Port-en-Bessin in Normandy 1944

PORT-EN-BESSIN Calvados - 9 km north of Bayeux
The joining between Gold Beach and Omaha Beach
Port-in-Bessin was a little fishing harbor west of Arromanches in Normandy, it was situated between two landing zones, Omaha Beach the Vth American Corps sector, and Gold Beach the XXXth British Corps sector. The 47th Royal Marine Commando came ashore east of Arromanches and progressed toward Port-en-Bessin; at night the Commando stopped a few kilometers from the objective. On 7 June the British launched the attack with fighter bombers support; about forty men were killed to conquest the harbor western side. In the same day, the Americans of the 16th Regimental Combat Team landed on Omaha beach, they entered Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and reached Huppain. On 8 June in the morning, the British commandos liberated Port-en-Bessin and made junction with Americans troops of the 29th Infantry division.

47th Royal Marine Commando monument
Port-en-Bessin
Monument in memory of the 47th Royal Marine Commando soldiers who were killed on 6 June 1944 in Asnelles, and during the fighting for the liberation of Port-en-Bessin on 6 and 7 June 1944.
Situation : at the top of the cliff, at the western side of the harbour

Under-water wrecks museum
Port-en-Bessin
This original museum presents the result of more than twenty-five years of under-water exploration, in the coastal Landing area. Divers managed to come in hundreds of wrecks, and many items related to the Normandy Landing, from a Sherman tank to a toothpaste tube.
Situation : at the edge of D6 road toward Bayeux, at the exit of the city

		Georges Leygues cruiser plaque Port-en-Bessin Plaque commemorating the action of the cruiser Georges Leygues, a warship of The Free French Navy Forces, that had fired to reduce Longues German battery. Situation : on a wall facing the city hall

Liberation monument
Port-en-Bessin
Monument commemorating the liberation of Europe by the Allied Forces.
Situation : in the harbour, at the end of the pier

47th Royal Marine Commando stele
Port-en-Bessin
Stele dedicated to the 47th Royal Marine Commando commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Philipps.
Situation : at the edge of D514 road, at the gate of the city coming from Arromanches

Montcalm cruiser plaque
Port-en-Bessin
Plaque remembering the action of Montcalm cruiser, a warship of The Free French Navy Forces that fire had supported the landing of American troops on Omaha Beach.
Situation : on the wall of the tourism office

General Montgomery monument
Port-en-Bessin
Monument in memory of General Montgomery, Commander in Chief of the 21st Army Group (1st American Army under General Bradley and 2nd British Army under General Dempsey). A meeting between the three Allied chiefs took place on 10 June 1944 in Port-en-Bessin.
Situation : at the edge of D6 road, at the south entrance crossroads of the city coming from Bayeux

		47th RMC plaque Port-en-Bessin Plaque commemorating the fighting of the 47th Royal Marine Commando, and sailors of George Leygues and Montcalm cruisers. Situation : on a blockhaus in the harbour, at the foot of the Vauban tower

		Captain Cousins stele Stele in memory of Captain Terence Cousins killed in Port-en-Bessin on 7 June 1944. Situation : at the edge of the D514 road, at the eastern entrance crossroads of the city

Petrol port monument
Monument remembering the major part of Port-en-Bessin in the fuel supplying of the Allied armies. At this place was built the first pipe-line that brought fuel for thousands vehicles of the British and American divisions.
Situation : in the harbour on the pier

ROAD MAP

INTERESTING WEB SITES
*Calvados departmental tourism office web site* http://www.calvados-tourisme.com/ Association website about the 29th US Infantry Division (en anglais) http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/bunker/2629/index1.html Personal web site about D-day http://www.6juin1944.com/ *Personal web site about D-day and Normandy battle* http://www.dday-overlord.com/index.htm Personal web site about Combined Operations Special Troops http://www.combinedops.com/Combined_Ops_index.htm

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