Five days in Normandy visiting the D-Day beaches: Bradders goes on a trip > General Discussion

Posted: 9/16/2016 4:38:52 PM EDT

[#1]

A Mixture of Sword and Juno Beaches
For the uninitiated, While the Americans were assaulting Omaha and Utah, the British Forces were tasked with the three others, Sword on the left, Gold on the right and Juno, which was handled by the Canadian Forces under British Command.
Despite their glaring omission in The Longest Day, the Canadians gained the most ground on D Day, advancing 6 miles inland

Sword

French Resistance flag

French Resistance memorial on Sword Beach

Cosys Bunker
The Canadian Unit that took this bunker suffered 78% casualties

Juno Beach memorial centre

Beach exit

Posted: 9/16/2016 4:48:26 PM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:

Brittany Ferries, about £80 each way.
22.45 departure, 06.45 arrive right in fucking Sword fucking Beach, right onto Pegasus and breakfast there at the Pegasus cafe, who's owner is the Granddaughter of the owners owned the same place on D-Day...and she speaks perfect English

How good can this trip be?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Where to?

I don't like driving cars over there, never mind motorcycles.

Be safe.

F**king Normandy man!!
I thought it was obvious

Which ferry are you taking and how much does it cost for a motorsickle?

Brittany Ferries, about £80 each way.
22.45 departure, 06.45 arrive right in fucking Sword fucking Beach, right onto Pegasus and breakfast there at the Pegasus cafe, who's owner is the Granddaughter of the owners owned the same place on D-Day...and she speaks perfect English

How good can this trip be?

Posted: 9/16/2016 4:58:39 PM EDT

[#3]

Was that really necessary?

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:27:26 PM EDT

[#4]

Tagged for later...thanks for posting this

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:34:36 PM EDT

[#5]

Very cool. I was there a few months ago and can't wait to go again. Thanks for sharing.

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:47:22 PM EDT

[#6]

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It's a ,triumph Speed Triple R, 1050cc
100% British. Except for the Italian brakes, Swedish suspension and American Competition Werks can from Oregon

I've installed the Db killer for the trip

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I don't know much about motorcycles having never owned one but, that bike awesome.

It's a ,triumph Speed Triple R, 1050cc
100% British. Except for the Italian brakes, Swedish suspension and American Competition Werks can from Oregon

I've installed the Db killer for the trip

Awesome pics brutha!!

I'm actually in Oregon right now. Need me to grab anything for you?
I'm gonna go have some fish and chips. Tally ho,!!

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:47:43 PM EDT

[#7]

If I was to buy a motorcycle like that, it would be a personal triumph.

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:51:45 PM EDT

[#8]

Thanks for sharing OP. I took a similar pilgrimage in 2001 and visited many of the same sites you did without a motorcycle though. A truly awe inspiring and humbling trip.

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:06:30 PM EDT

[#9]

So on my last full day I decided to take a trip to a little known place called Hill 112, south of Caen in what was known as the Falaise Gap.
It was here that the Germans realised they were being encircled and broke out.
It was also here that the British forces were engaged with 7 of 9 Panzer Divisions, the other 2 were off in the west contending with the Americans.
The fighting was fierce and Hill 112, the highest piece of land for some miles swapped hands several times.
During all this the British forces lost somewhere around 400 tanks, but inflicted significant enough damage to the Panzer divisions that they were never to recover

Not much of a hill

Later on I happened across a couple more Cemeteries, one in the midst of renovation

This place has the bodies of 224 Servicemen, mostly from the same Regiment and most of who dies on the same day

Then I discovered a huge fort in the middle of Caen

Along the way I spotted this memorial to a Typhoon pilot next to a road, and the remains of what were possibly a bridge

The Canadian Cemetery

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:06:35 PM EDT

[#10]

Let's see who disagrees with this statement: of the five invasion beaches, Juno was the easiest beach to land on and advance from. No big bluff to assault, no swamps behind it, and not built up so there were few buildings to fight over.

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:08:54 PM EDT

[#11]

Please don't let scarce replies dissuade you from posting. There's not much I have to say but I am really enjoying your pics and thank you for posting them.

I'm also kind of sad that I never got to take my dad there before he died. He had encyclopedic knowledge of WW2 , especially D-Day, and would have loved it .

Nice bike BTW.

And what is a "mulberry"?

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:16:35 PM EDT

[#12]

Incredible photos and thanks for taking the time to post them.

I have never been in the military and no family members that served ever saw combat.

That said looking at those photos really make one see the hell those men went through for millions of people.

I discuss my desire to see those beaches in person one day before I'm dead with my son often and one day I will hopefully make it.

I'm sure it will give me the same feeling I get when visiting the various Civil War sites that I've been to.

Thanks again.

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:26:58 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Let's see who disagrees with this statement: of the five invasion beaches, Juno was the easiest beach to land on and advance from. No big bluff to assault, no swamps behind it, and not built up so there were few buildings to fight over.

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From what I saw, Juno and Utah were similar in topography with low dunes.
However, Juno was in the centre and defended with Regular German soldiers.
The Canadians lost 370 men or so.

