Sainte-Mère-Église in Manche, Normandy, France — Western Europe
Les premiers obus sont tombés sur Sainte-Mère-Église
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The first shells fell on Sainte-Mère-Église
Photographed by James Hulse, June 3, 2025
1. Les premiers obus sont tombés sur Sainte-Mère-Église / The first shells fell on Sainte-Mère-Église M
Le 6 juin 1944, en début de matinée, les premiers obus tombent sur Sainte-Mère-Église, causant les premières victimes de l'artillerie allemande. Les noms des victimes civiles du Débarquement se trouvent sur une plaque située devant l'hôtel de ville, derrière la Borne O de la Voie de la Liberté.
Les photos ont été prises au carrefour où vous vous trouvez. Les soldats américains se déplacent à pied, en jeep ou encore à cheval, selon la disponibilité des équipements... Très peu de maisons ont été détruites autour de l'église puisque la ville n'a pas été victime des bombardements aériens.
Légendes
(Photo #1) Des soldats américains dans la route de Carentan appelée depuis rue du Général de Gaulle.
June 6th, 1944, beginning of the morning, the first shells fell on Sainte-Mère-Église, making the first victims of German artillery. The names of D-Day civilian victims are written on a plaque, behind the Borne 0 of the Way of Liberty, in front of the townhall. These photos have been taken at the crossroad where you now stand. American soldiers used jeeps, horses or went by foot, depending on which equipment was available. Only a few houses were destroyed around the church as the town had not been air bombed.
Captions
(Photo #1) American soldiers in the Carentan Street, now called General de Gaulle Street.
Reverse Side
En 1944, la route de Carentan et la place de l'église sont bordés d'arbres centenaires. Dans ces arbres, quelques parachutistes y restèrent accrochés et certains y laissèrent leur vie.
Légendes
(Photo #1) La rue principale, le 6 juin 1944. Les soldats utilisent les différents moyens de locomotion abandonnés par les Allemands.
In 1944, the road to Carentan and the church' square are lined with hundred-year old trees. Some paratroopers became entangled in these trees and some lost their lives there.
Captions
(Photo #1) Main Street on 6 June 1944. The soldiers used different sorts of transport abandoned by the Germans.
Erected by Sainte
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1944.
Location. 49° 24.487′ N, 1° 19.023′ W. Marker is in Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandie (Normandy), in Manche. It is at the intersection of Rue Eisenhower and Rue Général de Gaulle, on the left when traveling east on Rue Eisenhower. The marker is located at the corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandie 50480, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clifford A. Maughan P.F.C. (a few steps from this marker); In Remembrance of the Airborne Spirit (within shouting distance of this marker); Film « Jour le plus Long » / Film "The Longest Day"
Photographed by James Hulse, June 3, 2025
2. The first shells fell on Sainte-Mère-Église Marker - Reverse Side
Photographed by James Hulse, June 3, 2025
3. The view of the marker at the corner of the intersection
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
