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 3 of the 5 part series.
Click here to read Part 1.
Click here to read Part 2.
Cherbourg
Cherbourg, a port city on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France, played a significant role during World War II.
Cherbourg's port was of considerable importance for both the Germans and the Allies. The Germans fortified it extensively as part of the Atlantic Wall, knowing that it would be a key target in any Allied invasion of Europe.
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy. Cherbourg was a key objective for the Americans, who needed its deep-water port to unload heavy and bulky cargo, such as tanks and other vehicles, necessary to support the invasion.
Following the successful landing, the U.S. VII Corps took on the challenge of capturing Cherbourg. It was a difficult battle due to the heavy fortifications and determined German resistance. The battle took place between June 6 and June 29, 1944. American troops surrounded the city, systematically reducing the German defenses. The German garrison eventually surrendered, but not before destroying the port facilities.
Allover Cherbourg, you will see signs of WWII. Memorials, bunkers and signs.
Public Park Monument
At the public park, you will find a rather large memorial to the war dead, listing all the names of French people who died during the war.
Click here to see where the memorial is located on Google Maps
Bunkers
Cite de le Mer
Adjacent to the Cite de la Mer museum stands a prominent bunker. While it isn't open for tours, it's unmistakably visible when you explore the museum, which is a must-visit attraction.
Click here to see where the bunker is located on Google Maps
Batterie Du Roule
Inside the mountain overlooking the city, there is a large bunker network that was dug by the Germans. The network is massive and it can be visited.
It is called the “Batterie Du Roule“. The visit requires a guide, and the only language spoken is French.
Click here to see where the bunker complex is located on Google Maps
There is also a museum nearby called the Liberation Museum.
City Hall Monument
Next to the City Hall (Mairie), you will discover a monument bearing the French inscription “Aux Martyrs de la Resistance du Cotentin 1940 1945,” which translates to "To the Martyrs of the Resistance of Cotentin 1940-1945."
Click here to see where the monument is located on Google Maps
Sign
Close to the above mentioned City Hall and its monument, you will find this sign on a wall.
Sainte-Mere-Eglise
For most people, the village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise might not ring any bells. However, if you're a WWII enthusiast or a film fan, you may recognize it from "The Longest Day," where none other than John Wayne is depicted attempting to reach Sainte-Mere-Eglise during D-Day. The whole village is a monument to the efforts made by the Allied soldiers during D-Day.
The Famous Church
One of the scenes that made the village famous in the movie was a paratrooper, John Steele, caught during his landing on the church tower and hung there for hours. John Steele survived the war and was made an honorary citizen. There is even a fancy restaurant/hotel named after him in the village; the Auberge John Steele.
The church nowadays has a effigy of John Steele, including parachute, hanging from the tower. You can see it in the photos above.
Click here to see where the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church is located on Google Maps
Signal Monument
As in many other (10) places in Normandy, you will find this big monument, called the Signal Monument. It is here to mark areas that were heavily fought during the Allies landings in Normandy.
This WWII Monument at Sainte-Mere-Eglise is dedicated to the 82 and 101 Airborne units.
Click here to see where this monument is located on Google Maps
The Village
Wherever you walk, you will see signs reflecting back to the day the Allied forces took back the village from the Germans.
The signs are everywhere, on walls, houses, corners and parks.
Airborne Museum
One of the best “attractions” is the Airborne Museum, an excellent museum that informs you with good displays.
To learn about D-Day, this is one of the best places to start.
Click here to see where the Airborne Museum is located on Google Maps
Click here for part 4.