Ultimate Then & Now Compilation | Sainte-Mère-Église | D Day Normandy WW2

In this video I show you some of my favourite Then & Now locations to film.

In this video I show you four of my favourite then and now pictures and story behind them. If you enjoy this video let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise was occupied in the spring of 1944 by the German soldiers of the 14th company of the 3rd Battalion of the Grenadier-Regiment 1058 and by the artillerymen of the 4th battery of the Artillery-Regiment 191. This town is located on the national road 13 which crosses the Cotentin from north to south. It is also a necessary crossing point because of the convergence of several departmental roads in its center.

The Americans, during the phase of preparation of the airborne operations preliminary to landing in Normandy, place the village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise in the heart of the jump zones of the 82nd Airborne Division. It is the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (505th PIR) commanded by Colonel William E. Ekman who is in charge of seizing the municipality in the early hours of D-Day, which entrusts this mission to Lieutenant-Colonel Edward C. Krause commanding the third battalion. In order to simplify the taking of Sainte-Mère-Eglise, the Americans define a jump zone directly to the north-west of the village, between the Merderet river and the national road 13, coded drop zone “O”).

Ultimate Then & Now Compilation | Sainte-Mère-Église | Normandy WW2

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[jonbroadsword]

I love the way these Then & Now videos really make History come to life. Thank you for doing them and dodging the traffic for us.

[janetslicer]

Rob, I sincerely thank you for bringing us this entire Before & Now program for all of us to see, leading up to the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. It has been a wonderful experience to watch them all, to honor the men who fought or contributed in any way to support the Allied Forces, and a special Touché to you for showing us so much of France, Belgium, Germany, or Poland. 🇺🇲 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

[vihtoripuurola]

I love how so much of Normandy has remained unchanged since D-Day. Thank you for these then & now videos.

[dannyg]

My father was in the 82nd, 505th PIR. He made all 4 combat jumps during WWII. Interestingly when jumped into Ste. Mere Eglise he landed in the alley next to the aid station. Another trooper and he joined up and went towards the aid station. As they went around back the glider crashed in front of them. They in fact crawled to the glider where they met up with another trooper. There were injured and dead aboard. They crawled back to the aid station while under small arms and mortar fire to get help. They approached an officer who was in the station and reported what they knew, dead and injured were on the glider. The officer would not send any men to assist because he said it was “ too dangerous “ to render aid to which my father promptly told the officer to “ go to hell I’m getting those guys out of there” which he and the fellow troopers did against orders. They got back to the glider went inside both pilots were dead but there were several badly wounded men. They managed to get the injured into the aid station and went back to retrieve needed equipment and supplies. My dad was injured ( shrapnel in his face and broken fingers) as was Joe the other trooper who was with my dad. I have the commendation letter as well as a photo of my dad, Joe and the other trooper in front of the glider. I am so glad I found your channel. My dad was a hero in the company of thousands of other heroes. Airborne all the way! Side note my dad lived a long and productive life, sadly he passed away 12 years ago… June 5 th almost to the hour he was jumping into Ste. Mere Eglise.

[joelangford]

Your work is fantastic. I get on YouTube expecting to look at a lot of different things, but all I can do is look at your Then and Now photos. They are poignant in so many ways, the sadness of war, the bravery of these young men, the passage of time. It boggles my mind how you have found so many exact locations in France and Belgium. Many thanks to you.

[kentcruz]

Just outstanding. I believe your exceptional use of before and after pics is one of the very best ways to make history come alive. Thanks

[anniem.]

Just makes me cry...for so many reasons.

Very powerful video! Thank you!!

💪❤️💗

[brentdykgraaf]

Love these...then and now. I keep looking for my grandpa.

[evitasdad]

I love then and now.
You have done these so well.
It is all so historically fascinating.
Thank you, from New Zealand

[PeaceU-eces]

Rob your work is fantastic and much appreciated- Especially today! I've never been to Northern France or had the opportunity to visit most of these cities and towns, but until that time comes I'm grateful for what you bring!
Cheers from Michigan, USA.

[its_cyfa]

You've a real talent to take us back 80 years

[johnglover]

Spectacular work!
Like yesteryear is alive, today!
You're creating history with history!
Just brilliant!

[pmc]

Totally amazing work!!!
I watched with amazement of how little some of the town has changed. I couldn't help but think as I watched that the only differences in some of the photos are the people. So many have left us now. They truly are the greatest generation of our time. From the very towns people to all the men who fought and gave it all back to them. The pictures are really extraordinary. Great work. I've shared this with all the men in my unit. I'm currently serving in US Special Operations for 17yrs now. All were just as amazed as I of the great work you did with this. Thank you.

[Alden]

I so appreciate your efforts in putting these video together. We should never forget the bravery and courage of the Allied Forces. Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Thank you, History Explorer. Well done!

[leedsman]

Well done for doing”now..then.. and back to now” . I’ve watched a few like this and they go from now to then but going back again is a better viewing experience. Seeing pictures like these just really shows how transitory we are on earth and how we walk in the footsteps previous generations.

[Strength-in-Union]

Matey - that was a superb show. Thanks for taking time to explain the challenges of getting the photographic match.
Well done 👍🏻

[merrylmarsh]

These photos morphing gives me goosebumps.

[karenwiley]

These are wonderful examples. I am 81 and still appreciating all the sacrifices and effort of this war. Wonder examples.

[AlainTomaneng]

what a great history captured in time, then and now, what a scene must have been back then. Thank you. I love this videos.

[spencercunningham]

Really love the work you do! Bringing the WW2 past up into the present! Excellent!