Barfleur (Manche)
The cities of Normandy during the 1944 battles
Liberation: June 21st, 1944
Deployed units :
24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Reconnaissance unit, 4th Infantry Division
298th Engineer Combat Battalion
11th Port of Embarkation
History:
If the town of Barfleur is spared the ground combat of June 6, 1944, she witnesses the fighting and is the subject of numerous bombing by ships and Allied aircraft, which target the German defensive installations. Its port had been protected by the Germans, who installed several flanking casemates and an anti-tank wall protecting access against any attempt at landing. The main defensive support point, located at Le Cracko, is called “Stp 121”. Access to the port was blocked by a metal barrier made of “Belgian doors”. Other points of support complete this defense system: they are called “Wn 123”, “Wn 123” and “Wn 123a”.
The German defense considerably delays the forecast pace of US operations. On June 20th, however, the 4th Infantry Division continued to advance towards the north of Cotentin, taking over the right flank of American troops. Heading towards the Val de Saire, they clean the last pockets of resistance and the German coastal facilities one after the other. In the night, the last German defenders abandon their last positions to retreat to Cherbourg. The 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (4th Reconnaissance Unit, 4th Infantry Division) launched its platoons on June 21 to overtake the disorganized units belonging to the 709. Infantry Division. After Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, the 1st platoon of Lieutenant Alsauer begins the reconnaissance and frees Barfleur at 15 hours.
The sappers of the 298th Engineer Combat Battalion begin immediately the restoration work of the installations of the port of Barfleur. On June 25, 1944, the first unloadings begin. The logistic activities allow to disembark up to 800 tons of supplies per day, under the responsibility of the US military of the 11th Port of Embarkation. On June 27, 1944, during the demining of the German installations of the port of Barfleur, the sapper Jim J. Forster is killed by a German antipersonnel mine (Schrapnellmine 35) at 16:00. Five other engineers from Company B of the 298th Engineer Combat Battalion were injured in the explosion.
Supplies landing operations continue until mid-October 1944.
Map of Barfleur:
Back to the Normandy cities in 1944
