Bayeux/Caen/Pegasus Bridge: British and Canadian Operations

Bayeux was the first town in France liberated by combined British and Commonwealth forces.  It is a major market center for this region of Normandy.  A major historical art piece known as the Bayeux Tapestry is located in it's own museum building.  The Tapestry depicts the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror and the victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.  It is worth the admission to see this piece.

Bayeux is also a site for a major British Cemetery located near the Battle of Normandy Museum.  Both sites can be visited on foot from the rail station in Bayeux or by car.  Check travel guides for accommodations and eating establishments.  Bayeux is a central location for touring  WW II sites in the area.

From Bayeux, take Rd. 516 to Arromanches-les-Bains to see the village and the remains of one of the two Mulberry Artificial Harbors towed from Great Britain to assist Allied Forces in off loading men, equipment, and supplies.  There is also a D-Day museum in Arromanches.  Take a short car ride on Rd. 514 to Quistreham.  From Quistreham, drive in the direction of Caen via Rd. 515.  You will come to the famous "Pegasus Bridge" that crosses the Caen Canal.  It was here that a glider force of soldiers from the British 6th Airborne Division surprised the German defenders and took control of the bridge.  The capture was critical so forces could move from the landing beaches to Caen.

Caen was significantly destroyed during the invasion.  The Caen Memorial is a must see for trekkers interested in peace and the costs of war.

Battle of Normandy Museum in Bayeux 

Remnants of Mulberry Harbor in Arromanches-les-Bains

       
                        My lovely travel companion.

Pegasus Bridge (not the Original)

Caen Memorial

My postings may be slower for awhile because I do tax work for a number of clients.  The tax season in the U.S. runs until April 15.  My next posting will cover the 1994 celebration of the liberation of Paris.