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CHERBOURG TO THE D DAY BEACHES
The sun was shining brightly but the temperature was cool. I boarded the bus early since the tour was scheduled for nine hours and I had to be back on board at 5:30. My time in Cherbourg was only a drive through on the way to Arromanches, a modest sea side resort which is where the British forces landed at Gold Beach on June 6, 1944. I only missed the 69
th anniversary by a little more than a week. There is a Museum with good films and displays which explain the immense operation to free Europe. Some of the man made port so vital to the success of the invasion remain on the beach. It was very thought provoking to walk on the beach where so many had died in the battle. I walked around the town during free time and had lunch. While I was waiting for the bus to return, two antique sports cars pulled into the parking lot with tops down and the two couples decided to put up their tops before heading to lunch. One car was a Riley and the other an Alvis. I chatted with them for a
few minutes and learned that they had taken the ferry from England and were taking their 1930s era cars for holiday in France.
The next stop was Colleville-sur-Mer, site of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial which overlooks Omaha Beach, one of two where American troops landed. The cemetery is very well maintained and impressive. There are 9,387 headstones and a memorial to 1557 missing in action. I didn’t have enough time to see all the displays in the visitor center, but if you ever visit, plan on spending at least a half day there.
I went to Omaha Beach on the way to the next stop and walked on it. Remarkable!
The last stop was Pointe du Hoc, the heavily fortified observation post with big guns and sitting atop 100 foot high cliffs. Casualties were heavy, but the Rangers achieved their mission in the end. Amazing courage and bravery!
When I return home, I’m planning on seeing the films about D Day again. This experience will certainly add a new dimension to the viewing.
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Elly
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Memories recalled
Can remember our trip very well from your pictures. Really makes you stop and think of all that has happened before. Glad you're making so many of your own memories. Safe travels.