3RD JUNE 2014. (Click on Photos to scroll through)
OUR BATTLE FIELD TOUR.
The plan was to meet the Portland Team in Arromanches during the afternoon.
The plan was to meet the Portland Team in Arromanches during the afternoon.
Bayeux Cathedral and the Tapestry
From Caen we set out to Bayeux, which of course is associated with another battle between Harold and William. It starts to rain and by the time we get to Bayeux its pouring with rain but no matter we are not here to explore the town this time. The Cathedral car park is overflowing so we find a place up a side street. Lots of Cars have the card meter indicators. Can we park there. Take the risk and keep our fingers crossed. The Cathedral is stunning especially with the addition of two commemorative bells.
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Sadly not allowed to take pictures of Tapestry due to risk of Flash damage. I have waited 64 years to see it and now at last we are here. Its a must and the sound guide is very good. Apparently it was made in Kent then taken to France.
To get a flavor click on the You tube video. Turn your sound up. Pam has gone on whilst I look at other things but later she is no where to be found. I show the staff pictures of her, they smile. The last time I saw her was sitting on a bench in the Tapestry Room. I/2 hour later I pick her up coming out of the gift shop. She says she fell asleep in the Tapestry room. Happy days. |
Vierville-s-Mer Omaha Beach
After Bayeux we take the main road up to the coast and arrive at Vierville-s-Mer. Short video of activity around Omaha
Point du Hoc
Set high on a cliff top to the west of Vierville lies Point du Hoc. Taken by 2nd Battalion of US Rangers. Casualties were very high. What amzed me was the size of concrete blocks 8 foot cube which were the remains of blasted fortification. Huge blast holes are everywhere and there must be people buried under the soil here never to be found.
Set high on a cliff top to the west of Vierville lies Point du Hoc. Taken by 2nd Battalion of US Rangers. Casualties were very high. What amzed me was the size of concrete blocks 8 foot cube which were the remains of blasted fortification. Huge blast holes are everywhere and there must be people buried under the soil here never to be found.
The American Cemetary at Coulville-s-Mer.
This is the only place I felt right about flying our flag. You knew where you were and why you were here. I would have flown it at Bayeux Cemetary but we did not make that site. There is a very good exhibition at the entrance and the alignment of the head stones is amazing.
The site was being prepared for President Obamha.
The site was being prepared for President Obamha.
Arromanches
This was the final stop for today where we were to meet Team Portland and a couple of other boats. Its 19:00 hrs, the light is fading and the weather is deteriorating. Some of these photos taken through binoculars but with the low light levels starting to get grainy. We managed to meet Bob and Debbie Tuckwood but Richard Stevens had already gone back to boat. Arromanches is a great place to visit.
The final Photos of the day were taken and we head back to Carpiquet for another night.