This is the second part of my blog about my visit to Normandy in May 2014...
....I ended the last post at the visit to the farmhouse adjacent to one of the exit points from Utah beach.
So we jumped back into the people carrier with the rest of the tour group and headed for our next stop which happened to be Brecourt Manor. Given that the tour was aimed at the 101st AB in general, this stop was specifically related to the BoB. Just a quick summary of the history of the site for those of you who have yet to watch, or read about, the BoB. During the early hours of D-Day, US intelligence had thought that there were 4 x 88mm guns located at the site and they were firing on the Utah exit points (3 miles away) as well as St Marie Du Mont. The 101st AB, specifically the 2nd Battalion (as well as parts of other battalions) began to regroup a few kilometers from the farm. Given that Lt Meehan, the original company commander, was missing it fell on Lt Winters to lead the assault on the guns. Lt Winters, along with 12 other men, proceeded to the farm where, by all accounts, Lt Winters conducted an almost perfect example of cover and flanking infantry assault on a fixed position. The actual assault eventually involved other companies but was an easy company lead operation. The tactics used by Lt Winters have been taught at West Point and the Lt was awarded the DSC (Distinguished Service Cross) and had been considered for the CMOH (Medal Of Honor). It is worth stating that most of those involved were decorated but, unfortunately, the awards that most EMs received were often downgraded....
The great thing about the farm/manor is that it has barely changed in 70 years. The same family own the property (Lots of history worth reading on just the family...the De Vallavieille's).
Walking around the field, in the photo above, gave me a real sense of the battle and what Winters was able to accomplish..it was a special moment where you could stand in the middle of history
Following the visit to Brecourt, the next stop was St Marie Du Mont. The village is set between Utah Beach and Carentan and has the distinction of being the first village liberated on D-Day. For BoB fans, it is depicted in episode 2 where the men of easy company are in the back of a truck eating. The village is very pretty and is dominated by a large church who steeple was destroyed during the battle. Some say it was the US Army who destroyed the steeple and there's a copy of a letter of apology from the US commander.
As with most places in Normandy, little has changed in 70 years...yes, the roads are paved now but the layout is pretty much the same and the buildings, although converted to other uses, remain as they were.
...the bottom picture shows bullet holes in the confessional. A stark reminder that people died on the spots being depicted.
The next stop was Dead Mans Corner, where there is a nice little museum with many airborne artifacts. The nice thing about the museum is that it has both Allied and German items. Additionally, there is a fantastic shop on the ground floor where you can get original WW2 kit as well as reproductions. This is a must see...
I, particularly, enjoyed the Major Winters display being the BoB fan that I am.
Dead Mans Corner Museum
Tips/Hints:
Take the full day tour, there's too much to see in a half day. If you have the cash then opt for a two day tour. Make a list of any WW2 gear you want to buy beforehand so you are prepared for the selection at the shop. Best hint...do your research, read a few books and ask questions....
I am going to end things here for the day...the next, and final post will be a wrap up to include Carentan. I hope you enjoyed this and will keep reading and share with your friends.
Best wishes...
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