Saint-Côme-de-Fresné (Calvados)
The cities of Normandy during the 1944 battles
Liberation: June 6, 1944
Deployed units:
1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment, 231st Infantry Brigade, 50th Infantry Division
1/Grenadier-Regiment 916, 352. Infanterie-Division
History:
The town of Saint-Côme-de-Fresné in Calvados is located at the west end of Gold Beach, a beach area dedicated to the landing of the 50th British infantry division. The Allies define Saint-Côme-de-Fresné as belonging to the beach area coded “Item” of Gold Beach.
This locality is held by the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier-Regiment 916 of the 352 Infantry Division. Access from the sea is protected by the Wn 38 strongpoint, which includes an anti-tank wall located directly on the beach, two 50 mm KWK anti-tank casemates, a 50 mm (Gr.W) mortar and a shelter for the staff.
After landing on the beach in front of Asnelles at 7.15 am, the 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment belonging to the 231st Infantry Brigade, 50th Infantry Division stormed Wn 38, which defends access to Saint-Côme-de-Fresné and Arromanches. The English soldiers succeeded in seizing the strongpoint and the commune at the end of the morning.
Saint-Côme-de-Fresné maps:
