A visit over a long weekend to the D Day beaches and landing sites. There is a gunner story on each beach and landing site. We will see the strength of the German defences and see where and how the Gunners helped to overcome them. We will explore the stories of the Gunners who took part, the planners, commanders and soldiers, heroes, poets and those who fell.
We follow the dramatic actions that changed the course of history. We will see where the inspired and imaginative planning helped the allies to land and the cleaver technology and techniques used by the Gunners. We will follow the story of the men who duelled with tanks and aircraft with skill and heroism.
Come and see where the German Gunners fought the longest in Normandy of any of Hitler's Wehrmacht from a gun position described as the “surface of the moon” We will also see the tank battles and find out about the Gunner Heroes on D Day. The story of VC winning Commando Pat Porteous fighting his way across Ouestrehem. Sergeant Palmer who took on German anti tank guns at close range over open sights. The gallant Canadian Major Young who led his guns on foot through sniper fire, and the future Startrek actor James Doohan wounded on Juno beach.
Hear about some of the Gunner generals. “Hatchett Jack” who planned the fire support for D Day; David Currie, killed in action commanding an armoured brigade and Denis Sanders, who served in all three services and led the amphibious Royal Marine Armoured Support Group, before being killed in Action
Find out about the poets. The Second World, war is less well known than the First for its war poetry, but Agustus March Phillips, also described as a model for James Bond and Major John Jarmain who wrote some of the best poetry from the war.
If time permits it may be possible to allow for a visit to visit a specific grave or memorial.
Arrive at your Caen hotel for overnight accommodation prior to departure after breakfast the following morning on your tour.
Accommodation: *2 star Caen Hotel
Picnic lunch at Pegasus Bridge.(included)
After lunch you will visit:-
6 pm return to your hotel. In the evening you can explore Caen or talk to your guide.
Dinner tonight is not included, and you are free to eat in the modern hotel bistro or Caen whichn has a great choice of authentic French bistros and restuarants for dinner.
Saturday 8th July 2017: Gold and Omaha Beach and inland to Bayeux9.00 am – After breakfast depart the hotel for a short drive to the D-Day beaches.
During the morning you will visit:
King sector of Gold beach where you will see where the artillery of the Hertfordshire Yeomanry landed and hear the story of their D Day battles.
The places where Stanley Hollis fought his action for which he was awarded the VC, and hear about the role of the Gunners
Jig sector of Gold Beach you can follow the story of the Essex Yeomanry, and the story of Sgt Palmer who is still commemorated at le Hamel. Inland you will see where the artillery broke up the German counter attacks on D-Day.
Arromanches where you can hear about and see the remains of the air defences of Mulberry Harbour as well as visit the landing museum.
There will be a time to stroll around this charming resort and buy lunch.
After lunch you will conmtinue your visit.
At Omaha beach, you c an explore the German defences and visit the US Cemetery.
You will see the British graves at St Laurent cemetery and here the story of a British Band of Brothers and the Gunner's own 'James Bond,' the poet and novelist Augustus March Phillipps
Dinner tonight is not included, and you are free to eat in the modern hotel bistro or Caen whichn has a great choice of authentic French bistros and restuarants for dinne
Sunday 9th July 2017: Return to the UK
Return to the UK
Accommodation.
Our tour is based in the historic city of Caen
Evening Talks
Although our tour will be focused on the human story, we will offer optional evening leatures on artillery equipment and tactics and happy to talk about Monty's “colossal cracks” versus “wonder weapons and aufragstactik. We will introduce you to German artillery methods and why the German artillery became more effective even as they were losing the battle for Normandy...
Food and Drink
Normandy is justifiably famous for its cuisine based on local produce, including sea food, dairy produces and apples. There are plenty of opportunities to sample local food and drink.
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
* Coach transport throughout tour from the UJC in London return
* Experienced battlefield guide, Major Frank Baldwin, throughout
* Ferry from Dover to Calais return
* 3 night’s accommodation in Caen
* Buffet breakfast daily
* Pegasus Bridge museum entrance fee
* Arromanches museum entrance
* Poppy wreath (1 for the group)
* Printed tour programme memento
* Baggage tags
* Full licencing and bonding fees for 100% financial protection of your money.