Today is the first official vacation day in Normandie. After visiting Thionville and Metz during the weekend, we travelled today more than 700km and arrived in Avranches, Normandie. The DOXA SUB200T Aquamarine and the SUB300 Professional joined us deep in the French territories.
Avranches, a historic town in Normandy, France, was the site of pivotal events during World War II. Its capture marked a decisive breakthrough for the Allied forces in 1944, leading to the collapse of German defenses in western France and opening the road to Brittany and Paris.
Strategic Importance and Bombing
Avranches was heavily bombed starting June 7, 1944, as the Allies aimed to disrupt German reinforcements moving toward the Normandy landing beaches. These bombardments resulted in significant destruction and loss of civilian life, with over 80 people killed in a single raid. The town’s strategic position on elevated terrain made it both a target and a vital gateway out of the Normandy region for the advancing Allied forces.
Operation Cobra and the Liberation
During Operation Cobra, launched on July 25, 1944, the Allies sought to break through German lines and seize Avranches as a springboard into Brittany. On July 30-31, elements of the U.S. 4th Armored Division, under Major General John Shirley Wood and Brigadier General Holmes E. Dager, approached and secured the town after intense fighting with retreating German forces. The liberation was led by General George S. Patton, and Avranches soon became synonymous with the “Avranches Breakthrough,” a turning point in the Battle of Normandy.
Aftermath and Operation Lüttich
The Germans attempted to counterattack and retake Avranches in early August 1944 during Operation Lüttich but failed with heavy losses. Avranches remained under Allied control, facilitating Patton’s rapid drive across France. The successful capture and holding of Avranches was instrumental in weakening the German position in the West and accelerating the liberation of France.
Legacy
Today, Avranches commemorates these events with monuments such as a Sherman tank in the town center and Place Patton. The town, largely rebuilt after wartime devastation, stands as a testament to both its historic resilience and central role in the liberation of France during World War II.
Final notes on this day
You can see me smiling since I am very happy to finally arrive here. But besides the smiling there are shivers on my spine. So much death and destruction, so much loss of people and resources. War is frightening and unfortunately we are still have it today all over the world. Those who forget history are domed to repeat it…
I want to end this day in a positive note. It is the third day with the DOXA SUB200T Aquamarine and SUB300 Professional. They are lovely and comfortable to wear and we enjoy them. Tomorrow we visit Mont Saint-Michel. So stay tuned for new pictures and stories.
