What does Picauville mean?

Picauville is a commune in the Manche department in Normandy in north-western France. On 1 January 2016, the former communes of Amfreville, Cretteville, Gourbesville, Houtteville and Vindefontaine were merged into Picauville.

What happened at Picauville in Normandy?

Picauville was one of the first towns liberated by Allied forces following the Normandy landings in early June 1944; German General Wilhelm Falley was killed there by an American paratrooper shortly after the invasion began.

How did the 508th PIR seize Picauville?

Nevertheless, supported by elements of the 508th PIR, they manage to jostle the German lines and seize Picauville that same day, forcing their opponents to retreat to Pont-l’Abbé. From June 20 to 26, 1944, an aviation runway was built north of Picauville by the 826th Engineer Aviation Battalion (EAB).

What division is Picauville in WW2?

Picauville is placed under the responsibility of Grenadier-Regiment 1058 (91. Infanterie Division). During the preparation phase of Operation Overlord, the Allies place this commune to the west of the bridgehead that US paratroopers have to control on D-Day.