Memorial Battle of Normandy

​​Cherbourg was one of the most heavily defended cities in the Normandy region. A main reason for that was due to the port. This had been extensively used by the occupying forces including the construction of E boat pens and facilities for Hitler’s vengeance weapons. 

​The German occupying forces finally surrendered to the American forces on the 26 June. During the intense fighting from 14 June when the siege of the city began, over 12,000 Germans were killed. The remainder were wounded or captured, taking the number of German casualties up to 30,000. 

​When the American forces finally got to the area of the port in Cherbourg, they found that the German forces had scuttles it. This meant that for it to be used as an operational port by the allies, reconstruction would need to take place. 

​This was carried out and by 16 July 1944, the port was open to large ships. They would be able to moor quay side and unloading of supplies conducted. The port facility would continue to be rebuilt and expanded as the port would become an essential supply line for the allies as they advanced beyond Normandy. 

​The memorial plaque commemorates the city being awarded recognition of the battle in June 1944, it states- 

​City of Cherbourg 

​Citation in the order of the Army 

​The Patriot city plays a considerable role in the battle of Medeas in 1944 on the Western Front. Liberated on June 26 and 27 by the troops of the First American Army, immediately got to work with ardor. Its specialist, its arsenal workers and its dockers helping the Americans allowed the rapid use of the port. Despite the damage that its installations had suffered, the wrecks broke in the passes and the mines which are thrilled there, was eight months the source of men and material for all the American war potential. 

​War Cross with Palm, Paris 2 June 1948