St Mere Eglise

Paratrooper John Steele.
The D Day landings took place 79 years ago on Tuesday.
It was a phenomenal piece of cooperation and planning between the Allies.
The USA 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions took off from Portland Bill on the south coast of England. Other troops stormed the Normandy beaches
St Mere Eglise was one of the first places to be liberated.
John Steele was caught on the village church and played dead to try to save himself. You can read his story in the link. This figure on the church keeps his memory alive.

The extra tells of another amazing story. 
There were lots of people in  uniforms today and some military vehicles. They must have been holding a commemorative event. 
We bought cheese bread and peaches at the market in the square for a delicious lunch.
We’re now near Niort for the night.
Here’s an interesting link to an old article in the Fayetteville observer.