Chambois - Montormel
The Falaise Pocket
1944 represents memories of one of the greatest battles of the 20th century for the people of Normandy. On 6th June allied troops landed on the Normandy Beaches and airmen parachuted into the countryside inland from the coast, tricking the German forces who were expecting landings further north.
The Allies successfully set up their bridgeheads and used artificial harbours to transport thousands of men and tons of equipment and weaponry. However, resistance by the Germans slowed down their advances until the Americans, British, Canadians, Polish, Free French, Dutch and Belgians encircled the German 7th Army, forming what history calls the Falaise Pocket. On 21 August 1944, the pocket was sealed. Germany lost thousands of men and several tens of thousands of others were taken prisoner by the Allies. It also lost a large part of its artillery.
Two sites recount the story of this battle. The Musée de Falaise is devoted to civilians in the war. In fact, many civilians had fled the coastal combat zones to seek refuge in this zone where they found themselves trapped in the middle of the German forces. At Montmorel, the Memorial and its museum are located on the actual site occupied by the 1st Polish Division under General Maczek forming a barrier which sealed the pocket. The fighting was extremely fierce.
The Mémorial de Chambois-Montmorel
Conscious of their duty of remembrance, local people and ex-servicemen began a campaign, which was taken on by the Département de l’Orne, to erect a Memorial. Then in 1994 a museum was opened to explain about the battle. Every year official commemorations are held with representatives of the Allied Nations.
Remembrance is of prime importance in Normandy. The Beaches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are still frequently visited as are the numerous museums like the Airborne at Sainte-Mère-Eglise and Arromanches museum. In Caen, the Memorial Museum is an essential place to visit.
Veterans and their families regularly visit the huge, perfectly-kept military cemeteries, whether they be American German, Canadian, Polish, British…
Remembrance is also present here and there by memorials, old tanks and history trails. Every year commemorations are held in the presence of representatives from foreign countries and wreaths are laid.
Explore Orne in Normandy with Gîtes de France Orne : Pays d'Ouche, Bagnoles de l'Orne, Saint Ceneri and Alpes Mancelles"
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