The Batterie de Merville is a historical site located in Merville, in the Normandy region of France. It is a WWII artillery battery that played a significant role during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. On display is a Douglas C-47 Dakota dedicated British paratroopers from the 6th Airborne Division.
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Batterie de Merville
Place du 9eme Bataillon
14810 Merville-Franceville
+33 2 31 91 47 53
Fax +33 2 31 91 47 53
March 15 – May 31
- Daily 09:30 – 18:00
June, July and August
- Daily 09:30 – 19:00
September 1 – November 15
- Daily 09:30 – 18:00
Museum opening during the winter on booking
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| 43-15073/9X | Douglas C-47A Dakota |
Key Highlights of the Batterie de Merville:
- Historical Significance:
- The Batterie de Merville was a German coastal defense battery, constructed by the Wehrmacht to defend the Normandy coastline from Allied invasion. The battery was equipped with four large 150mm guns, which were positioned to target incoming ships during an invasion.
- The site became a focal point during D-Day, when British paratroopers from the 6th Airborne Division were tasked with capturing the battery and neutralizing its guns before they could fire on the landing beaches.
- The battery was heavily fortified, and its capture was critical for the success of the Allied landings at Sword Beach. The paratroopers of the 9th Parachute Battalion faced fierce resistance but ultimately succeeded in securing the position.
- Museum and Exhibits:
- The site now serves as a museum, where visitors can explore the bunkers, gun emplacements, and defensive positions that were once part of the German military defense system.
- The Batterie de Merville offers a detailed overview of the D-Day landings, with exhibits on the planning, execution, and aftermath of the operation. It includes photographs, personal accounts, and military equipment from the era.
- One of the main attractions is the preserved German artillery pieces, including the 150mm guns, which were originally part of the battery’s defenses.
- Restored Bunkers and Gun Emplacements:
- Visitors can walk through the bunkers, see the remains of the gun positions, and learn about the German defenses built at the site. Some areas have been restored to resemble their wartime state, giving visitors a sense of the harsh conditions soldiers faced.
- The Batterie de Merville includes a series of interactive displays and models that explain how the battery was used by the Germans and the strategic importance of its guns in the context of the invasion.
- Operation Overlord and the Capture of the Battery:
- The Batterie de Merville details the airborne assault carried out by British paratroopers on the night of June 5-6, 1944. The plan was to capture and disable the battery before it could target the incoming invasion forces.
- Captain John Howard and his men of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI) played a key role in the successful attack on the Batterie de Merville, despite tough resistance and a difficult drop zone.
- Special emphasis is placed on the heroic actions of the soldiers who fought to secure the position, with stories and artifacts showcasing their bravery.
- Memorial to the Fallen:
- The Batterie de Merville site also serves as a memorial to the men who fought and died in the battle for the battery. Visitors can pay respects at the memorial stone dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the assault.
- The museum often hosts commemorative events on D-Day anniversaries and other significant dates, honoring the sacrifices made by the Allied forces.
- Educational Programs:
- The museum provides educational programs for school groups and visitors interested in learning more about the historical context of the D-Day landings and the role of the Batterie de Merville in the operation.
- Temporary exhibitions, documentaries, and reenactments are sometimes organized to further engage visitors with the history of the site.
Practical Information:
- Location: The Batterie de Merville is located in Merville-Franceville-Plage, Normandy, France, near Sword Beach, one of the landing beaches of the D-Day invasion.
- Visiting Hours: The museum is open year-round, but it’s best to check the official website for current opening hours and special events, particularly around D-Day anniversaries (June 6).
- Admission: The site typically charges an entrance fee, with discounts available for students, children, and veterans. Guided tours are also available.
- Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, with paths leading through the bunkers and outdoor areas.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Pegasus Bridge Museum: Located nearby, this museum focuses on the British airborne assault to capture the strategic bridge.
- Juno Beach Centre: The Canadian museum dedicated to the landing forces at Juno Beach.
- Normandy American Cemetery: The American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where thousands of American soldiers who died during the Normandy landings are buried.
Conclusion:
The Batterie de Merville is a significant and well-preserved historical site that provides deep insights into the D-Day landings, the importance of the airborne assault, and the Allied efforts to secure Normandy. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in World War II history and the role of France in the liberation of Western Europe.