South of France Liberation celebrations August 2003.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, here are a few photos which I took last month. 4 of us from the "Summer of '44 LHG" traveled to the South of France along with a former British Parachute Regt Pathfinder Veteran Sgt Mike Compton.
Mike dropped near the village of Le Mittan in the early hours of August 15th 1944.
Here we are at the US Rhone Military Cemetry. It was a very hot day.
Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Comemorations at Le Mittan.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Comemorations at La Motte just down the road from Le Mittan. This was a big event with lots of dignitaries present. Mike was the only Vet there.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Mike meeting French ex Legion Paras.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Vehicle parade in St. Maxime where we stayed. We were invited to attend by the local French vehicle owners. My wife Lez wore FFI "uniform" as the ATS, her usual impression, were not present in this operation. Here she is in an ex Wehrmacht Citroen truck with a captured German M16 helmet.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Shot of the vehicle parade. The soft focus is not some special effect, but condensation caused by accidentally placing the camera next to a cold beer .

[Adrian Stevenson]

Well turned out group of French re-enactors representing US 36th Inf. Div.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Vehicle parade in St. Maxime

[Adrian Stevenson]

Vehicle line up on the sea front.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Comemmorations at the sea front memorial in St. Maxime. All these events were well attended as you can see from this photo.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Vehicle convoy from Draguinon to Le Muy. This pic shows an immaculate early 1941 Willys MB "Slat Grille" Jeep.

[J Melvin]

Great photos, Ade. I always envy your commemoration photos, but don't envy what the locals had to go through in order to have them. Thanks for sharing.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Motorcycle outriders from US 504th PIR. Note the spray painted camo M42 jump suits. These guys did a great job blocking off junctions and roundabouts in order to keep the convoy together.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jack, I know what you mean . Mike was treated like a King, here was the typical welcome he got!
Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

We have already reserved rooms in a hotel for next year. I wonder why?? Here is Nige from our group