Near Sainte-Mère-Église in Manche, Normandy, France — Western Europe
General Gavin’s Foxhole
Photographed by Roger W. Sinnott, August 18, 2012
1. General Gavin’s Foxhole Marker
Le Général
James-M-Gavin
le 6 juin 1944
General
James M. Gavin
June 6, 1944
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1875.
Location. 49° 24.041′ N, 1° 21.717′ W. Marker is near Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandie (Normandy), in Manche. It is on La Fière (Route D15), on the left when traveling west. Marker is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) west of Sainte-Mère-Église. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12 La Fière, 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 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 6 June 1944 at LaFiere Bridge (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); 80th Airborne Antiaircraft Battalion, 82nd Airborne Div. U.S. Army
this page online
Regarding General Gavin’s Foxhole. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, paratroopers of the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions landed between midnight and 2 a.m. near the small town of Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy, France. Their mission was to cut off resupply or escape routes that might be needed by German units defending the coastal beaches, and where, toward dawn that day, Allied forces would arrive in great strength.
Brigadier General James M. Gavin commanded the 82nd Airborne’s Task Force A, consisting of the 505th, 507th, and 508th Parachute Infantry Regiments. They were brought to France
Photographed by Roger W. Sinnott, August 18, 2012
2. View Showing the Foxhole
Seizing this bridge was a major objective, and it was the scene of fierce fighting for days before it was securely in Allied hands. (Some of these details are from Gavin’s 1978 book, On To Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943–1946.)
Also see . . . Military history site. An overview of Gavin’s military career. (Submitted on September 24, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Norwell, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by Donald W. Olson, August 18, 2012
3. Looking West from Foxhole Site
About 175 yards ahead lies La Fière bridge (near where the car is).
Photographed by Roger W. Sinnott, August 18, 2012
4. View Closer to the Bridge
Taking and holding this bridge was a primary D-Day objective of Brig. Gen. James M. Gavin’s Task Force A, comprising three parachute infantry regiments of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Photographed by Donald W. Olson, August 18, 2012
5. Panorama of La Fière Bridge
Today’s picturesque scene looked much different on June 6, 1944. The Merderet River had been flooded by the Germans to impede any advance of Allied troops; the river became 500 yards wide, and General Gavin described the road as looking more like a causeway. Click to enlarge.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Norwell, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 2,410 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 24, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Norwell, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
