Ste Mere Eglise

Introduction

The importance of Ste Mere Eglise was its commanding position on the main road, the Route National 13 which connected Cherbourg through to Paris and was seen as the "entry" point into the Invasion zone from the North. Large German forces at Cherbourg and Valonges threatened the initial invasion foothold along this road and many unsuccessful attacks were made by German forces, but were unsuccessful.

On the early morning of June 6th 1944 some thirteen thousand airborne soldiers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions jumped from nearly 900 transport planes flying over Normandy to reach specific objectives. Pvt John Steele of the 505th PIR of the 82nd Airborne, like many of his fellow soldiers, was badly dropped directly into the village square of Ste Mere Eglise, landing on the church tower and was suspended by his ‘chute which had snagged on a pinnacle. Watching helplessly John Steele saw many of his “stick” killed by the Germans who had already been alerted by the Allied fire-bombing of the town designed as a diversionary tactic to keep the German’s attention distracted whilst the landings took place.

This event is graphically shown by the film "The Longest Day". Pvt John Steele was the only man to survive this drop, and rather than finishing him off, the Germans dispatched him to Cherbourg for interrogation to find out his mission. One of those wonderful imbalances found in war had occurred; the Americans knew why they were there, but did not know where they were, whereas the Germans knew where they were, but did not know why they were there. Steele revealed no information to the Germans. He had been wounded in the ankle and deafened by the loud church bell which was ringing because the town was alight. He was liberated from Cherbourg upon its capture in late June 1944, and achieved personal fame following the release of “The Longest Day” and was portrayed by Red Buttons (d.Jul06). John Steele died of cancer on May 16, 1969 at the Veteran's Hospital in Fayetteville, NC just two weeks short of the 25th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Photo Gallery

What can be seen today?

Largely owing to the effect of the film, "The Longest Day", Ste Mere Eglise is today arguably the most affected town by tourism. A full size effigy of John Steele caught by his parachute and hanging from the church tower is evident today, and the many bars and gift shops bear witness to this story. Nonetheless, there are many real sites of interest, particularly depicted by the magnificent stained glass dedicated to the 82nd and 101st in the ancient church.

The Airborne Museum is worthy of a short visit and a walk around the town shows many “then and now” photos which are interesting. A short distance from the center is the Auberge John Steele which used to be the German Barrack building and until recently showed original German script lettering on the outside walls. Also not to be missed is Kilometer Zero (K O) outside the Mairie, the initial monument of a series which stretch from Ste Mere Eglise to Bastogne.

Private Transfer from London by Air

Short on time 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.