The Merville Battery and Museum

Introduction

Located at the far eastern end of the Normandy coastline stands the small village of Merville-Francville and in 1944 it marked the limit of the D-Day Invasion beaches. To the west, for over 18 miles, the British and Canadian 3rd Divisions were due to begin landing at around 7.30am on the 6th June, and it was vital that once ashore, the landing forces had enough time to consolidate and then expand the bridgehead. Therefore to protect the eastern flank from the bulk of the German tank strength which was situated south of Paris, the 6th Airborne Division was to be dropped to act as a buffer. This gave the Division many important tasks for D-Day, but its primary objectives were the capture, intact, of the bridges over the Caen Canal and the River Orne at Benouville, and the silencing of a battery of four concrete gun emplacements, near the village of Merville, 3 miles east of Ouistreham. It was believed that they contained guns of 155mm calibre and could therefore pose a serious threat to the landing beaches.

The 9th Battalion under the command of Lt Col Terence Otway stormed this formidable position in the early hours of June 6th. Only 150 men out of the original 650 made it to the RDV. Yet, despite the odds the battery was captured.

Photo Gallery

What can be seen today?

Three casemates, one converted into a fine museum, remains to commemorate this fine site. From the top of one casemate there are substantial views across farmland to the Estuary at Ouistreham and the imagination is left in no doubt as to the importance of its capture.

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.