Wednesday 1st October
A history lesson today.
The D day landings on June 6th 1944 and the subsequent Battle of Normandy marked a turning point in WWII and accelerated the end of the War. The Allies landed on 5 beaches along an 80km stretch of coastline. Most impressively I think was the building of an artificial harbour that they knew was needed to keep the troops supplied. Two prefabricated harbours were meticulously planned, built in England in pieces and towed across the Channel. The harbour at Arromanches was successfully built using an outer breakwater of sunken old ships which were joined together using huge concrete boxes (Phoenix caissons). Landing wharves were then installed with floating causeways so equipment could be moved from ship to shore. Amazing construction and great exhibit at the Arromanches museum. The harbour was only designed to last 6 months but amazingly parts are still visible 70 years later.
We visited several of the beaches including the beautiful Omaha Beach and finally the American Cemetery which overlooks this beach and where some 9,000 US soldiers are buried. Very moving to hear national anthems played and a lone trumpet solo while we were there. There are 8 NZ soldiers buried in the Commonwealth cemetery at nearby Bayeux.
Link to photos of Normandy – D-Day beaches.
Normandy countryside very picturesque, dairy producing country. Lots of apple trees dot the landscape, hedgerows and pastoral scenes with lovely stone cottages and farm buildings all clustered together. More lovely little villages too with narrow streets and houses built right up to the road.
Comments
Comment by Mary Grover on 2014-10-02 14:27:23 -0700
Hi Travellers – what a wonderful trip you are having. Love the photos – quite spectacular. Its a wish of mine to go to Las Vegas and see the Grand Canyon – maybe one day I will make it. Really love reading all your stories. Take care and happy travels. Mary x
