• Pieces: 2280

• Figure(s): 1

• Age: 10+

• Dimensions (inches): 24.8” long, 12.2” wide, 16.1” high

For the first time in the history of COBI we present a set combining the history of World War II and architecture! The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption in Sainte-Mère-Église (Normandy, France) gained world-wide fame thanks to the events of June 6, 1944, which took place during the D-Day operation. Soldiers of the American 82nd Airborne Division were tasked with gaining control of the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. However, due to an unfortunate landing, one of the soldiers, John Steele, became stuck on the church tower. Suspended high above the ground, the helpless soldier witnessed fierce fighting in the city. He survived, although he was injured himself. To commemorate this event, a figure depicting John Steele was permanently placed on the church tower. The memory of the liberators is still alive there and has been commemorated in a beautiful way! After the war, completely new stained glass windows depicting paratroopers and symbols related to them appeared in church windows. Today, the church in Sainte-Mère-Église is a popular destination for tourists and World War II history buffs. This symbolic place reminds us of the heroic efforts of paratroopers and the importance of the D-Day operation in the history of the modern world.

The church model was carefully reproduced from 2,280 COBI construction blocks. We have not forgotten about the characteristic architectural details and wonderful stained-glass windows commemorating the fight of American soldiers! The clock on the church tower shows exactly the time when the American paratroopers landed! There are elements of the environment and vegetation around the church. We also placed a historic water pump next to the church, where a fierce fight took place! The church roof can be detached to provide access to the interior, which you can arrange on your own. The set includes the most important hero of the historical event, John Steel, with a parachute attached to the corner of a church tower! Build the story, piece by piece, with COBI.

Especially on the occasion of the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day we have created for you an official collector's set with a special anniversary logo of the celebrations that will take place in 2024! This set will keep alive the memory of this extremely important event in your home, an event that had a huge impact on the course of World War II.

·      2280 high-quality elements

·      Produced in the EU by a company with over 20 years of tradition

·      The blocks meet the safety standards of products for children

·      Fully compatible with other brands of construction blocks

·      Blocks with prints do not scratch or smear and do not fade during play or under the influence of temperature

·      Special set in connection with the 80th anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1944)

·      Detailed model of the church

·      A parachutist figure

Model dimensions (L x W x H): 63 cm (24.8”) x 31 cm (12.2”) x 41 cm (16.1”)