Bayeux in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
The By-pass
La Qualité à ses Racines - Bayeux - Quality at its Roots
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 5, 2024
1. The By-pass Marker
Le 7 juin 1944, la ville de Bayeux est libérée par des soldats de la 50 division d'infanterie britannique. Pour cette dernière, l'étape suivante est la conquête de Tilly-sur-Seulles. à 10 km au sud-est de Bayeux Cependant, les principaux axes routiers (RN13 Paris-Cherbourg RN172 Bayeux-Coutances et RN 814 en direction des plages du Débarquement) passent alors invariablement par le centre de Bayer Tres rapidement, les militaires britanniques rencontrent des difficultés dans leurs déplacements. Le passage des troupes et du matériel lourd au coeur de la ville s'avère dangereux et très lent à cause de l'étroitesse des rues et des carrefours.
Pour remedier à cette situation, le génie de l'armée britannique décide de procéder dans l'urgence à la réalisation d'un grand boulevard entourant la ville. Cet ouvrage, dont les travaux débutent -dans le courant du mois de juin 1944, est appelé by-pass par les Anglais. Encore désigné par ce terme aujourd'hui, il constitue la première expérience de boulevard périphérique en France.
La rapidité de sa mise en oeuvre, environ trois semaines s'explique
this page online
Vue arienne de la ville de Bayeux et de son by-pass, 1947
Insigne du régiment d'assaut des Royal Engineers
The By-pass
On June 7, 1944, the city of Bayeux was liberated by the soldiers of the 50th British infantry division, whose next step was the conquest of Tilly sur Seules, 10 kms to the south-east of Bayeux. However, the main roads (Paris - Cherbourg RN13, Bayeux Coutances RN 172 and RN 814 towards the Landing beaches) all went through the centre of Bayeux. The British troops soon came across difficulties in their move. Bringing troops and heavy equipment through the centre of the town was a dangerous and very slow process, due to the narrow streets and crossroads.
To remedy that, the British army's engineering department decided to build a big boulevard around the city. That road, whose construction started during the course of June 1944, was referred to as by-pass by the English. That term
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 5, 2024
2. The By-pass Marker
The marker is near the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum.
Its quick completion in approximately three weeks was due to the very nature of the terrain, which is relatively flat. However, initially, the width of the road varied depending on sections; Since 1948, it has been improved in order to make the everyday traffic in Bayeux easier, thereby helping the city develop and protecting the historic centre.
Aerial view of the town of Bayeux and its by-pass, 1947
Badge of the "Royal Engineers” assault regiment
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the France - Bayeux - Circuit du Vieux Bayeux series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1944.
Location. 49° 16.414′ N, 0° 42.748′ W. Marker is in Bayeux, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. Marker is at the intersection of Rue des Cordeliers and Boulevard Fabian Ware, on the left when traveling west on Rue des Cordeliers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bayeux, Normandie 14400, France. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mark VII Crocodile Tank (here, next to this marker); M10 Tank Destroyer (a few steps from this marker); Char Grizzly M4A5 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer Tank (about 120 meters away); SKC 33 Gun (about 120 meters away); Tetrahedron (about 150 meters away); Bayeux, the First Town to be Liberated, and Intact (about 150 meters away); Bayeux Franco-Prussian War Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bayeux.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 35 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
