Mercy! Mercy! That Dang Nabed PERCY!

On the Beaches at Normandy

As we were driving about the beaches and visiting the museums, we passed by this church. It was so unique in its size, shape and design that I had to get a picture and share it with everyone. I know that churches in Europe are common and after a while one gets used to them but they all have their distinct look and seem to beckon with a rich history and stories to tell.

There was a country song…. If you could read my mind… Oh what a story I could tell…” Anyway, when I saw this church that old Arlo Guthry song came to mind and it was almost as if the old edifice had a life and personality of its own. I hope I’m not boring my readers with a bunch of metaphysical nonsense but sometimes I sense a spiritual presence around old churches and cemeteries.

In the picture on the right is a landing craft. Can you imagine huddled in the ocean storm swells as these craft bobbed up and down in the ocean each with a platoons equivalent of soldiers. Can you imagine the fear, trepidation and seasickness?

Despite the complete surprise of the Germans, the losses were staggering. One stretch of beach had the Allies misfortune of being a “Training Exercise” (TE) used by a German reserve unit. Imagine their surprise when the TE turned out to be the real thing. It was here that some of the severest causalities were taken.