Pont de la Roque Bridge

 memorial, bridge

DESTRUCTION OF THE LA ROCK BRIDGE"
"The whole in the net"

Continuing Operation Cobra, the American army converged on Coutances from Perires and Saint Lo; the strategy was to cut off the Cotentin peninsular at the "Sienne" River estuary to entrap the remaining German troops in the mid-west portion of the peninsular.

This is why the Allied forces put tremendous fire power into destroying the La Rocque Bridge witch was the enemy's last passable route toward Granville , Avaranches and Brittany.

Over twenty Bombing raids were required to destroy all three arches of the La Roque Bridge; several sized planes was used :dive bombers and medium-sized "Marauders"

A Canadian pilot losed his life trying to dive-bomb the structure witch is located in an enclosed Vally.

Nonetheless, the strategic objective was not achieved because the portion bridge over the "Soulles River remained intact; German Troops were able to cross the river and escape by Orvel toward Hyenville and Granville.

The 1st bridge has been left as a Memorial to Operation Cobra part of the DD Landings.

The new bridge that can take on the increase in traffic in the area has been built.


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