A Vacation Opportunity in Normandy, Part 1

Whilst motoring our way south in France, my better half and I decided to split our journey to stay with family in Bretagne with an overnight stop in Normandy.

Having visited the Normandy beaches on previous stays, I had requested a visit to the Merville Battery and the British D- Day Memorial. My darling wife was very obliging.

The entrance gates to the museum of the Merville Battery.

For those not acquainted with this less recounted part of D-Day, the battery was on the eastern flank of the landing beaches. The guns could range up to 10km and consequently able to fire upon the forces as they attempted to land at Sword beach.  The plan was for 700 British paratroopers to assault in the early hours as a number of gliders with extra equipment landed in the battery for support.

Alas, circumstances led to the drop being scattered, with many drowning in the areas already flooded by the Germans.  So, with only 150 men, light weaponry, and the gliders not landing where they ought to have, Lt. Col. Otway improvised a plan and assaulted.

Some of the gun emplacements viewed from the entrance.

The first of the fortifications captured by the paras.

The second!

Against the odds, but with surprise on their side, Otway's men forced their way through the perimeter fence and mines and after fierce fighting captured the battery.  A number of the defenders surrendered shouting that they were not Germans but Russians.

The site is well worth the visit.  Each of the bunkers contained informative displays and video presentations.  At 9 euros it is a bargain.  

With the morning well spent, we drove west towards the memorial.  As we had to pass through Benouville en route, my better half proposed we stop at Pegasus Bridge for lunch.  Surprised and delighted, I was not going to refuse her offer.

I know it's not the original but it is an iconic site.  Photo taken from our picnic position.

One of the inscriptions at the landing sight of the gliders.

This stone, with the above inscription, shows the landing position of the first glider relative to the bridge.
This is a real testament to the extraordinary piloting of the gliders that allowed the coup de main to be so successfully executed.  

The first building in France to be liberated on D-Day, the Cafe Gondree.  Literally ten steps from the bridge. This was used as a medic station for Major Howard's men.

So, having been refreshed in body and mind, and having visited the museum etc. on a previous visit, we set off for Ver-sur-Mer, the site of the British D-Day Memorial.  More on that next time.