During the second world war (WWII), much of Europe suffered significant damage, with Normandy experiencing particularly severe destruction. The landing of the Allies in Normandy marked a pivotal confrontation between the two warring factions, resulting in many casualties and widespread ruin.
As you journey through Normandy, the shadows of war are still present, whether through physical remnants like bunkers or through memorials honoring those who lost their lives.
Below is a brief overview of some WWII leftovers and monuments that can be seen in Normandy. They are listed in no particular order.
This is Part 1 of the 5 part series, and a link to Part 2 will be provided once it's published.
SNCF Railway Stations
Almost all railway stations in Normandy (“Gare” in French), have memorials inside to commemorate SNCF agents that have died during the 2nd World War.
Here are a few examples:
Omaha Beach
Colleville-sur-Mer
The most well known WWII memorial and battlefield in Normandy, is without any doubt, Omaha Beach. The American cemetery is humbling. It is located at Colleville-sur-Mer.
Signals Monument
In the next village, Saint-Laurent-en-Mer, but still considered part of the Omaha Beach you will find the Signals Monument. The Signals Monument is not unique, as you will find the same monument spread around many different WWII sites with a series of ten memorials erected along the Channel coast. The work represents the stem of a ship coming from the sea and was made by Yves-Marie Froidevaux, chief architect of the National Historic Monuments. Inaugurated in 1950, it is dedicated to " the heroism of the Allied forces who liberated Europe.”
Next to the Signals monument, you will find a monument on the beach itself, representing the Allied soldiers landing on the beach.
At the same location, there is also a small WWII museum. Click here to access their website.
Click here to see where this Signals museum is located on Google Maps
Utah Beach
WWII Landing Museum
Utah Beach, one of the D-Day landing beaches, was primarily manned by soldiers of the US Army. Situated on the Western fringe of the D-Day beaches, the terrain was characterized by deep sand and dunes. Tragically, 3200 soldiers lost their lives on that beach on that day.
In memory of the event and to honor the immense sacrifices made by these young individuals, a museum was constructed to showcase and remember their courage and dedication.
Click here to see where the museum is located on Google Maps
Utah Beach Memorial
Beginning near the museum described earlier, all along the beach area, you can find a memorial and various pieces of military equipment from the Second World War.
As you walk along the beach, you will encounter several remnants of American equipment.
Fecamp
Bunker network
Fecamp was a critical location for the Germans, characterized by a deep harbor encircled by towering cliffs, making it easily defensible. Atop the cliffs, known as Cap Fagnet, there exists an extensive labyrinth of bunkers, including a German hospital:
Upon the cliffs, you will discover an intricate complex of concrete bunkers. These bunkers were not only equipped with canons and machine gun nests but also contained an 80-person hospital. A network of tunnels connects the different sections, forming a maze so complex that a guide is necessary to explore it.
Visits to the bunkers are available, but reservations are required. You can book your guided tour through the bunker complex by calling (+33-) 02 35 10 60 96 or emailing patrimoine@ville-fecamp.fr. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through this fascinating piece of history.
Click here to see where the bunkers are located on Google Maps
Memorial
In the central square of Fecamp, there stands a significant monument. This memorial is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in both World Wars, the Indochina War, and the North Africa uprising (Algeria). It serves as a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice across several significant conflicts in history.
Veules-les-Roses
Veules-les-Roses, a picturesque coastal village, played a significant role in the early days of World War II.
Perched atop the cliffs overlooking Veules, a WWII memorial stands as a somber reminder of the past, including cannons from the ship "Cerons." This vessel was sunk while attempting to evacuate thousands of soldiers cornered by rapidly advancing German tanks under Field Marshal Rommel. Tragically, this incident marked the largest single-day loss of lives in Europe during WWII.
The remnants of the sunken ship can only be glimpsed at times of extremely low tide, adding an elusive quality to this poignant historical site.
Click here to see where the WWII memorial is located on Google Maps
Click here to read Part 2.