Back to Caen and Arromanches-Part 1

On the way back from Cherbourg in the direction of Bayeux and Caen, I recommend a stop at the German Cemetery at La Cambe.  Look for the sign on Route 13 directing you to the Cemetery.  There are 21,222 WW II German soldiers buried in the Cemetery.  When I visited the Cemetery several years ago, a unit of soldiers from the modern German Army was performing maintenance work for their fellow citizens.  I am including pictures of the cemetery for your consideration.

WW II saw significant casualties on both sides.  These soldiers also had parents, brothers, sisters, wives, and small children.

Cherbourg: Destruction of the Port and U.S. capture of the Cotentin Peninsula

After visiting Ste. Mere Eglise, continue on Route 13 to the seaport city of Cherbourg.  Cherbourg sets on top of the Cotentin Peninsula.  German engineers knowing that U.S. troops were on they way to capture the port methodically destroyed port facilities and sunk ships to block the harbor.  On June 26, Fort du Roule fell allowing the capture of the city.  There is a great viewpoint for the city along with an interpretative center at Fort du Roule.

This is very personal to my wife whose uncle was a combat engineer working to clear the port and assist in rebuilding the rail system out of Cherbourg.  For a side trip, take Route 901 in the direction of Barfleur.  On the way, you pass the boyhood home of Alexis de Tocqueville who visited the U.S. as a political observer in the 19th century.  Barfleur has a number of seafood restaurants offering a variety of food.

Fort du Roule and Relics of War

Present View of Cherbourg

Ste. Mere Eglise

Ste. Mere Eglise is located only a few miles from Utah Beach.  Take Route 13 from Bayeux in the direction of Cherbourg.  U.S. Airborne forces landed near and some troopers right on the village town square.  The picture shows the village church steeple with a reproduction of Trooper Joe Steele and his parachute snagged on the steeple.  This situation was re-enacted in the movie "The Longest Day" filmed in the 1960s.

There is an excellent airborne museum off the village square.  I recommend this stop for those interested in the D-day invasion.  There are several places to rest and have lunch.  The port of Cherbourg is only a short drive from here.

Village Church

Pictures of the Airborne Museum

Staying at Chateau de Vouilly--A very nice B&B

I usually don't recommend accommodations but Chateau de Vouilly is an exception.  U.S. war correspondents set up the first press headquarters in the Chateau after the invasion.  The Chateau is an excellent location to tour the landing beaches and other sites.  Check their web site for additional information (www.chateau-vouilly.com) on available rooms and amenities.

The following pictures gives you a flavor of their dairy farm.  Their milk goes to the cooperative located in Isigny sur Mere.  The cooperative has an excellent store and serves great  ice cream.

Plaque Recognizing the Location of the First Press Camp

My Lovely and Talented Wife in Front of the Chateau

 
The Well Kept back of the Chateau

 My wife has stitched the garden shed and plants in the far back right corner.  She holds a diploma in technical embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace.

Utah Beach

Utah beach is the furtherest landing beach on the right flank of the invasion force.  The purpose of the allied force was to go inland and relieve the airborne forces dropped early on June 6.  The landing was achieved with surprising ease suffering 200 casualties in the assault.

The direction is quite simple by taking Route 13 toward Cherbourg exiting at St. Mere Eglise and follow the signs to the beach.  I am attaching two pictures for your consideration.

Wide Sandy Landing Beach

Visitor Center at Utah Beach

There are places to have lunch nearby.