royal Engineers Royal Engineers Memorial Royal Engineers Memorial Pomnik Królewskich Inżynierów

On 23 March 1942, Adolf Hitler issued Fuhrer Directive No. 40 which was the order for the creation of an Atlantic Wall. 6,200km of coastline needed to be defended. They used slave labour, such as Organisation Todt, and conscripted workers to build hundreds of defensive positions.&nbsp;​WN44 is located to the west of the town of Arromanches-les-Bains on cliff top slope rising westwards. Here, the position was manned by Wehrmacht (army), I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division.&nbsp;​The Wiederstandnest was created in 1942 and used the 10m high raised area where the cliff began to climb west. WN44 overlooked the beach area and back towards WN43, creating interlocking fields of fire down onto the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains.&nbsp;​A concrete casemate with a MG34 machine gun was built overlooking the beach area. This still remains today and is located at the most western end of WN44. The WN position was interconnected with slit trenches to allow the personnel to move around with cover from any incoming fire.&nbsp;​To the eastern end of the position, where houses now stand, was a concrete casemate which had a 47mm Cannon within. There was a 75mm cannon which was not covered with concrete protection and was situated within the WN position. The only protection for the 75mm cannon was sandbags. Close to these was the ammunition bunker that sat in the centre area of WN44, but it is no longer present.&nbsp;​At the beginning of 1943 the final position of WN44, located to the south of the position away from the cliff, was completed. This offered protection to the rear of WN44 with a firing position. In total 16 Flamewerfer (Flame Thrower) defences were located around WN44.&nbsp;​Caution should be taken on the edge of the cliff area at WN44, do not cross the fences or barriers in place.​​&nbsp;

From just below the WN44 position, this is the view of the beach area that would have been in range of any fire brought down from the position

WN44

The WN position was located above the beach on the cliff tops. This allowed fields of fire directly down onto the beach area. A concrete casemate is still visible to this day

Wiederstandnest 44 (WN44)

