dday-and-the-battle-of-normandy.pdf

CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE

Musée de la LibérationFort du Roule 50100 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLETél. / Fax 02 33 20 14 12http://www.ville-cherbourg.fr

This Second Empire fortress stands at the top of the « Montagne du Roule » and affords the best view over the harbour and the town of Cherbourg. Opened in 1954 as the first Liberation Museum it has subsequently been updated with new displays. One themed path from « The Shadow of Occupa-tion » to « The Lights of the Landings » as well as other audio visual presentations. Open daily from 01/05 to 30/09. Wednesday and Sunday afternoons between 01/10 and 30/04. Annual closure on December and January.

• Full price entrance (adult) : 3.40 €

SAINT-MARCOUF-DE-L’ISLE

Musée de la Batterie de CrisbecqRoute des Manoirs 50310 SAINT-MARCOUF-DE-L’ISLETél. 06 68 41 09 04e-mail : [email protected]://www.batterie-marcouf.com

Visit one of the Germans’largest coastal artillery bat-teries located on Utah Beach. With 21 blockhouses linked by more than 1km of trenches you can grasp some idea of life in the battery by visiting the recrea-tion rooms, the hospital and kitchens, all of which have been renovated. Open daily from 01/04 to 15/11 and during the February school holidays.

• Full price entrance (adult) : 6 €

AZEVILLE

Batterie d’AzevilleLa Rue - 50310 AZEVILLE Tél. 02 33 40 63 05 - Fax 02 33 40 63 06e-mail : [email protected]://www.sitesetmusees.cg50.fr

Located near Ste Mere Eglise, audio guided or ac-companied visits of a battery which formed part of the German coastal defence and which saw action during the combats of 6th June and following days. Over 350m of tunnels (visit at leisure), 4 casemates and a number of outbuildings bearing the scars of combat all highlight what was the Atlantic Wall. Film projection. Many new features for 2009. Open daily from 01/04 to 31/10 and during (local) school holidays (except Christmas).


SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT

Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach50480 SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONTTél. 02 33 71 53 35 - Fax 02 33 71 92 36e-mail : [email protected]://www.utah-beach.com

Located opposite the beach on the UTAH site, this museum uses archives and souvenirs to recount the military and engineering exploits of the Ameri-can landing at UTAH. Open daily from 01/02 to 30/11


SAINT-CÔME-DU-MONT

Dead Man’s Corner Museum2 Village de l’Amont 50500 SAINT-CÔME-DU-MONTTél. 02 33 42 00 42 - Fax 02 33 42 13 51 e-mail : [email protected] http://www.paratrooper-museum.org

At the point where the men of the 101st Airborne Division encountered the Green Devils (the German paratroopers of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment) for the first time you can get an insight to the horror of the battle for Carentan on the site which has re-mained largely intact. Open all year except 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan and on Sundays from 16/10 to 31/05.


GRANDCAMP-MAISY

Musée des RangersQuai Crampon - 14450 GRANDCAMP-MAISYTél. 02 31 92 33 51 or 02 31 22 64 34 Fax 02 31 22 99 95e-mail : [email protected]

This museum tells the story of a crack American unit specially trained for a special D-Day assign-ment : the assault and capture of the Pointe du Hoc. 18 minute video, Models.... Open daily except Monday between 15/02 and 30/04 from 1300-1800. Between 01/05 and 31/10 from 0930-1300 and 1430-1830 (exc. Monday mornings).


GRANDCAMP-MAISY

Batterie de MaisyRoute des Perruques 14450 GRANDCAMP-MAISYTél. 06 78 04 56 25http://www.maisybattery.com

This battery was part of an important German military area, overlooking a large sector of the Landing Beaches. It fired on Allied troops for 3 days before being taken finally by the 2nd and 5th divisions of the US Rangers on June 9th after an assault lasting 5 hours.


CRICQUEVILLE-EN-BESSIN

La Pointe du Hoc14450 CRICQUEVILLE-EN-BESSINTél. 02 31 51 90 70 - Fax 02 31 51 90 69e-mail : [email protected]://www.cc-isigny-grandcamp-intercom.fr

Symbolising the courage of the young American soldiers involved in its storming, the famous Pointe du Hoc was one of the strongholds in the German fortifications and was taken by force on the morning of 6th June by Colonel Rudder’s “Rangers”. The site, full of emotive memories, has been completely redeveloped; its impressive appearance bears witness to the intensity of the battles which took place here.

