Detailed history

Air field Azeville (ALG A-7) was an Advanced landing Ground near Utah Beach in Normandy, France

The airfield was completed a little over two weeks after D-Day and served as an air base for Allied aircraft operating above and just ahead of the beachhead.

It was built by the US IX Engineering Command, 819th Engineer Aviation Battallion.

Although named after the town of Azeville, it was actually located closer to Fontenay-sur-Mer and St. Marcouf.

It was built north of the lane to Chateau de Fontenay, one of the most beautiful chateaus in Normandy and cut through another.

Most of the construction took place under enemy fire, but 819 EAB did not sustain major damage or loss in men.

Although planned for a 1500m (5000ft) runway, it was built as a fighter air base with 3600ft of runway.

Reason is that any lengthening would require major earthworks.

The airfield was declared operational on 23 June and completed on 2 July, 16 resp. 26 days after D-Day.

The airfield was used by the 365th FG, consisting of 386, 387 and 388 FS, flying P-47 Thunderbolts on fighter bomber missions.

The group moved into the airfield on 28 June 1944.

The Fighter Group left on 15 August.

For about a month the airfield was used by 363 FG consisting of 380, 381 and 382 FS, flying P-51 Mustangs on fighter and tactical reconnaissance missions.

USAAF abandoned the site on 15 September 1944.

English Heritage's record description

Not yet known

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