The airfield, five miles east of Cherbourg, was an integral part of Cherbourg’s land-side defenses. Cherbourg’s outer port breakwater can be seen in the top left. The airport, Strongpoints Osteck and Seadler and the Hamburg Battery are in the center. The three battalions of the 22nd Regiment started their attack from the south and east D-day + 19. It fell the following day. The airfield, designated ALG (Advanced Landing Ground) A-15 became operational D-day +21 although beside the runway stood a pile of bombs, shells, duds and 600 mines lifted from the airfield. Prime Minister Churchill landed here July 20 as did General Charles de Gaulle August 20.