View of Cafe Gondree from across the Orne and a view of the Orne heading out to the sea.
-
-
View of Cafe Gondree from the outside. Madame Gondree does not allow photos inside this living museum but it is a must see. It acted as a field aid station as from 6th June and there is memorabilia all over its walls.Comment
-
Two views of a RM Armoured Spt Battery Cromwell that is just across the Cafe.Comment
-
Major Howard Bust and landing site of his glider.Comment
-
Our next stop was at Merville Battery. For more on the Merville operation click here
A wonderful visit that encompasses a recreation of the storming of Casemate 1. The bunker doors are closed and the lights are switched off. Firing orders in German come over the tannoy as the guns are called into action due to an air raid and warnings of para drops. The rattling of the 20mm flak outside comes in through the embrasure. The deafening thunder of the Czech built 100mm guns fills the bunker as smoke is released to simulate the charge. Suddenly, from behind comes the rattle of the MG covering the entrance to the casemate as a voice in English shouts, 'Get in, Get in!' The roar of grenades and explosive charges follows and the shilouettes of British paratroopers can be made out amid the flash of grenades and guns. The order to spike the guns is given and then the order to withdraw follows. Very atmospheric and goes some way to explain the violence one can witness inside many of the gun emplacements here.
General view of entrance and bust of LtCol Otway, 9th Parachute Battalion, 3rd Para Brigade. (My Grandfather was in 4th Para Brigade).Last edited by Jonathan M; 08-26-2012, 02:11 PM.Comment
-
General view of the Battery and entrance to 'Tobruk'.Comment
-
View looking towards Sword Beach taken from on top of Casemate 1. Interior of casemate where simulation takes place.Comment
-
Interior view of MG position covering entrance and grenade damage on steel struts on Bunker ceiling.Comment
-
Air filtration system and trenches linking one position to another.Comment
-
1940's graffiti on a flak emplacement. Can someone explain the significance of the V and the laurel wreath? Maybe a reference to the inevitable German victory (well at that time July 41)?Comment
-
View of bunker exterior and battle damageComment
-
Close up of hooks for camouflage nets and Para Badge in memorial inside one of the Casemates.Comment
-
C-47 SNAFU Special and view from cockpit.Comment
-
Pilot controls and Navigators Position.Comment
-
Seats for paras and memorial wall to 9th Battalion.Comment
Comment