• Visit at leisure.

SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER

Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach« Les Moulins » - Avenue de la Libération14710 SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER Tél. 02 31 21 97 44 - Fax 02 31 92 72 80e-mail : [email protected]://www.musee-memorial-omaha.com

Located actually on Omaha Beach, this 1200 m2 mu-seum has an important collection of uniforms, arms, vehicles and personal effects. Several displays, maps and photos together with a film of witness accounts from American veterans will throw more light on the landings at Omaha Beach and the raid on Pointe du Hoc. Military hardware also includes a landing craft, Sherman Tank and a 155mm Long Tom gun, the only one in Normandy. Open from 15/02 to 15/11.


BAYEUXMusée Mémorial de la bataille de NormandieBd Fabian Ware - 14400 BAYEUX

Tél. 02 31 51 46 90 - Fax 02 31 51 46 91 e-mail : [email protected]

Located just a few minutes from the Landing Beaches this museum devotes a 2000m2 area to a detailed representation of the conflicts which unfurled on Normandy soil between 7th June and 29th August 1944. A completely updated exhibi-tion includes equipment, uniforms, a chronological presentation, themed areas and a new 25 minute film of archive material. Open all year.


LONGUES-SUR-MER

Batterie de LonguesOffice de Tourisme Intercommunal Bayeux Bessin 14400 LONGUES-SUR-MERTél. 02 31 21 46 87 or 02 31 51 28 28 Fax 02 31 51 28 29e-mail : [email protected]

This German artillery battery, which gave the Allied ships a pounding on the morning of 6th June, is the only coastal battery to have kept its guns, giving an impressive picture of what an Atlantic Wall gun emplacement was really like. Open all year round. Guided tours between 31/03 & 02/11.

• Full price entrance (adult) : 4 € Visit at leisure

TILLY-SUR-SEULLES

Musée de la Bataille de Tilly-sur-SeullesChapelle Notre-Dame-du-Val 14250 TILLY-SUR-SEULLES Tél. 02 31 80 92 10 or 06 07 59 46 02 Fax 02 31 80 72 89e-mail : [email protected] http://museetilly.free.fr

Located in a 12th century chapel this museum recalls the violent military combats of June and July 1944 as well as the suffering of the civilian population in Tilly-sur-Seulles and the surrounding communities such as Audrieu, Cristot, Chouain, Hottot-les-Bagues, Fontenay-le- Pesnel, Lingèvres, Verrières and Villers Bocage. A new presentation since 2008.Open at weekends and Public Holidays from 1000 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800 at any time of year by prior booking for groups in excess of 5 persons.


ARROMANCHES

Musée du DébarquementPlace du 6 Juin - 14117 ARROMANCHES Tél. 02 31 22 34 31 - Fax 02 31 92 68 83e-mail : [email protected]://www.arromanches-museum.com

Located right in front of the actual vestiges of the artificial harbour (Mulberry B), this museum is devoted to the incredible feat of technology achieved by the British in building and setting up the artificial harbour. The models cover an area of 30m and 2 ausio visual presentations will help you understand more about what was one of the deci-ding factors in the success of Normandy. Guided tours are in French but visit aids are available in 19 different languages. The audio visual presen-tations are available in 9 languages. Open from 26/01 to 30/12.


ARROMANCHES

Arromanches 360Chemin du Calvaire - BP 9 - 14117 ARROMANCHESTél. 02 31 22 30 30 - Fax 02 31 22 33 55 e-mail : [email protected]://www.arromanches360.com

« The Price of Freedom », an outstanding film, is shown on 9 screens in the round. A mixture of pictures of the D-Day Landings in 1944 and of Normandy as it is today, you will find this 360° film show an unforgettable experience. Open from 01/02 to 31/12.


VER-SUR-MER

Musée America Gold Beach2 Place Amiral Byrd - 14114 VER-SUR-MER Tél. / Fax 02 31 22 58 58http://www.goldbeachmusee.org.uk

The America Museum commemorates the first official Air Mail link between France and America with the flight from New York to Ver-sur-Mer on 1st July 1927, as well as the early days of flight.

