One of the victims of the bombing raids carried out over the Omaha Beach area in the early stages of D-Day is this small chapel which stands on its own in a field near Sainte Honorine des Pertes.
The chapel dates back to the 13th century where it was a place of pilgrimage but fell into ruin until it was restored in the second half of the 19th century. In 1862 over 6,000 pilgrims were recorded visiting here to take water from the holy fountain which was thought – due to Saint Simeon - to have healing powers. It was claimed that it had the power to cure trembling fever (malaria), which was spread by mosquitos from the surrounding marshes.
Following the D-Day landings the church was used as a refuge for soldiers and supplies but was never restored to its former glory and now stands as a poignant ruin just a few hundred metres back form the beach.