SUPPLY PORT
ALLIED DRIVE ON CHERBOURG A VALUABLE BASE The pert of Cherbourg, .which is now being menaced from the south by- advancing" American forces, Would be a most valuable strategic gain for the Allies. Not only is it a naval station and a seaport capable of accommodating the largest liners, but the network of railroads and broad Highways which radiate from it throughout the entire peninsula to such vital points as Carentan, Bayeux, and Caen would make it invaluable as a supply base. The seaport can cope with vessels of all sizes, and if its modern facilities were lett intact* it should be capable of handling the Vast array of supplies necessary for an invading force. The naval and commercial harbours are distant from each'other by about half a mile. The former consists'of three main basins cut from rock and has an area of 55 acres. Its minimum depth is 30 feet. Connected with the harbour are dry docks, shipbuilding yards, and magazines,. and there is a large naval hospital close to the harbour. The commercial harbour communicates with the sea by a channel 650 yards long. Thfcre are two extensive, sheltered roadsteads, the larger and outer, giving a depth of 42 feet, being sheltered by, three breakwaters. The smaller roadstead has a depth of 32 feet. Harbour works were first commenced by Lcuis XVI, and continued by Napoleon I. As long ago as 1858, the sum of £8,000,000 had been‘•spent on the works.-
There is now a desp-water quay 1830 feet long and another over- 970, feet long, while the port also is equipped with a large new' maritime railway station. In addition, there is an inner, or tidal, harbour, with about 2000 feet of quays, where drawing 10ft or more can berth.
Apart from these’ excellent unloading facilities, the port is admirably served by road and rail communications. The main double-track railway runs from Cherbourg through Valognes and on to Carentan, Bayeux, and Caen. A single track line runs from Cherbourg in an easterly' direction along the northern tip of the peninsula to Barfleur, and follows the east coast of the peninsula until it swings inland to meet the main line at Valognes. Another single track line branches off the principal line north of Valognes and leads off more to the west of the peninsula to rejoin it at Carentan. The roads in this area are broad, picturesque highways, bordered by endless rows of well-tended trees. The entire peninsula is covered with excellent roads, and not the least important factor from a supply point of view is the presence of ample lateral communications. To" an invading army whose supplies must of necessity be seaborne, Cherbourg, therefore, provides the ideal solution.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 25565, 19 June 1944, Page 4
Word Count
453SUPPLY PORT Otago Daily Times, Issue 25565, 19 June 1944, Page 4
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