Photographs of War-Devastated Caen
Fonds — Volume: Dk.2.1
Identifier: Coll-164
Scope and Contents
The collection of photographs and postcards shows the war devastation of Caen, June-July, 1944. The devastation is shown from different elevations, and feature not only the most prominent buildings but also the extent of the damage beyond the central area of the city. Some of the pictures show the streets and buildings of Caen before the bombings.
Dates
- 1900-1945
Language of Materials
French
Biographical / Historical
Caen is a university city and commercial centre situated on the River Orne in the Calvados departement of northern France, in Normandy. It is a busy inland port, the river having been canalised (by Napoleon I) to the sea. The importance of Caen dates to the 11th century when it was a favourite residence of William I of England (William the Conqueror). An architectural gem, the city was largely demolished by Allied bombing and shelling during the Normandy Campaign of World War II.
As an important port and road and rail centre, Caen had been vital to Allied success after D-Day. The plan had been for the British forces to seize the city in the first day or two after the landings and then to take the battle out into open countryside and towards the Seine. When this did not happen, it was necessary to keep the German forces committed to the city and to prevent them from switching attention to the all out defence of the port of Cherbourg which was essential to the Allies and which the American forces were to take.
During the battle for Caen, the 14th century Church of St. Peter lost its famous spire, while the castle of William the Conqueror and the 17th century town hall were almost destroyed. However, three outstanding examples of 11th century Norman architecture were preserved, namely the Abbaye aux Hommes founded by William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and the Abbaye aux Dames founded by Queen Matilda, and the Church of St. Nicholas. The university which was founded in 1432 was destroyed, but has been rebuilt.
An imposing memorial to the Battle of Normandy (1944) has been erected in the old rebuilt castle as a peace monument and museum.
As an important port and road and rail centre, Caen had been vital to Allied success after D-Day. The plan had been for the British forces to seize the city in the first day or two after the landings and then to take the battle out into open countryside and towards the Seine. When this did not happen, it was necessary to keep the German forces committed to the city and to prevent them from switching attention to the all out defence of the port of Cherbourg which was essential to the Allies and which the American forces were to take.
During the battle for Caen, the 14th century Church of St. Peter lost its famous spire, while the castle of William the Conqueror and the 17th century town hall were almost destroyed. However, three outstanding examples of 11th century Norman architecture were preserved, namely the Abbaye aux Hommes founded by William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and the Abbaye aux Dames founded by Queen Matilda, and the Church of St. Nicholas. The university which was founded in 1432 was destroyed, but has been rebuilt.
An imposing memorial to the Battle of Normandy (1944) has been erected in the old rebuilt castle as a peace monument and museum.
Extent
75 photographs and postcards (approx).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented by Professor John Orr, 1946.
Source
- Orr, John, 1885-1966 (Professor of French) (Donor, Person)
- Title
- Photographs of War-Devasted Caen, 1900-1945
Repository Details
Part of the Edinburgh University Library Special Collections Repository
Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(1)131 650 8379
is-crc@ed.ac.uk
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(1)131 650 8379
is-crc@ed.ac.uk