The Gold Beach Museum explains the detailed preparations for the Landings by the Intelligence Service and the successful assault on Gold Beach King (British bridgehead) by the 69th Brigade of the British 50th Infantry on 6th June 1944, supported by the Royal Navy and RAF. Open from 01/04 to 30/09.


COURSEULLES-SUR-MER

Centre Juno BeachVoie des Français Libres – BP 10414470 COURSEULLES-SUR-MERTél. 02 31 37 32 17 - Fax 02 31 37 83 69e-mail : [email protected]://www.junobeach.org

The only Canadian Museum on the Landing Beaches, the Juno Beach Centre explains the role of Canada in the Second World War as well an insight into Canadian culture. Canadian tour guides. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display. Guided tours of the Juno Park. Open daily from 01/02 to 31/12(except 25/12).

• Full price entrance (adult) : 6.50 € - 10 €

OUISTREHAM

Musée N°4 CommandoPlace Alfred Thomas - 14150 OUISTREHAMTél. 02 31 96 63 10e-mail : [email protected]://www.musee-4commando.org

The museum retraces the epic story of the first commandos to land on Sword Beach at dawn on 6th June, including the Franco-British commando and French Commandant Philippe Kieffer. Open from 15/03 to 31/10.


OUISTREHAM

Musée du Mur de l’AtlantiqueAvenue du 6 juin - 14150 OUISTREHAMTél. 02 31 97 28 69 - Fax 02 31 96 66 05e-mail : [email protected]://www.musee-grand-bunker.com

Established in a former artillery command post on the Atlantic Wall, this concrete tower is the only one of its kind and has been restored and re-equipped to its original state on 6 June, 1944. Open from 07/02 to 03/01.


MERVILLE – FRANCEVILLE

Musée de la Batterie de Merville14810 MERVILLE – FRANCEVILLE Tél. / Fax 02 31 91 47 53e-mail : [email protected]://www.batterie-merville.com

Several times an hour you can relive in total immersion the bombardment of the Merville Battery from inside No 1 Bunker. Smoke, lights, the noises and smells will plunge you back into the heart of battle.The educational visit will also take you to No 2 Bunker which is now a memorial to the British 9th Parachute Battalion as well as No 3 and No 4 which open to the public this year. Since June 2008 a Dakota aircraft has also been installed on the site. Open from 15/03 to 15/11.


BENERVILLE-SUR-MER

Batteries du Mont CanisyLe Mont Canisy - 14910 BENERVILLE-SUR-MERTél. 02 31 87 91 14 or 02 31 87 92 64http://www.mont-canisy.org

In 1937, the French Navy established a coastal battery on this hill overlooking the sea in order to protect access to the port of Le Havre and the Seine Estuary. Then, after June 1940 the German Army had the same idea, making this one of the most important sites between Cherbourg and Le Havre. Many remnants from this period can still be seen both above ground and below in the 250m of chambers. Free guided tours between 01/04 & 30/09.

• Visit at leisure

SAINT-MARTIN-DES-BESACES

Musée de la Percée du BocageD 675 - 14350 SAINT-MARTIN-DES-BESACESTél. / Fax 02 31 67 52 78 e-mail : [email protected]://www.laperceedubocage.com

Through 8 museum displays and a sound and light show presented using a diorama, the guided tour brings you the adventure of the fighters in the hed-gerows. Open from 01/06 to 15/09 as well as weekends and public holidays in May. Closed Tuesdays. Groups by appointment all year.


MONTORMEL

Mémorial de Montormel61160 MONTORMELTél. 02 33 67 38 61 - Fax 09 61 23 30 58e-mail : [email protected]://www.memorial-montormel.org

Monument and museum recounting the final stage of the long and bloody Battle of Normandy where Polish soldiers won renown in the face of despe-rate attacks from the German troops who were then surrounded. Open daily between 01/04 and 30/09. Wednesdays and weekends between 15/01-31/03 and 01/10-15/12.


L’AIGLE

Musée «Juin 44»Place Fulbert de Beina - 61300 L’AIGLETél. 02 33 84 16 16 - Fax 02 33 84 94 94e-mail : [email protected]://www.ville-laigle.fr

This museum plunges you into the hard realities of the Second World War via its presentation of the decisive events of the Battle of Normandy and full-size wax models using actual voices. Open from April to September on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. At other times, for groups by prior appointment only.


