Négreville Explained

Négreville
Commune Status:Commune
Arrondissement:Cherbourg
Canton:Bricquebec-en-Cotentin
Insee:50369
Postal Code:50260
Mayor:Guy Lesénéchal[1]
Term:2020 - 2026
Intercommunality:CA Cotentin
Coordinates:49.5172°N -1.5564°W
Elevation M:55
Elevation Min M:14
Elevation Max M:79
Area Km2:11.48

Négreville (in French pronounced as /neɡʁəvil/) is a commune in the department of Manche in the Normandy Region of north-western France.

History

In 12th century, this place was owned by the family Wake (or Wac), one of the Norman families who lost definitely their properties after the conquest of Normandy by Philip II of France in 1204.

This area was close to the US landing beach Utah, one of the Normandy beaches where the allies invaded France on D-Day in June 1944. By the spring of the year, Négreville was occupied by the command post of the German Artillerie-Abteilung 456 (91 Infanterie-Division). On 6 June 1944 an American Douglas C-47 airplane was hit by German artillery above the commune, leading the 19 paratroopers to immediately jump, some 12 kilometers short of their planned target; several were injured or killed. On 19 June 1944, the American 313th Infantry Regiment (79th Infantry Division) reached Négreville on its way north.[2]

In spring 2019, the mayors Normandy communes asked for U.S. participation in ceremonies during the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and subsequent liberation. Arrangements were still being made in late April 2019.[3]

See also

References

  1. Web site: Répertoire national des élus: les maires. data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 2 December 2020. fr.
  2. Web site: Négreville in 1944 – Manche – Battle of Normandy - D-Day Overlord . 19 February 2016 .
  3. Web site: U.S. Army Europe and Africa's home page.