The Ruins of Normandy

[RangerX]

The Ruins of Normandy: Unpublished Color Photos From France, 1944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Here, on the anniversary of D-Day, LIFE.com presents a series of previously unpublished color photographs made in northwest France by LIFE photographer Frank Scherschel.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.

Full article, photos

[Jim]

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

[RangerX]

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.

[Baseplate]

The poor fuckers with shovels cracked me up. Some shit never changes.

[Dreadnought]

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.

[Sleepy Doc]

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..

[RangerX]

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..

Heh. I missed that one.