Postcard - Sainte-Mère-Eglise - Then & Now

In June 44, Operation Neptune was launched, with the deployment of airborne troops behind German lines, followed by naval operations in the English Channel. On the night of June 5, C-47 aircraft, taking off from England at around 10.45pm, dropped more than 14,000 paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne over 5 landing zones called "Drop Zone" between Sainte Marie du Mont, Sainte Mère Eglise and Carentan. The mission was highly complex, and few paratroopers reached their objectives in the middle of flooded marshes and at night.

That night, some 20 Allied soldiers from the 82nd Airborne landed in the town square of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Much fire was exchanged, but at 4 a.m. the American flag was finally raised over the town hall. From noon on June 7, 1944, troops landing at Utah Beach came to assist the "paras". It was imperative to liberate Sainte-Mère-Eglise. The recapture of this strategic crossroads would make it possible to reach and secure Cherbourg, the only deep-water port capable of receiving the supplies for the Battle of Normandy.

Every year, Sainte-Mère-Église pays tribute to its liberators. Among them is John Steele, the famous parachutist who hung on to the church steeple for dear life. Milestone 0 opposite the town hall symbolizes the starting point of the Voie de la Liberté. To understand how the events unfolded, Sainte-Mère-Église and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, on Utah Beach, are essential places to visit.