Falaise is a small city in the center of Normandy. From August 12-21, 1944, the Allies were working to circle a large German force (German Army Group B, with the 7th Army and the Fifth Panzer Army). As the Allies circled them, the Falaise pocket was formed. During the roughly 10 days, 10,000 German troops were killed and 50,000 surrendered. It was the beginning of the end of the Nazi's.
However, as part of the bombing and destruction of the German defenses, civilians were innocent victims. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 citizens of Falaise were killed. And 2/3rds of the city was destroyed in the fighting. A small museum is across the square from this church. It is dedicated to the citizens of Falaise. There didn't appear to be much anger towards the Allies. The Nazi's were despised. But the museum don't focus on that much. It addresses the innocent civilians.
Here is the church in the center of town. It wasn't very ornate. But, you could still see the Gothic style.
I find it fascinating that the churches are, for the most part, open to anyone. We were able to walk in. The doors were unlocked.
However, as part of the bombing and destruction of the German defenses, civilians were innocent victims. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 citizens of Falaise were killed. And 2/3rds of the city was destroyed in the fighting. A small museum is across the square from this church. It is dedicated to the citizens of Falaise. There didn't appear to be much anger towards the Allies. The Nazi's were despised. But the museum don't focus on that much. It addresses the innocent civilians.
Here is the church in the center of town. It wasn't very ornate. But, you could still see the Gothic style.
I find it fascinating that the churches are, for the most part, open to anyone. We were able to walk in. The doors were unlocked.
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