DOUVRES-LA-DÉLIVRANDE

Musée RadarRoute de Basly 14440 DOUVRES-LA-DÉLIVRANDETél. 02 31 37 74 43 - Fax 02 31 36 24 25

The first museum devoted to the history of radar in the former German radar station at Douvres, where two remarkably preserved bunkers and an original layout help you to understand the role of radar and how the technique was developed. Open daily from 15/06 to 15/09 and on public holidays. Closed Mondays. Group visits can be pre-booked for any period.


CAENLe Mémorial de CaenCité de l’Histoire pour la PaixEsplanade Général Eisenhower BP 55026 - 14050 CAEN CEDEX 4Tél. 02 31 06 06 45 - Fax 02 31 06 01 66e-mail : [email protected]://www.memorial-caen.fr

Throughout the whole of 2009, year of the 65th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, the Caen Memorial will pay its own respects to the men who fought for our liberty. Guided tours using headsets are possible during the school holidays. The headsets will greatly enhance the convenience and interest and allow you to make the most of your visit.

The following temporary exhibitions are also planned: “Between war and peace” 29 January to 29 March 2009“Save the Children” 5 June to 30 August“Borders: 1961-1989” 2 November to 31st December

• Full price entrance (adult) : 16 € - 16.50 €

COLLEVILLE-MONTGOMERY Site HillmanTél. 02 31 97 12 61 or 02 31 97 39 11e-mail : [email protected]://www.amis-du-suffolk-rgt.com

Unguided visits available year round and free guided tours on Tuesdays at 3 pm from 01/07 to 30/09. Guided tours for groups available year round on request. Visits to the Suffolk Regiment Memorial and Museum from 01/07 to 20/09 from Mondays to Saturdays (3 pm -7 pm). Free entry.

• Visit at leisure.

RANVILLE – BENOUVILLE

Mémorial PegasusAvenue du Major Howard - 14860 RANVILLETél. 02 31 78 19 44 - Fax 02 31 78 19 42e-mail : [email protected]://www.memorial-pegasus.org

At dawn on 6th June, 1944 the first allied troops arrived in Ranville-Bénouville. You can come and relive their story and learn about their heroic combat to liberate the region. The museum con-tains hundreds of authentic objects, all emotive souvenirs, and features the famous Pegasus Bridge which was the first bridge to be liberated on the French mainland. An actual-size model of a glider from that period is also exhibited in the museum’s grounds. Open from 01/02 to 30/11.


© Photo credits: All Gregory Wait unless specified otherwise

Other museums also feature this topic. More information from the County Tourist boards (details on the back)

The sites and museums of the Battle of Normandy

NORMANDIE MEMOIRE Espace Historique

A veritable open air museum, « the Historical Area of the Battle of Normandy» brings together all the museums and remembrance sites in the ‘départements’ of Calvados, Manche and Orne associated with D Day and the offensive which followed. These locations are steeped in history and help create a better understanding of this most significant battle

which was to decide the outcome of the Second World War

Label Normandie Qualité Tourisme

This symbol identifies establishments which have obtained accreditation for their quality of welcome, tourist information and presentation.

Arromanches 360 (Arromanches), Musée du Débarquement (Arromanches), Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie (Bayeux), Le Mémorial de Caen (Caen), Centre Juno Beach (Courseulles-sur-Mer), Mémorial de Montormel (Montormel), Musée du Mur de l’At-lantique (Ouistreham), Mémorial Pegasus (Ranville), Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach (Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer), Musée de la Percée du Bocage (Saint-Martin-des-Besaces), Batterie d’Azeville (Azeville), Mémorial de la Liberté Retrouvée (Quinéville), Dead Man’s Corner Museum (Saint-Côme-du-Mont), Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach (Sainte-Marie-du-Mont), Musée de la Batterie de Crisbecq (Saint-Marcouf-de-l’Isle).

