Cosy's Pillbox, Juno Beach, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
N 49° 20.240 W 000° 27.925
30U E 684121 N 5468046
This bunker, nicknamed "Cosy's Pillbox", was involved in the D-Day Invasion of 6 June 1944.
Waymark Code: WMMQD4
Location: Normandie, France
Date Posted: 10/25/2014
Views: 22
The World War II "D-Day invasions" of Normandy occurred early in the morning of June 6, 1944 when about 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on 5 beaches on the coast of Normandy, France. The 5 beaches were Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Sword Beach, these being the locations of two American, one Canadian and two British landing points.
On 6 June 1944, 15 members of "B" Company Royal Winnipeg Rifles, accompanied by approximately 150 engineer reinforcements, stormed ashore under heavy maching gun and gernade fire, and assaulted this bunker. There was a 78% casuality rate during the fierce battle, which was code named "Mike Green". An explosion toppled the bunker and the Germans surrendered, but Canadian Sergeant Cosy was shot during the battle.
Below is the text on the interpretive display sign at the bunker:
"The fierce fighting at "Cosy's Pillbox
Cosy's bunker, easily recognisable by its tilt, was the site of fierce fighting on 6th June 1944. It owes its name to Sergeant Cosy. This Canadian soldier was entrusted with the mission of capturing the fortification with 15 men from the B Company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
At first assault by machine-gun and grenade enabled them to capture the position, but Sgt Cosy was hit in the lungs. Engineer reinforcements arrived, around 150 men. An explosion toppled the pillbox and the Germans surendered, but only 27 men survive this valient and difficult battle in the dunes."
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Sources:
en.tracesofwar.com/article/29215/Atlantikwall---Cosys-Pillbox.htm
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www.johnsmilitaryhistory.com/Invasion%20Beaches.html
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www.flickr.com/photos/37801007@N07/4241947258/
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