The Ruins of Normandy: Unpublished Color Photos From France, 1944
The ruins left behind after warfare speak a language of their own. And, even more strikingly, no matter where the conflict has taken place — whether it’s in northern Europe or the South Pacific, the Middle East or Central Africa — the vernacular of destruction is very often the same. Buildings reduced to rubble and dust. A scarred, tortured landscape seemingly devoid of any life at all, aside from small human forms trying to piece it back together. Twisted, rusting, abandoned vehicles. And always, above it all, the silent, indifferent sky.
Here, on the anniversary of D-Day, LIFE.com presents a series of previously unpublished color photographs made in northwest France by LIFE photographer Frank Scherschel. The impulse behind posting the gallery, meanwhile, is really no more complicated than this: to commemorate those Allied troops who fought and died; to honor those who fought and lived; and to mark the occasion by also remembering what happened to countless towns — and townspeople — in northwest France and around the globe when the Second World War unleashed hell in the very midst of their lives.
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The Ruins of Normandy
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The Ruins of Normandy
C Co 3/75 88-90 (Just Cause)
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space
Re: The Ruins of Normandy
The destruction of St Lo was damn near complete. That was where LTG McNair (senior Army officer to die in WWII) was killed in a tragic accident, when the 8th Air Force missed the target.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesley_J._McNair
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesley_J._McNair
Last edited by Jim on June 20th, 2013, 4:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ranger Class 13-71
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
Re: The Ruins of Normandy
I plan on spending an extended period of time in Europe next year, particularly in and around Normandy. I went as a boy but did not have the appreciation or perspective I have now.
C Co 3/75 88-90 (Just Cause)
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space
Re: The Ruins of Normandy
The poor fuckers with shovels cracked me up. Some shit never changes.
HHC 1/75 mtrs Apr 2000- dec 2003
hang it, FIRE!!!!
"I feel sorry for anyone who is not an alcoholic---How would you like to wake up every moring & know that is the best you will feel all day?" W.C. Fields
1st Ranger Bn...We may not go down in history but we will go down on your sister
hang it, FIRE!!!!
"I feel sorry for anyone who is not an alcoholic---How would you like to wake up every moring & know that is the best you will feel all day?" W.C. Fields
1st Ranger Bn...We may not go down in history but we will go down on your sister
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Re: The Ruins of Normandy
For anyone interested, D-Day by Antony Beevor is a good book on the topic, as well as Dog Company and The Battalion. The latter two are obviously Ranger specific, but D-Day covers the entire invasion, all forces, and subsequent battles.
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Re: The Ruins of Normandy
I find it hysterical in slide 6 they show an immersion heater in a trash can. The same type is used to this very day. I guess if it ain't broke..
B Co 3/75 '95-'99
4th RTB '00-'01
"ahh, Daniel-san.. When balance good, Karate good...everything good!.." K. Miyagi
4th RTB '00-'01
"ahh, Daniel-san.. When balance good, Karate good...everything good!.." K. Miyagi
Re: The Ruins of Normandy
Heh. I missed that one.The Sleepy Doc wrote:I find it hysterical in slide 6 they show an immersion heater in a trash can. The same type is used to this very day. I guess if it ain't broke..
C Co 3/75 88-90 (Just Cause)
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space
124 MI(LRSD) 90-91 (Desert Storm)
Repeal the 16th, enforce the 10th.
ΜΩΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all." Gen. James Mattis
Panem Et Circenses
My safe space