October, 2024.

Arromanches-les-Bains, France.

Our stops at the beaches of Normandy concluded with Gold Beach and the town of Arromanches. The full name is Arromanches-les-Bains, translated from French to English, it is “Arromanches-the-Baths,” which refers to its history as a seaside resort, highlighting the bathing and leisure opportunities by the sea.

Our guide gave us about an hour to explore the beach and the town of less than 500 full-time residents. Like Omaha Beach, we didn’t have an organized presentation, and many in our group found a coffee shop or restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy the warm but cloudy weather. There is also a museum focusing on the roles of Gold Beach and Arromanches in the D-Day landings, but Lynn and I opted to walk the beach area and then explore the small town.

My opening photo features components that were once the makings of the temporary landing port at Arromanches. I was unable to identify the specific function of these concrete components. The Allies developed the Mulberry Harbors during World War II to support the D-Day landings in Normandy. These temporary, portable harbors were designed to facilitate the rapid unloading of supplies onto beaches, bypassing the need for capturing heavily defended ports.

While writing this post, I learned about the construction of Mulberry Harbors. They include:

Phoenix Caissons: These large concrete blocks formed the breakwater, protecting the harbor from waves and enabling safe unloading of supplies.

Beetles: Floating pontoons that supported the roadways, connecting ships to the shore.

Whales: Steel roadways that allowed vehicles and supplies to move efficiently from ships to land.

Blockships/Gooseberries: Old ships sunk to create a temporary breakwater.

I found a site here that describes the construction and deployment of Mulberry Harbors, including the components known as Whales. Other posts on that blog describe different elements in the design.

I found a webpage that describes the construction of Mulberry B here. The image above is from that archive and shows how the whales were used to support the roadway. Please look at the construction details on the page if you are interested in seeing the magnitude of this project.

Though the skies threatened rain as they did at the American Cemetery, we opted to take a short photo walk through the town. We started near our bus dropoff point and needed to return here for the pickup in one hour.

We first noticed benches in the shape of partially opened books. The placards featured stories of the heroes of D-Day and the liberation of Normandy. Unfortunately, the placards are in French, and my high school French has long been forgotten.

One bench features the story of Ernie Pyle and includes a photo I recognized as Pyle with General Bradley and General Eisenhower. From here, we started our walk around town.

We first walked the street just west of the museum and plaza. A large banner noted the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The street has become a pedestrian-only walkway with many retail establishments catering to visitors.

The street narrowed further, ensuring only bicycles and walkers could navigate the maze of shops and restaurants. On the right is the town’s Office of Tourism.

As we walked past the Tourism Office, I noticed this small street and captured a shot of the sea looking north between the buildings.

Several buildings like this restaurant featured illustrations on their windows. The brown uniform might symbolize a specific military role, representing vigilance and liberation during the war. The inclusion of red poppies, a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, reinforces this theme. The cheerful and welcoming design reflects respect for the past and a desire to keep the memory of that era alive in a way that resonates with visitors.

Similarly, this window design is a tribute to the Allied efforts and a celebration of the enduring spirit of liberty and camaraderie. It weaves art into history, creating a memorable experience for visitors. Though probably not as enduring as painted wall murals, the artwork on glass is beautiful in its own way, and may just be a celebration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

This cobblestone street is lined with stone walls and flower beds, leading to a building with two conical towers. A historical monument on the left is part of the Allan Beckett Memorial. In 1942, Winston Churchill raised the problem of anchoring the piers of the future artificial harbor at Arromanches. Major Beckett solved the problem by designing the floating roadways, their piers, and anchors to become the key to victory in Normandy. This area honours Allan Beckett’s memory. His engineering skill made the Mulberry Harbor project a success. In the background, a military tank positioned on a hill highlights the area’s connection to the D-Day landings during World War II.

I conclude the walk about Arromanches with two images of what appears to be a private residence. The propeller and flags conjure images of D-Day and the town’s importance at Gold Beach and the Mulberry Harbor.

During World War II, Arromanches and Mulberry Harbor B became examples of enduring ingenuity, resilience, and collaboration. The town’s pivotal role in the D-Day landings and the construction of Mulberry B was a temporary yet highly effective artificial harbor. These harbors facilitated the rapid unloading of troops, vehicles, and supplies, ensuring Operation Overlord’s success and Europe’s liberation.

Today, the remnants of Mulberry Harbor and the commemorative sites in Arromanches serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made and the innovative spirit that shaped history. On this 80th Anniversary visit, they inspired us and reminded us of the legacy of those who fought for freedom. Pixel peepers can view the photographic data and 2K HD versions of the images shared here.

Next week, on Travel Tuesday, we will visit the Overlord Museum. From the soldiers’ bravery to the logistical triumphs that defined the Normandy invasion, the museum gave me a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and strategies that shaped history.

John Steiner