Ducks that sailed from England
Sunday, June 7, 2009
D-Day celebrations
We assembled at the caravan park at 10.00am as we were going to drive in convoy with the British to a spot north of Arromanches. Quite a few of the roads had been closed due to Obama's visit so our convoy was through the back roads to a beach near St Comes. The "Military Police" on their motorcycles stopped traffic and allowed us to successfully maintain our convoy. Fortunately they were at each intersection so that we could not take the incorrect road. The roads through this area are narrow and windy with many crossroads so it makes it hard to follow the vehicle in front of you.
We parked in the carpark next to the beach until it was time to drive on the beach to Arromanches. There were lots of people wandering amongst the vehicles taking pictures and asking lots of questions.
The vehicles were organised in the appropriate order for the drive and at the request of Lang the Aussies and New Zealanders were at the end as we had to leave earlier than them. We drove along the beach to Arromanches where there was a crowd gathered to welcome us. There appeared to be a bit of friendly competition as to who could drive through the mud hole without getting bogged (I later found out to be a sewerage drain - so no wonder it was on the nose). Those that didn't make it had to be towed and those that did were pretty happy.
The British contingent broke a record with having 140+ motorcycles (British) on Arromanches Beach. This should appear in the Guinness Book of Records.
We left the beach around 3.45pm as we had to drive to Noyers Bocage for a wreath laying cemetery at the memorial dedicated to the Typhoon Pilots killed during Normandy landings. The Mayor of the town was present and welcomed us to his town.
After the ceremony we then drove in convoy to Chateau D'Amaye Sur-Seulles where we were welcomed by Anna and Frank and along with many friends of theirs sat down to a lovely meal provided by them. There was lots to eat and drink and they made us feel very welcome. They had set up tables in their grounds but unfortunately it rained late in the afternoon and they had to arrange seating inside. Some stayed the night camped in and under their vehicles and the rest of us drove home. Without the aid of the GPS we would still be driving through the rabbit warrens.
Normandy celebrations
5 June 2009
Fireworks were planned for late that evening along the beaches. We set off around 9.00pm with the McKinneys so that we would get a good vantage point before the crowd built up. Jim and Ray were in the front of "George" and Jenny and I were locked up in the back. We found a good spot at the top of a hill and settled down with our chairs, lots of blankets and a cuppa as it was very cold outside and the wind had a real nip in it.
People chatted to us as they arrived and so many seemed to know about the Aussies/NZ who drove from Turkey in their military vehicles. We were invited to tea by a German couple who were camping in their mobile home and to some apple cider/liqueur by a French guy. Both of these we gracefully declined as we had already eaten and were a bit scared of how potent the apple liqueur might be as the Frenchman described it with much gusto.
The fireworks were set off at various spots along the coast simultaneously and were a magnificent sight. Well worth getting frozen for.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Federal Tank Transporter
A Federal Tank Transporter fitted with a 6-71 GM Diesel engine belonging to a British group
Normandy/Arromanches
Yesterday Jim and Ray (NZ) drove along the Normandy coast road looking at the various sites and the different variety of vehicles. There were lots of jeeps and nearly as many Dodges 4x4, 4x6 and some heavy vehicles.
The numbers of military personnel are starting to build up due to Barack Obama's visit and we heard that Prince Charles is also arriving for D-Day - the roads will be chaotic. There have also been quite a lot of military helicopters flying around.
Today Jim and I went to Arromanches which is not far up the coast from our caravan park and had a picnic lunch in a quiet little country road. We knew that once we arrived at Arromanches the traffic would be horrendous and not much chance of getting a spot along the ocean. There are a lot of old military vehicles around and of course, mobile homes in every available parking spot. It is a bit hard to detect the 'real' army from the 'dress up' army as some military enthusiasts go all out for this occasion and look a bit like Dad's Army. We are not used to seeing our members dressed up in full garb (thankfully).
Fortunately the weather has been perfect although there does look to be a change coming in.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
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