Utah was defended by low grade East European conscripts who quickly gave up.
While the Americans landed 21000 men, they lost only 179.

What happened beyond the beaches is a different story though, but as for the beaches, I say Utah was the easiest

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:50:23 PM EDT

[#14]

really really cool

I can't believe an iphone6 camera is that good ( mine is a 5z LOL )

This is the best thread I've seen in a long long time time.

Thanks

----------

I think these are fakes.

the 1911A1 and carbine don't look right.

Posted: 9/16/2016 6:59:38 PM EDT

[#15]

On the last day I had a couple more things to see.
The first being the house from The Longest Day in St Honourine Des Pertes that featured the deranged Frenchman who was relishing the shelling

That's Goldfinger on the horse BTW

A last look at Omaha

Then I headed back to Ouistreham to finally get a look at the Pegasus Museum

That Bailey crap

That big boat home

So that was it, a fantastic adventure and 5 days away.
I saw some things, learned a lot, got a bit emotional at times and had a great time on the twisty quiet roads of Northern Normandy.
A massive history lesson that has instilled in me even more respect for all that were involved in those events 70+ years ago

The last thing I have to do is post up this video of Fred and Roy, two Chelsea Pensioners who landed on Sword Beach

Enjoy and thanks for looking

Posted: 9/16/2016 7:12:57 PM EDT

[#16]

Looks like a great trip, thanks for posting.

Posted: 9/16/2016 7:22:17 PM EDT

[#17]

Thanks, Bradders.

Posted: 9/16/2016 7:25:00 PM EDT

[#18]

Thanks for sharing those images. The Oxs & Bucks were part of Black Bob Crauford's Light Division (Peninsular War) and later part of the Royal Green Jackets.

Posted: 9/16/2016 7:45:31 PM EDT

[#19]

Thank you for sharing, Bradders. That's a journey and an experience I want to make.

Posted: 9/16/2016 9:16:10 PM EDT

[#20]

Thank you for sharing your holiday with us Bradders.

Posted: 9/16/2016 9:32:47 PM EDT

[#21]

Nice shot Bradders

Posted: 9/16/2016 9:55:23 PM EDT

[#22]

i enjoyed the photos and history lesson very much/ someday i would like to walk there from one end to the other and take my time about it

Posted: 9/29/2016 10:21:03 AM EDT

[#23]

great stuff, thanks

Posted: 10/1/2016 12:59:44 PM EDT

[#24]

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Quoted:
great stuff, thanks

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You're welcome,
It is a true experience and I intend to go back

I should never've waited so long

Posted: 10/1/2016 1:32:42 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
On the last day I had a couple more things to see.
The first being the house from The Longest Day in St Honourine Des Pertes that featured the deranged Frenchman who was relishing the shelling

<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3815_zpstojikkc7.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3815_zpstojikkc7.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3818_zpslcq517g4.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3818_zpslcq517g4.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3816_zps2bqj4wbf.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3816_zps2bqj4wbf.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3817_zpsl58fstuf.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3817_zpsl58fstuf.jpg</a>
http://www.strijdbewijs.nl/film/l6.jpg
That's Goldfinger on the horse BTW

A last look at Omaha
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3819_zpsdujeaz2t.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3819_zpsdujeaz2t.jpg</a>

Then I headed back to Ouistreham to finally get a look at the Pegasus Museum
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3824_zpspaxe20ny.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3824_zpspaxe20ny.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3825_zps6it9zxjt.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3825_zps6it9zxjt.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3826_zpstcj0miin.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3826_zpstcj0miin.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3827_zpsrqesthhj.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3827_zpsrqesthhj.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3828_zpsk2onxf20.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3828_zpsk2onxf20.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3829_zpsrdrhwg4o.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3829_zpsrdrhwg4o.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3830_zpsbsuox8tn.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3830_zpsbsuox8tn.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3831_zpszqernjqc.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3831_zpszqernjqc.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3834_zps01bbvj02.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3834_zps01bbvj02.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3835_zps3sijk9n9.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3835_zps3sijk9n9.jpg</a>

That Bailey crap

<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3836_zpszvnpvy0f.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3836_zpszvnpvy0f.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3837_zpsu5rscoin.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3837_zpsu5rscoin.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3839_zpsmv4jc6es.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3839_zpsmv4jc6es.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3840_zpstp54xkak.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3840_zpstp54xkak.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3841_zpslzifngh1.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3841_zpslzifngh1.jpg</a>
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<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3843_zps0ycvi8kj.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3843_zps0ycvi8kj.jpg</a>
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<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3845_zpskzkcvo1n.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3845_zpskzkcvo1n.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3847_zpskx5v1de2.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3847_zpskx5v1de2.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3850_zpslkryhxpd.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3850_zpslkryhxpd.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3852_zpsywnngohr.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3852_zpsywnngohr.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3854_zpsd6ewbmkv.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3854_zpsd6ewbmkv.jpg</a>

