Bombing of Mayenne on 9 June 1944

Mayenne was bombed on the night of 8 to 9 June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. At around 1.30 am, the inhabitants were woken by the glow of flares. Moments later, an infernal bombardment lasting around 12 minutes began, with around a hundred aircraft dropping strings of bombs and incendiary shells. The Saint-Martin district was particularly hard hit, with numerous impacts, particularly in the upper part of the district and near Mayenne station, causing total destruction. The fire caused by the incendiary pellets was a sight to behold. The fire brigade, overwhelmed by the number of fires and the scale of the disaster, was powerless to intervene. Several parts of the city were engulfed in flames, and many houses in the centre were damaged by the explosive bombs. The Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Miracles in Mayenne was badly hit, almost in ruins, and its admirable stained glass windows were destroyed forever. The lightning air attack left 345 dead and more than 120 injured. Leaflets had been sent out by the Allies to warn the population, but they apparently fell in the surrounding countryside. No copies have ever been found or preserved. After this night of terror, many people in Mayenne fled to the countryside and took refuge in nearby farms.

Photo credit and contribution Le Bourvellec Eric

Mayenne was bombed on the night of 8 to 9 June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. At around 1.30 am, the inhabitants were woken by the glow of flares. Moments later, an infernal bombardment lasting around 12 minutes began, with around a hundred aircraft dropping strings of bombs and incendiary shells. The Saint-Martin district was particularly hard hit, with numerous impacts, particularly in the upper part of the district and near Mayenne station, causing total destruction. The fire caused by the incendiary pellets was a sight to behold. The fire brigade, overwhelmed by the number of fires and the scale of the disaster, was powerless to intervene. Several parts of the city were engulfed in flames, and many houses in the centre were damaged by the explosive bombs. The Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Miracles in Mayenne was badly hit, almost in ruins, and its admirable stained glass windows were destroyed forever. The lightning air attack left 345 dead and more than 120 injured. Leaflets had been sent out by the Allies to warn the population, but they apparently fell in the surrounding countryside. No copies have ever been found or preserved. After this night of terror, many people in Mayenne fled to the countryside and took refuge in nearby farms.Photo credit and contribution Le Bourvellec Eric