QUINEVILLE

Mémorial de la Liberté Retrouvée18, avenue de la Plage50310 QUINEVILLETel. / Fax : 02 33 95 95 95 e-mail : [email protected]:// www.memorial-quineville.com

Discover the history of the Second World War from the exodus of 1940 to the Landings. Enjoy the reconstructed street during the occupation with its shops and houses. On a single site of 1000m2

this visit is sure to leave an impression. Located opposite the beach between Ste-Mere-Eglise and Utah Beach. Open from 01/04 to 11/11.


VIERVILLE-SUR-MER

Musée D.Day OmahaRoute de Grandcamp-Maisy14710 VIERVILLE-SUR-MERTél. / Fax 02 31 21 71 80http://www.dday-omaha.org

Presentation of fascinating material within rooms which were used during the War, showing the technological advances made throughout that time and their impact on daily life. Located nearby the remaining elements of Omaha Beach’s artificial port. Open from 01/03 to 11/11.


PREPARATIONS FOR THE LANDINGS

It was in 1943, at the Quebec Con-ference, that the decision was taken to attempt a large-scale invasion, code-named Overlord, against the continent of Europe in the spring of 1944.

However, instead of aiming their operation at the coast of northern France close to Britain, as the Germans had expected, the Allies chose to come ashore in the Bay of the Seine.

Landing in lower Normandy, on shores less heavily fortified than those in the Pas-de-Calais, gave the Allies the advantage of surprise.

So as to disorganise the enemy defences, the Allied air force and navy were brought in to provide heavy bombardment of the AtlanticWall fortifications. Special armoured vehicles (amphibious tanks, bulldozer tanks, mine-clearing tanks and flame-throwing tanks) were designed to support the assault troops during the attack.

In the absence of a large port in the area to unload the heavy equipment, it had been arranged for two artificial harbours to be constructed, one off Arromanches at the western end of the British sector, and the other off Omaha Beach, in the American sector.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

16 171514131211109

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Another way to discover the Historical Area is to

follow the signposts along the chronological routes.

This method will help explain the unfolding of this

battle.

MILITARY CEMETERIES IN LOWER NORMANDY

Almost 100,000 soldiers were killed in Normandy (40,000 Allied and 60,000 German) in the combat during Summer 1944. Whilst a certain number (mainly American) were repatriated, the majority still lie in Norman soil. There are 27 military cemeteries (16 British, 2 Canadian, 2 American, 1 Polish, 1 French and 5 German). Each provides a point of remembrance and reflection for its own nationality.

VOLKSBUND DEUTSCHE KRIEGSRÂBERFORSORGE (SESMA)9, rue du Pré Chaudron - BP 75123 - 57074 METZ Cedex 03 - Tél. 03 87 74 75 76 – Fax 03 87 74 76 04

DIRECTION REGIONALE DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS DE BASSE NORMANDIEQuartier Lorge – rue Neuve Bourg l’Abbé - BP 10527 - 14036 CAEN CEDEX 1 Tél. 02 31 38 47 43 - Fax 02 31 38 47 03

DIRECTION REGIONALE DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS DE BASSE NORMANDIEQuartier Lorge – rue Neuve Bourg l’Abbé - BP 10527 - 14036 CAEN CEDEX 1 - Tél. 02 31 38 47 43 - Fax 02 31 38 47 03

COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION 7, rue Angèle Richard - 62217 BEAURAINS - Tél. 03 21 21 77 00 - Fax 03 21 21 77 10

AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION 68, rue 19 janvier - 92380 GARCHES - Tél. 01 47 01 19 76 - Fax 01 47 41 19 79

COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION 7, rue Angèle Richard - 62217 BEAURAINS - Tél. 03 21 21 77 00 - Fax 03 21 21 77 10

CANADIAN CEMETERIESCOMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION

BÉNY-SUR-MER - REVIERS, near Courseulles : 2,049 graves.

CINTHEAUX, At the edge of the town on the RN158

between Caen and Falaise : 2,958 graves.

2958 soldiers lie in this cemetery, 2872 of them Canadians who perished during the various assaults of the 2nd Army Corps between Caen, Falaise, Chambois and as far as the Seine during July and August 1944.

Open daily.

