Longues-sur-Mer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Longues-sur-Mer
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Two bunkers of Longues-sur-Mer battery
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 Longues-sur-Mer
Location in France
Longues-sur-Mer
Location in Normandy
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Normandy | |
| Department | Calvados | |
| Arrondissement | Bayeux | |
| Canton | Ryes | |
| Area
1
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12.29 km2 (4.75 sq mi) | |
| Population
(1999)
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586 | |
| • Density | 47.68/km2 (123.49/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
14377 /14400
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| Elevation | 0–77 m (0–253 ft) (avg. 76 m or 249 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Longues-sur-Mer is a small commune in France. A commune is like a small town or village with its own local government. It is located in the region called Basse-Normandie. This area is in the Calvados department, which is in the northwest part of France.
Longues-sur-Mer is famous for its history, especially during World War II. The German army, known as the Wehrmacht, built strong concrete bunkers here. These bunkers were part of a big defense system along the coast.
Contents
Discovering Longues-sur-Mer
Longues-sur-Mer is a quiet place today. It sits right on the coast of the English Channel. This makes it a beautiful spot with views of the sea. The area is known for its green countryside and charming French villages.
Where is Longues-sur-Mer Located?
Longues-sur-Mer is in the Normandy region of France. It is close to other historic towns like Bayeux. The commune covers an area of about 12 square kilometers. It is a coastal area, meaning it has a shoreline along the sea.
Life in the Commune
Longues-sur-Mer is a small community. In 1999, about 586 people lived there. People in communes like this often work in farming or local services. The mayor helps run the local government. They make decisions for the people living in the commune.
Longues-sur-Mer and World War II
The most important part of Longues-sur-Mer's history is its role in World War II. It was a key location during the Battle of Normandy. This battle was a major turning point in the war.
The Atlantic Wall Defenses
During World War II, Germany built a huge line of defenses. This was called the Atlantic Wall. It stretched along the coast of Europe. The goal was to stop an invasion from the sea. Longues-sur-Mer was an important part of this wall.
The Longues-sur-Mer Battery
At Longues-sur-Mer, the Germans built a powerful artillery battery. An artillery battery is a group of big guns used for shooting far distances. This battery had four large 150 mm guns. These guns were protected by thick concrete bunkers. There was also a command bunker. This bunker was used to direct the firing of the guns.
D-Day and the Battery
On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched D-Day. This was a massive invasion of Normandy. The Longues-sur-Mer Battery was a big threat to the Allied ships. It fired on the invasion fleet.
The Battle for the Battery
Allied warships fired back at the battery. They tried to destroy the guns. The battery kept firing for some time. Eventually, the Allied ships managed to silence most of the guns. Later, British soldiers landed nearby. They captured the battery on June 7, 1944.
Visiting the Historic Site Today
Today, the Longues-sur-Mer Battery is a historic site. Visitors can explore the bunkers and gun emplacements. It is a powerful reminder of the events of D-Day. You can see how strong the defenses were. You can also imagine the bravery of the soldiers who fought there.
The site helps people understand the history of World War II. It shows the importance of this coastal area during the war. It is a place where history comes alive.
