According to the article about Le Havre in the Michelin Green Guide for Normandy, starting in 1944 the port city suffered through more than 146 air raids. More than 4,000 people were killed, 9,935 dwellings were totally destroyed, and 9,710 others were heavily damaged. After Le Havre was liberated from German occupation, it took nearly two years to clear away the rubble. Re-building began in 1946.
The historic town center, which had been built to plans drawn up by an Italian architect in 1541 — during the French Renaissance — was virtually wiped out in 1944. So a new city was built. A remarkable architectural unity was achieved; the town center offers wide perspectives, contrasting with tall buildings that seem to pierce the sky. The place de l'Hôtel de Ville du Havre is one of the largest public squares in Europe. The city (pop. approx. 160,000) is 30 minutes by car from Étretat and just over an hour from Rouen. In fact, Le Havre is the biggest city in Normandy.
I don't think that I knew any of this!
ReplyDeleteI think that if you investigate further you will find that it was the Allies (US, Britain, etc) who bombed Le Havre in September, 1944 destroying much of it, not the Germans.
ReplyDeleteRight Anonymous is! Just read it online - 132 bombing raids I read.
DeleteI've modified my text.
DeleteThat is highly likely to be true. Allied bombing was tragically but necessarily involved in the military liberation of France from Germany’s cruel ambitions.
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