AVRANCHES

Avranches is one of the oldest towns in Normandy and is a key point of access to Britanny and to the south of France. It is situated at the south western point of the Cotentin Peninsular.

After the Americans seized St-Lo the Allieds decided that the time had come to take the initiative to breakout from Normandy towards Brittany, Paris and the south – Operation Cobra was to be effected.

Who better to lead this operation than General George Patton who was based at Avranches with his 3rd US Army. He stormed through Britanny and seized Brest in the west, Cherbourg in the north and powered on to Falaise in the east.

Patton was extremely popular amongst the French civilian population in Avranches and they have honoured him by placing a memorial near the centre of the town as well as a bust of him. This is real Patton country!

 

 

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