Azeville Battery - History
This
cache is situated near to the village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise at the
WW11 German battery at Azeville. If you have time please visit our
other cache at the Battery at Crisbeq, GC16 JHJ.
The
Battery at Azeville was made up of four 105mm guns protected by
casemates camouflaged as ordinary dwellings, two on either side of
a country lane. There were also shelters and ammunition stores. The
various buildings were linked by a network of underground tunnels,
350m in total, which is now open to the public.
Because
of the insufficient range of its guns (approx. 10km) the Azeville
battery could not intervene effectively against the forces landing
on Utah Beach. However, its garrison put up strong resistance when
soldiers belonging to the 4th US Division tried to capture it, only
a fresh attack using flame-throwers did the survivors eventually
surrender.
There
is a museum on the site which you can through the 350m of
underground walkways which will take you through the life 170 men
that were stationed here as well as explain the courses of battle.
This is well worth a visit. The museum is normally open as
follows:
Azeville Battery - Vistor Centre
- April, October and School Holidays (excluding
Christmas): everyday, 14h -18h
- May and September: everyday, 11h -18h
- June, July and August: everyday, 10h -19h
The
prices to go in are as follows:
- Adults: 4,20 Euro
- Tariff Reduction: 2,70 Euro
- Children (7-15 years): 1,75 Euro
Bring your own pen!