On 23 March 1942, Adolf Hitler issued Fuhrer Directive No. 40 which was the order for the creation of an Atlantic Wall. 6,200km of coastline needed to be defended. They used slave labour, such as Organisation Todt, and conscripted workers to build hundreds of defensive positions.&nbsp;​WN44 is located to the west of the town of Arromanches-les-Bains on cliff top slope rising westwards. Here, the position was manned by Wehrmacht (army), I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division.&nbsp;​The Wiederstandnest was created in 1942 and used the 10m high raised area where the cliff began to climb west. WN44 overlooked the beach area and back towards WN43, creating interlocking fields of fire down onto the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains.&nbsp;​A concrete casemate with a MG34 machine gun was built overlooking the beach area. This still remains today and is located at the most western end of WN44. The WN position was interconnected with slit trenches to allow the personnel to move around with cover from any incoming fire.&nbsp;​To the eastern end of the position, where houses now stand, was a concrete casemate which had a 47mm Cannon within. There was a 75mm cannon which was not covered with concrete protection and was situated within the WN position. The only protection for the 75mm cannon was sandbags. Close to these was the ammunition bunker that sat in the centre area of WN44, but it is no longer present.&nbsp;​At the beginning of 1943 the final position of WN44, located to the south of the position away from the cliff, was completed. This offered protection to the rear of WN44 with a firing position. In total 16 Flamewerfer (Flame Thrower) defences were located around WN44.&nbsp;​Caution should be taken on the edge of the cliff area at WN44, do not cross the fences or barriers in place.​​&nbsp; Le 23 mars 1942, Adolf Hitler publie la directive du Führer n° 40, qui ordonne la création d'un mur de l'Atlantique. Il s'agit de défendre 6 200 km de côtes. Des centaines de positions défensives ont été construites à l'aide d'esclaves, comme l'Organisation Todt, et de travailleurs conscrits.WN44 est situé à l'ouest de la ville d'Arromanches-les-Bains, sur une falaise s'élevant vers l'ouest. La position était tenue par le Grenadier Regiment 916 de la Wehrmacht (armée), de la 352e division d'infanterie.La Wiederstandnest fut créée en 1942 et utilisait la zone surélevée de 10 mètres de haut où la falaise commençait à monter vers l'ouest. Le WN44 surplombait la zone de la plage et revenait vers le WN43, créant des champs de tir imbriqués jusqu'à la plage d'Arromanches-les-Bains.Une casemate en béton équipée d'une mitrailleuse MG34 fut construite pour surplomber la plage. Elle existe toujours aujourd'hui et se trouve à l'extrémité la plus à l'ouest de WN44. La position WN était reliée à des tranchées pour permettre au personnel de se déplacer à l'abri de tout tir entrant.À l'extrémité est de la position, là où se trouvent aujourd'hui des maisons, se trouvait une casemate en béton abritant un canon de 47 mm. Un canon de 75 mm, qui n'était pas recouvert d'une protection en béton, se trouvait dans la position WN. La seule protection du canon de 75 mm était constituée de sacs de sable. À proximité de ce canon se trouvait le bunker à munitions qui se trouvait dans la zone centrale de WN44, mais il n'existe plus.Au début de l'année 1943, la position finale de WN44, située au sud de la position, loin de la falaise, fut achevée. Elle offrait une protection à l'arrière de WN44 avec une position de tir. Au total, 16 défenses Flamewerfer (lance-flammes) étaient situées autour de WN44.Il convient d'être prudent au bord de la falaise à WN44 et de ne pas franchir les clôtures ou les barrières en place. Op 23 maart 1942 vaardigde Adolf Hitler Fuhrer Directive No. 40 uit, het bevel voor de bouw van een Atlantikwall. 6.200 km kustlijn moest worden verdedigd. Ze gebruikten slavenarbeid, zoals Organisation Todt, en dienstplichtige arbeiders om honderden verdedigingsposities te bouwen.WN44 ligt ten westen van de stad Arromanches-les-Bains op een klifhelling die naar het westen oploopt. Hier werd de positie bemand door Wehrmacht (leger), I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infanterie Divisie.Het Wiederstandnest werd opgericht in 1942 en gebruikte het 10 meter hoge verhoogde gebied waar de klif naar het westen begon te klimmen. WN44 keek uit over het strandgebied en terug naar WN43, waardoor met elkaar verbonden schootsvelden ontstonden naar het strand van Arromanches-les-Bains.Een betonnen kazemat met een MG34 machinegeweer werd gebouwd met uitzicht op het strandgebied. Deze staat er nog steeds en bevindt zich aan het meest westelijke uiteinde van WN44. De WN-positie was verbonden met loopgraven met sleuven zodat het personeel zich kon verplaatsen met dekking tegen inkomend vuur.Aan de oostkant van de positie, waar nu huizen staan, was een betonnen kazemat met een 47mm kanon erin. Er was een 75mm kanon dat niet bedekt was met betonnen bescherming en dat zich binnen de WN-stelling bevond. De enige bescherming voor het 75mm kanon bestond uit zandzakken. Vlakbij stond de munitiebunker die in het middengebied van WN44 stond, maar die is niet meer aanwezig.Begin 1943 werd de laatste positie van WN44, ten zuiden van de positie weg van de klif, voltooid. Dit bood bescherming aan de achterkant van WN44 met een vuurpositie. In totaal stonden er 16 Flamewerfer (Vlammenwerper) verdedigingswerken rond WN44.Weesvoorzichtigop de rand van de klif bij WN44, ga niet over de hekken of barrières heen. 23 marca 1942 roku Adolf Hitler wydał Dyrektywę Fuhrera nr 40, która zawierała rozkaz utworzenia Wału Atlantyckiego - konieczna była obrona 6 200 km linii brzegowej. Do budowy setek pozycji obronnych wykorzystano niewolniczą siłę roboczą, np. dostarczaną przez Organizację Todt, oraz robotników poborowych.WN44 znajduje się na zachód od miasta Arromanches-les-Bains, na zboczu klifu wznoszącego się w kierunku zachodnim. Pozycja ta była obsadzona przez I. Pułk Grenadierów Wehrmachtu 916, 352 Dywizja Piechoty (I./ Grenadier Regiment 916, 352 Infantry Division).Wiederstandnest został utworzony w 1942 r. i zajmował 10-metrowe wzniesienie w miejscu, gdzie klif zaczynał wspinać się w kierunku zachodnim. WN44 miało widok na plażę i z tyłu w kierunku WN43, tworząc zazębiające się pola ostrzału na plażę w Arromanches-les-Bains.Nad plażą zbudowano betonową kazamatę z karabinem maszynowym MG34. Zachowała się ona do dziś i znajduje się na najbardziej wysuniętym na zachód krańcu WN44. Pozycja WN była połączona z rowami szczelinowymi, aby umożliwić personelowi poruszanie się z osłoną przed nadchodzącym ogniem.Na wschodnim krańcu pozycji, gdzie obecnie stoją budynki mieszkalne, stała betonowa kazamata z działem 47 mm. W obrębie pozycji WN znajdowało się działo 75 mm, które nie było zabezpieczone betonową osłoną - jedyną jego ochroną były worki z piaskiem. W pobliżu znajdował się bunkier amunicyjny, który usytuowany był w centralnej części WN44, ale obecnie już go nie ma.Na początku 1943 roku została oddana do użytku ostatnia lokalizacja WN44, położona na południe od pozycji, z dala od klifu. Zapewniało to ochronę tylnej części WN44 ze stanowiskiem strzelniczym. Łącznie wokół WN44 rozmieszczono 16 Flamewerfer (miotaczy ognia).Należy zachować ostrożność na krawędzi klifu przy WN44, nie przekraczać ogrodzeń ani barier.