That big boat home
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3859_zpsv2mvjqel.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3859_zpsv2mvjqel.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3865_zpsafo7ahqm.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3865_zpsafo7ahqm.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3871_zpsbwxt8wna.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3871_zpsbwxt8wna.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3875_zpshcivupjb.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3875_zpshcivupjb.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3877_zpslmb4sxff.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3877_zpslmb4sxff.jpg</a>
<a href="http://s818.photobucket.com/user/Mbradders/media/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3878_zpsfopoxhnt.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz105/Mbradders/Normandy%202016-14/IMG_3878_zpsfopoxhnt.jpg</a>

So that was it, a fantastic adventure and 5 days away.
I saw some things, learned a lot, got a bit emotional at times and had a great time on the twisty quiet roads of Northern Normandy.
A massive history lesson that has instilled in me even more respect for all that were involved in those events 70+ years ago

The last thing I have to do is post up this video of Fred and Roy, two Chelsea Pensioners who landed on Sword Beach

Enjoy and thanks for looking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7dR4kyg-c

View Quote

Posted: 10/9/2016 6:04:19 PM EDT

[#26]

Thanks so much for posting this stuff, it's so important that we continue to remember.

Posted: 10/23/2016 4:09:05 PM EDT

[#27]

Bump for the memories

Posted: 10/23/2016 4:21:38 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Bump for the memories

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I was reflecting on this thread when I pulled over yesterday to check out a state memorial to local WW2 servicemembers killed. I almost drove by it but your thread motivated me to dismiss my worries about being late.

Posted: 10/23/2016 4:34:41 PM EDT

[#29]

Cool pics and thanks for sharing.

Posted: 10/23/2016 5:00:47 PM EDT

[#30]

Thanks for posting all those wonderful pics OP.
You reminded me of this from a couple of years ago.
Best part starts at around 1:15.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k9Si28k0Fk

Posted: 10/23/2016 6:17:12 PM EDT

[#31]

Holy Shit OP that was great.

Thanks

Posted: 10/23/2016 6:46:55 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Thanks for posting all those wonderful pics OP.
You reminded me of this from a couple of years ago.
Best part starts at around 1:15.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k9Si28k0Fk

https://youtu.be/8k9Si28k0Fk

View Quote

Until you've visited you just don't know...

I loved the experience and will go back, there's just too much history there

Posted: 10/23/2016 8:34:02 PM EDT

[#33]

How did I miss this the first time through? I must have been more concerned with Hillary's fall.

Bradders, I have looked at every picture, read the inscription on every grave stone, and even some of the museum displays. Well done. Thank you for sharing all those with us.

While I was looking and reading, I decided to listen to this in the background

"The only territories we hold are memorials like this one and graveyards where our heroes rest."

ETA: Wow, it took two hours since you bumped this.

Posted: 10/24/2016 1:46:02 PM EDT

[#34]

Bradders hits a 6 with this thread.

Posted: 10/24/2016 2:24:53 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Bradders hits a 6 with this thread.

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Glad you all enjoyed it

Posted: 10/24/2016 2:40:17 PM EDT

[#36]

You photos gave me good bumps. My Great Uncle landed on Omaha beach as a medic

Posted: 10/28/2016 7:05:46 PM EDT

[#37]

So it was my birthday yesterday, and this hand painted card arrived from the nice people of the NRA of GB
Me on my bike in Normandy
One of the best gifts you could get

Posted: 10/28/2016 7:35:53 PM EDT

[#38]

Great story great pictures thanks

Posted: 10/28/2016 7:52:26 PM EDT

[#39]

Thanks for sharing Bradders.

I hope to visit Normandy someday.

Posted: 10/28/2016 8:38:53 PM EDT

[#40]

Damn, your NRA is way cooler than ours. I don't get handpainted cards for my birthday.

Posted: 10/28/2016 8:44:03 PM EDT

[#41]

OST

Posted: 10/28/2016 9:11:34 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
Thanks for sharing Bradders.

I hope to visit Normandy someday.

View Quote

Read every sign and monument in your pictures.

The weight of history is overwhelming

Posted: 10/29/2016 6:20:08 AM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:

Read every sign and monument in your pictures.

The weight of history is overwhelming

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Thanks for sharing Bradders.

I hope to visit Normandy someday.

Read every sign and monument in your pictures.

The weight of history is overwhelming

That is what strikes me most about the trip, it's hugely important history....but also a very enjoyable experience

Posted: 10/29/2016 6:28:59 AM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:

Well...

Where are you going man?

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Quote History

Quoted:

Well...

Where are you going man?

Quoted:

Where to?

Truly astonishing, GD is.

Posted: 10/29/2016 7:05:05 AM EDT

[#45]

Bradders, thanks for sharing your trip! I'll be visiting there in late Feb 17. Very much looking forward to it, even more so now after reviewing this thread.

Posted: 10/29/2016 9:18:03 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
So it was my birthday yesterday, and this hand painted card arrived from the nice people of the NRA of GB
Me on my bike in Normandy
One of the best gifts you could get

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14591822_10211157404361759_6328674812268466954_n.jpg?oh=e5a700e4b9afa90875966ed2978b78a1&oe=588F65C6

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A belated Happy birthday. Cheers!

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