Graignes Village Massacre Site

Introduction

In the early morning of June 6th hundreds of American parachutists, mainly of the 82nd Airbourne dropped into the marshlands (Marais) surrounding the quiet village of Graignes. Many were drowned, weighed down by their packs and equipment.

Seeing the 12th Century church silhouetted on high ground above the village, 14 officers and 168 men struggled into the village and were given sanctuary by the astonished villagers. Throughout the following days the marsh was combed for survivors and equipment, whilst the men, guided in places by the villagers, set up strongpoints around the village, harassing the Germans in as many places as they could. The main battle raged 12 miles away to the North and North East, but these men, cut off by the marsh and German soldiers were powerless to join in.

The villagers, at great peril to their lives and of their families, gave support to the American parachutists in the form of local intelligence, food and shelter until following an attack upon a German motorcycle patrol on Saturday 10th June the Germans came out in force the following day to engage the Americans in the village mainly in the area around the church which unfortunately also coincided with a morning church service. Several Americans and French civilians, including the priest, L’Abbè Leblastier were killed in the ensuing battle, not only by direct German action but also by reprisals upon the village and villagers that followed. 66 homes were destroyed and 139 badly damaged; the church was blown up.

Photo Gallery

What can be seen today?

All that remains of the original church is the tower, which also bears the first plaque to commemorate the D-Day Landings in Normandy inaugurated by the US ambassador in Paris, Mr. David Bruce on 12th June 1949. This site also offers the finest view of the Marais, the swamp lands into which the parachutists fell and many were drowned. There are also other stories associated with this site that will be revealed whilst on tour – notably the effect of the media upon sites of historical importance, the significance of the Yew tree in the churchyard and also the social history of why the church was not rebuilt in the same position. This is a site of great importance and must not be overlooked.

Private Transfer from London by Air

Short on timer or prefer to fly?

D-Day Airtours will take you on an insightful one-day tour by air of the landing beaches and other D-Day sites. Pick up from Central London (or other areas by arrangement) in the morning, flying to Carpiquet airport, Caen from Oxford, and return by mid-evening of the same day.

Alternatively, for an even shorter visit, take a flying tour over the area with guided commentary.

Either way your tour is delivered by a professional English guide experienced and knowledgeable in the D-Day landings.

Whether you are from America, Canada or Britain you will be provided with detailed information about your country's role in the landings.

Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information - click to contact us.

If you are looking for a longer, much more in-depth trip by car and on foot, then please see our alternate site offering this at www.d-dayairtours.com.