church at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Normandy

Mainly 11-13th century, a fine Norman church well worth visiting.

Widely known for the American parachutist who on the night of 5th June 1944 became entangled on the church's roof during a ferocious battle raging on the square below. John Steele remained motionless to feign death. For several hours he had to bear the sound of the (alarm) bells and a bullet wound in his foot.  Not a comfortable night!