 Wiederstandsnest 44 (WN44) Wiederstandnest 44 (WN44) Wiederstandnest 44 (WN44) Wiederstandnest 44 (WN44)

​​The design of the garden features a sculpture of Second World War veteran Bill Pendell MM sat on a stone looking out. In front of him are sculptures of young British soldiers coming ashore on the 6 June 1944.&nbsp;​Designed by multi Royal Horticultural Show gold medal winner John Everiss, the D-Day 75 Garden allows visitors to pause, reflect and learn.&nbsp;​The memorial is surrounded at both ends by two sculptures facing each other. The left side is that of Pendell, sat on the stone looking back across at his 22 year old self. The young figure is frozen before storming the beach alongside his comrades. Some are struggling to get ashore as the waves break. The memorial shows four waves breaking and captures the rough seas of 6 June 1944. The metal posts protruding from the sea represent the beach obstacles faced by the soldiers, known as ‘Rommels Asparagus’.&nbsp;​It is on this scene that, 75 years on, Pendell sits to reflect on what took place. The memorial encourages visitors to stop and think about what it must have been like, the courage it took, and seeing friends fall around you during the battle. The garden is a fitting tribute and helps us to remember D-Day and the Normandy campaign.​&nbsp;

The stunning memorial is a place for reflection and remembrance as you walk among the sculptures depicting the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944

