Just got back from a week in Normandy. The 14 hours travelling is rather exhausting. While there I took the opportunity to visit a number of the D-Day sites. Something I've always wanted to do. We'll probably be back next year to cover the American sector as they were just a bit far to travel to each day. So in no particular order a bit of a photo dump.
Pegasus bridge, including the first house liberated in France, Cafe Gondree by elements of 6th Airborne division.
Next was the Merville battery, captured by 9th Parachute battalion under Colonel Otway.
Next is the Longues sur mer battery, situated between Omaha and Gold beaches was eventually captured by the Devonshires after it had been heavily bombarded by the Navy and Airforce. This was a great place to visit and free.
 |
| Superb view to Gold beach |
Legendary and full of pain place, but an important part of history.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a photos.
Cheers Michal, important part of history that needs remembering
DeleteSome great images there Scotty - a place I never went when resident in the UK (had a family holiday in Brittany but that's the closest I got!) and chances of visiting now are slight.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up in Montrose on the NE coast between Aberdeen and Dundee, we had a few similar (although smaller) anti invasion fortifications built in 1940 after Dunkirk - the river North Esk also still had huge concrete tank obstacles for about the first mile of its length from the sea up to the North Water Bridge - plus lots of old bomb shelters dotted around the former RAF fighter aerodrome - all within 15-20 minutes walk of my house!
Cheers Keith, never though I'd get the chance to go, but so pleased that I did. Never say never, you might get there
DeleteGreat photos Neil. A great area to visit. I always enjoy my times there. Something very evocative about being at these sites. Looking forward to your next batch.
ReplyDeleteCheers Richard. Very evocative indeed.
DeleteLovely stuff Neil brings back some good memories, certainly worth visiting further west as well when you get the chance
ReplyDeleteCheers Matt, hopefully next year we gey to do the American sector
DeleteExcellent photos Neil.
ReplyDeleteCheers Ray
Delete