Normandy Beaches - Historic landmarks of World War II
The wide quiet sandy beaches of normandy still hold ghosts of the past. In particular the ghosts of 6th June 1944.
There are places where great sections of the mulberry harbours, towed to France to create temporary ports can still be seen out in the sea battered by 60 years of storms. There are German emplacements, with their great guns still facing England, and places where the gravestones recall the sacrifices made.
The names of Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno are etched into the collective memories of Europe and America. Come and see for yourself why this is so.
The main sites that we urge you no to miss are:
- The artificial harbor at Arromanches
- The German gun battery at Longues-sur-Mer
- The Military Cemetery of your choice
- The American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer
- The British cemetery at Bayeux
- The German cemetery at Orglandes
- The Polish cemetery at Grainville-Langannerie
- The canadian cemetery at Cintheaux
- The French Cemetery at Écouves (les Gateys)
- Omaha Beach
- The Pointe du Hoc
- St Mare Eglise
The artificial harbour at Arromanches
The seaside town of Arromanches was reduced to just six standing houses during the invasion. It was also the site of one of two Mulberry harbours, towed from England and sunk to provide protection from the weather. Alongside the excellent museum, you can still view the remnants of the great concrete caissons sitting out in the water to this day.
The German gun battery at Longues-sur-Mer
An amazing site, four great guns still trained towards England.
You can walk through the extensive bunker system and walk in and around both the gun emplacements and forward aiming points.
The Military Cemeteries
So much loss of life should be remembered in a visit to the Normandy beaches. Allow yourself time for contemplation of the real meaning of sacrifice. WWII was a time of violence and death and to visit the Normandy beaches without acknowledging the fact would be an insult to the memory of those who fell.
Omaha Beach
More than 3,000 Americans lay dead or injured on Omaha beach by the end of the 6th June 1944. This was a heavily defended and very hard won landing made famous in films such as The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan.
The Pointe du Hoc
This was the spot where American Rangers scaled the 100-meter-high cliffs of Pointe-Du-Hoc and knocked out six deadly 155mm cannons. Visit the Pointe du Hoc memorial and see the museum dedicated to the battle. Many of the original fortifications are still in place and you will see bomb craters all over the area.
St Mere Eglise
The story of Private John Steele is one of the most enduring tales of D-Day. Private Steel parachuted into town with the 101st Airborne Division at night but managed to land on the church and his chute was caught on the steeple. In tribute to Pte Steele the people of St. Mere Eglise display a full-size dummy paratrooper from the steeple of the church.