D-Day 75 Garden

​​The design of the garden features a sculpture of Second World War veteran Bill Pendell MM sat on a stone looking out. In front of him are sculptures of young British soldiers coming ashore on the 6 June 1944.&nbsp;​Designed by multi Royal Horticultural Show gold medal winner John Everiss, the D-Day 75 Garden allows visitors to pause, reflect and learn.&nbsp;​The memorial is surrounded at both ends by two sculptures facing each other. The left side is that of Pendell, sat on the stone looking back across at his 22 year old self. The young figure is frozen before storming the beach alongside his comrades. Some are struggling to get ashore as the waves break. The memorial shows four waves breaking and captures the rough seas of 6 June 1944. The metal posts protruding from the sea represent the beach obstacles faced by the soldiers, known as ‘Rommels Asparagus’.&nbsp;​It is on this scene that, 75 years on, Pendell sits to reflect on what took place. The memorial encourages visitors to stop and think about what it must have been like, the courage it took, and seeing friends fall around you during the battle. The garden is a fitting tribute and helps us to remember D-Day and the Normandy campaign.​&nbsp; La conception du jardin comprend une sculpture de Bill Pendell MM, vétéran de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, assis sur une pierre et regardant vers l'extérieur. Devant lui se trouvent des sculptures de jeunes soldats britanniques débarquant le 6 juin 1944.Conçu par John Everiss, plusieurs fois médaillé d'or au Royal Horticultural Show, le D-Day 75 Garden permet aux visiteurs de s'arrêter, de réfléchir et d'apprendre.Le mémorial est entouré aux deux extrémités par deux sculptures qui se font face. Le côté gauche est celui de Pendell, assis sur la pierre et regardant en arrière vers ses 22 ans. Le jeune homme est figé avant de prendre d'assaut la plage aux côtés de ses camarades. Certains luttent pour atteindre le rivage alors que les vagues déferlent. Le mémorial montre quatre vagues déferlantes et illustre la mer agitée du 6 juin 1944. Les poteaux métalliques qui dépassent de la mer représentent les obstacles rencontrés par les soldats sur la plage, connus sous le nom d'"asperges de Rommels".C'est sur cette scène que, 75 ans plus tard, Pendell s'assoit pour réfléchir à ce qui s'est passé. Le mémorial encourage les visiteurs à s'arrêter et à réfléchir à ce qu'ils ont dû ressentir, au courage qu'il leur a fallu, et au fait de voir leurs amis tomber autour d'eux pendant la bataille. Le jardin est un hommage approprié et nous aide à nous souvenir du débarquement et de la campagne de Normandie. Het ontwerp van de tuin bevat een beeld van Tweede Wereldoorlog-veteraan Bill Pendell MM die op een steen zit en naar buiten kijkt. Voor hem staan beelden van jonge Britse soldaten die op 6 juni 1944 aan land kwamen.Ontworpen door meervoudig gouden medaillewinnaar John Everiss van de Royal Horticultural Show, geeft de D-Day 75 Garden bezoekers de gelegenheid om te pauzeren, na te denken en te leren.Het monument wordt aan beide uiteinden omringd door twee beelden die tegenover elkaar staan. De linkerkant is die van Pendell, gezeten op de steen en terugkijkend naar zijn 22-jarige zelf. Het jonge figuur is bevroren voordat hij samen met zijn kameraden het strand bestormt. Sommigen worstelen om aan land te komen terwijl de golven breken. Het monument toont vier brekende golven en geeft de ruwe zee van 6 juni 1944 weer. De metalen palen die uit de zee steken stellen de strandhindernissen voor waarmee de soldaten werden geconfronteerd en die bekend staan als 'Rommels Asperges'.Het is op dit tafereel dat Pendell 75 jaar na dato zit om na te denken over wat er plaatsvond. Het monument moedigt bezoekers aan om stil te staan bij hoe het geweest moet zijn, hoeveel moed er voor nodig was en hoe je vrienden om je heen zag vallen tijdens de strijd. De tuin is een passend eerbetoon en helpt ons D-Day en de campagne in Normandië te herinneren. Projekt ogrodu obejmuje rzeźbę weterana II wojny światowej Billa Pendella MM siedzącego na kamieniu i spoglądającego w dal. Przed nim znajdują się rzeźby młodych brytyjskich żołnierzy schodzących na ląd 6 czerwca 1944 roku.Zaprojektowany przez zdobywcę złotego medalu Royal Horticultural Show, Johna Everissa, D-Day 75 Garden pozwala odwiedzającym na chwilę refleksji i nauki.Pomnik jest obudowany na obu końcach dwiema rzeźbami zwróconymi do siebie. Po lewej stronie znajduje się Pendell, siedzący na kamieniu i spoglądający wstecz na swojego 22-letniego syna. Młoda postać, wraz ze swoimi towarzyszami, oczekuje na szturm na plażę. Niektórzy z nich walczą o wydostanie się na brzeg, gdy rozbijają się fale. Pomnik przedstawia cztery załamujące się fale i ukazuje wzburzone morze z 6 czerwca 1944 roku. Metalowe słupki wystające z morza reprezentują przeszkody, z którymi zmagali się żołnierze, znane jako „szparagi Rommla”.To właśnie na tym miejscu, 75 lat później, Pendell siedzi, rozważając to, co się wydarzyło. Pomnik zachęca odwiedzających do zatrzymania się i zastanowienia się nad tym, jakiej odwagi wymagało poświęcenie żołnierzy, wokół których podczas bitwy padali przyjaciele. Ogród jest wyrazem hołdu i zachowuje pamięć o D-Day i kampanii w Normandii.

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Discover remembrance sites

Discover more sites

​​The Battle of Chambois​

Hill 67 and the Verrières ridge

​​The liberation of Lion-sur-mer

​​General de Gaulle’s return to Normandy

​​The Liberation of Colombelles

​​Operation Epsom: Battle of the Odon

The 51st Highland Division in Normandy

​​Abbaye aux Hommes and Lycée Malherbe : the "health havens" of the Battle of Caen​

​​Château de Creully BBC studio

Azeville Battery

1944 Radar Museum

La Cambe German Military Cemetery

​​General Montgomery’s tactical HQ at Château de Creullet

​​Refugees from the quarries of Caen

​​9th Parachute Battalion Rendezvous Point​

​​Canadian forces liberate Carpiquet

​Recovery of a 1st Hussars DD tank ​

​Cosy’s Pillbox

Sherman Tank 'Berry-au-Bac'

Whale component of a Mulberry Harbour

Wiederstandnest 43 (WN43)

Royal Engineers Memorial

Wiederstandnest 44 (WN44)

D-Day 75 Garden

The Battle of Chambois

The liberation of Lion-sur-mer

General de Gaulle’s return to Normandy

The Liberation of Colombelles

Operation Epsom: Battle of the Odon

Abbaye aux Hommes and Lycée Malherbe : the "health havens" of the Battle of Caen

Château de Creully BBC studio

General Montgomery’s tactical HQ at Château de Creullet

Refugees from the quarries of Caen

9th Parachute Battalion Rendezvous Point

Canadian forces liberate Carpiquet

Recovery of a 1st Hussars DD tank

Cosy’s Pillbox