AMERICAN CEMETERIES

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER,14710 COLLEVILLE-SUR-MERTél. 02 31 51 62 00 - Fax 02 31 51 62 09http://www.abmc.gov between Arromanches and Grandcamp : 9,387

On a 70 ha site overlooking Omaha Beach with 9 387 perfectly aligned headstones and Garden of the Missing bearing the names of 1 557 more sol-diers, the American Cemetery is a place for remembrance and reflection. A cha-pel, memorial and a Visitor Center due to open on 6th June 2007 complete the scene in this most moving location.

Entrance free to all.

BRITISH CEMETERIESCOMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION

BANNEVILLE-SANNERVILLE,between Caen and Troarn : 2,175 graves.

BAYEUX 4 648 graves (+ 1,801 names of those missing on the Mémo-rial).

This cemetery contains 4 116 graves of Commonwealth soldiers (338 uni-dentified) as well as 532 other natio-nalities, mainly German. The memorial opposite carries the names of 1 801 missing Commonwealth soldiers.

BAZENVILLE-RYES,between Bayeux and Arromanches : 979 graves.

BROUAY, between Caen and Bayeux : 377 graves.

CAMBES-EN-PLAINE,between Caen and Courseulles : 224 graves.

CHOUAIN (Jérusalem),

between Bayeux and Tilly-sur-Seulles : 47 graves.

DOUVRES-LA-DÉLIVRANDE, between Caen and Luc-sur-Mer : 1,123 graves.

FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL, between Caen and Caumont-l’Eventé : 520 graves.

HERMANVILLE-SUR-MER, on the coast : 1,005 graves.

HOTTOT-LES-BAGUES, between Caen and Caumont-l’Eventé : 1,137 graves.

RANVILLE, near Pegasus Bridge : 2,562 graves.

SAINT MANVIEU NORREY, between Caen and Caumont-l’Eventé : 2,183 graves.

SECQUEVILLE-EN-BESSIN, between Caen and Bayeux : 117 graves.

TILLY-SUR-SEULLES, between Caen and Balleroy : 1,222 graves.

ST-CHARLES-DE-PERCY, near Bény-Bocage : 789 graves.

ST-DÉSIR-DE-LISIEUX,

near Lisieux : 598 graves.

POLISH CEMETERY

URVILLE-LANGANNERIE,Alongside the RN158 at the Grainville-Langannerie exitbetween Caen and Falaise : 615 graves..

This cemetery houses 615 graves of soldiers mainly from the Polish 1st Ar-moured Division who took part in the Battle of Normandy as well as some killed in action en route to Paris and in Northern France. It is the only Po-lish Second World War Cemetery in France.

Open daily.

GERMAN CEMETERIES

LA CAMBE,14230 LA CAMBETél. 02 31 22 70 76Fax : 02 31 22 05 27e-mail : [email protected]://www.volksbund.de

between Bayeux and Isigny : 21,222 graves.

This impressive necropolis brings to-gether over 7 acres, the bodies of 21 222 soldiers who fell during the fighting in 1944. Memorial chapel at the entran-ce. Peace garden with 1 220 maples (globosum), living symbols of peace.

HUISNES-SUR-MER, near the Mont Saint-Michel : 11,956 graves.

MARIGNY, between Saint-Lô and Coutances : 11,169 graves.

ORGLANDES, south of Valognes : 10,152 graves.

ST-DÉSIR-DE-LISIEUX, near Lisieux : 3,735 graves.

FRENCH CEMETERY

LES GATEYS FRENCH NECROPOLISnorth of Alençon : 19 graves.

A large number of the 70 soldiers of the 2nd French Armoured Division, killed during fighting in the Orne were returned to their families. The 19 remaining victims buried at Les Gateys (in the village of Radon) were transferred here from communal cemeteries when the necropolis was constructed in 1970.

SAINT-JAMES (Montjoie-Saint-Martin), between Avranches and Fougères : 4,410 graves.

D-DAY

The landing operation began during the night of 5th to 6th June when three airborne divisions were dropped on either flank of the front.

The paratroops’ mission was to capture certain key points (the Merville battery, the bridge over the Caen canal, roads, locks etc.).

A little later, several hundred Rangers managed to capture the fortified position at the Pointe du Hoc, after a particularly daring assault.

Meanwhile, between 0630 and 0730 hours, 135,000 men and roughly 20,000 vehicles were brought in by sea on five landing beaches as planned. Although the objectives fixed for the evening of D-Day (Caen, Bayeux, Isigny, Carentan), were not achieved, overall the operation was a success.

