Normandy - 2004

[Tom M]

Cheers Jim hope it's all going well for you.

[Darrell]

Wow

Amazing pictures Tom. Thanks for sharing.

My Daughter is going to France in 2005. I am very envious that she may be taking tours of these great historical sites like you have shown us.

Maybe one of these years I can visit myself.

[Al P]

Wonderful pics from what looks like a wonderful trip; thanks for sharing.


Al

[milsurp]

Hi Tom,

I did an identical tour with my school 20 years ago, I loved it there's so much history there. I didn't realise they had moved pegasus bridge, the original was still in place when I was there, it is absolutely riddled with holes as I am sure you saw.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[Katrin]

Here is the Command bunker. Sadly it has been cordoned off because it is lopsiding off the cliff. The memorial to those brave rangers stands above it. I hope they rescue it.

isnt that the bunker where the ranger plaque is ?
ive been there years ago but i cant remember any bunker cordonend off

[Tyler Ramsey]

Tom,
WONDERFUL photos, and a GREAT story behind them all. Thanks a lot for showing them! I hope one day I will be able to visit this place of Honor.

[nellyp51]

Very moving, thank you.

[Tim DC]

The name of the village is wrong but I can't remember. These 3 Commandos were buried in the village church. John filled us in on the details. 12/13 men were on an operation to capture a German prisoner. They managed to get one and proceeded to drag him back to the boat waiting for them at the shore. By miracle. A German Shepard smelt there scent and proceeded to bark vigorously. This immediatly alerted the Germans and they began to fire. The man on the left was killed in the crossfire. 10 of the Commandos made to the boat with the prisoner. Major March Phillips was wounded and he made it back to the shore, as he swam for the boat it started to leave and the water proved too much for his body and he drowned. R. Leonard managed to escape the village and headed towards the Spanish border so he could be evacuated by the underground. He made it to spain but unfortunaltely Franco was in power and the Spanish police captured him and sent him back to France. He was shot the next Morning in the village.

The Alsation however, won the KC and proudly galloped around the village wearing it around his neck.

Tom, good job, I loved your report !

Could this be the Village of St-Laurent-sur-Mer, near the American cemetery ?
I remember I stood there exactely like you on the local cimetery, exactely two months ago, asking myself what had happened to those 3 men, and what they were doing there in 1942. Thanks for your explanation

[Tom M]

Tom, good job, I loved your report !

Could this be the Village of St-Laurent-sur-Mer, near the American cemetery ?
I remember I stood there exactely like you on the local cimetery, exactely two months ago, asking myself what had happened to those 3 men, and what they were doing there in 1942. Thanks for your explanation

Absolutey right, that is the place! Many thanks. If you have any questions about them I would be sure to help you out.

Keiichi, Yes you were very lucky. It was cordoned off the same year. Yes, that is the Rangers plaque. I'm sure they will relocate it although the signs said " Temoparily closed due to cliff falling" so, maybe only temporary? I dont know.

Cheers for the rest of the comments fellas. I will keep you updated.

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Excellent pictures Tom

Looks like you had a really nice time

Did you see any pretty French birds along the coast?