Except at Omaha Beach (Colleville-Saint-Laurent- Vierville) where despite a show of extraordinary courage from the Americans the beachhead for long hung in the balance, casualties were lighter than expected. It then remained to link up the five assaults beaches and face the German counter-attack.

THE BATTLE OF NORMANDYJUNE-AUGUST 1944

After joining up the five beaches and establishing a firm bridgehead covering 50 miles along the Channel coastline, the Allies proceeded to implement their plan. Whilst the British brought pressure to bear in the Caen direction, drawing the German tank divisions around the regional capital, the Americans broke out from Utah towards Barneville to cut off the Cotentin Peninsula. Fol-lowing the capture of the major continental port of Cherbourg in late June, they attempted to break through the German defences southwards whilst at the other end of the front the British made efforts to clear the Caen sector.The second fortnight in July saw three great successes: the liberation of Caen, the capture of Saint-Lô and the breakthrough southwards towards Granville and Avranches. After a fruitless attempt at cutting off a section of Patton’s army in the Mortain counter-attack, the Germans, whose resistance was weakening, began their withdrawal to the Seine.

However, in a great two-pronged attack by the British, Canadians and Poles in the north and the Americans and Lerclerc’s French coming from Alençon in the south, part of two German armies were trapped in the Falaise- Chambois pocket (the “Corridor of Death” at Montormel). This brought the battle of Normandy to a close, at Tournai-sur-Dives on 21st August 1944. The Allies had pulled off their first victory on the continent. Three days later, they crossed the Seine and entered Paris.

THE 8 ROUTES

TROOP MOVEMENTS

THE OUTCOME

OBJECTIVE - A PORT

D-DAY - THE ONSLAUGHT

THE COUNTER-ATTACK

THE CONFRONTATION

COBRA - THE BREAKOUT

OVERLORD - THE ASSAULT

THE ENCIRCLEMENT

UTAH

OMAHA

GOLDJUNO

SWORD

EVENING OF 6TH JUNE

11TH JUNE

20TH JUNE

18TH JULY

31TH JULY

18TH AUGUST

30TH AUGUST

PARACHUTE DROPPING ZONE

GERMAN RADAR STATION

ALLIED FORCES

NORMANDIE MEMOIRE Espace Historique

For further information :

COMITÉ DÉPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DU CALVADOS8, rue Renoir - 14054 CAEN Cedex 4Tel. 02 31 27 90 30 - Fax 02 31 27 90 35e-mail : [email protected]

COMITÉ DÉPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DE LA MANCHEMaison du Département - 98, route de Candol - 50008 SAINT-LÔ CedexTel. 02 33 05 98 70 - Fax 02 33 56 07 03e-mail : [email protected]

COMITÉ DÉPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DE L’ORNE86, rue Saint-Blaise, BP 50 - 61002 ALENÇON CedexTel. 02 33 28 88 71 - Fax 02 33 29 81 60e-mail : [email protected]

NORMANDY TOURISM BOARD 14, rue Charles Corbeau - 27000 EVREUX

Tel. : +33 (2) 32 33 79 00www.normandy-tourism.org

ASSOCIATION NORMANDIE MÉMOIRE88, rue Saint Martin - 14000 CAEN

Tel. 02 31 94 80 26 - Fax 02 31 94 84 97e-mail : [email protected]

www.normandiememoire.com

* Normandie PASSwww.normandiepass.com :

With the Normandie Pass you will re-ceive reductions all the sites featured in this brochure as well as other locations to discover Normandy in a different way. The Pass costs just 1€ when purchased with a full price entrance.

*Essential tools

* A web site www.normandiememoire.com :

Here you will find a mine of information to help with planning your visit in Lower Normandy:

video clips, webcams, complete descrip-tions of the D Day museums, comme-morative events and festivities as well as the full history of the Landings and Battle of Normandy.

(on sale from 01/04/2009 to 15/11/2009

valid from 01/04/2009 to 31/12/ 2009)

N°

SIR

ET n

orm

andi

e m

émoi

re :

44

4 1

16

45

3 0

00

36

Documents

dday-and-the-battle-of-normandy.pdf