Our D Day Pilgrimage Highlights

We're almost a week away from the D Day commemorations in Normandy, and it felt like a good time to flag up a few highlights and put the blog to rest for now. There were so many special moments, so I'll mainly focus on the five who paid homage in Hermanville, and the very special two veterans who especially inspired our trip and made it so rewarding.
I don't think Eddie had ever been so photographed in his entire life. Aged just eighteen, which seems so young to be sailing away to battle, but that's how old he was when HMS Mourne left Liverpool in the spring of 1944. His ship was torpedoed on June 15th, and he never saw his oppo that was standing next to him at that moment ever again. I loved the way people came forward to ask questions, and take his photograph. This is Matt Cardy taking down notes, after photographing him for Getty Images.

And I think these were local amateur enthusiasts, keen to find out more.

George was our ambassador. As chair of the Newport Branch of the RNA, he was well used to answering questions and making connections.

And he showed himself to be an avid photographer. As did Mike.

It was also quite an emotional time for John, as he understood more about what his father must have gone through when he was part of the Third Division's landing on Hermanville beach.

 

And of course, he did us so proud as our standard bearer.

And here they all are in Bayeux, with Mike especially shining.

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

We will remember them

Drawing to an end

We look back and can't believe our time in Normandy passed so quickly, and yet we managed to do so much. We were given pride of place for our final meal at the hotel. Gorgeous puddings!

And on the morning of the 8th, the proprietors got up early to make sure we had breakfast before we left for the morning ferry from Ouistreham. They couldn't have been nicer or done more to make sure our stay was comfortable.

I took very few photos on the crossing. Well, mostly they'd disappeared to 'duty free'. They are matelots after all.

Phil made sure Eddie got up on deck for our arrival in Portsmouth for a view over at today's modern ships - a little less crowded than 69 years ago.

A beautiful sunny June afternoon, heads full of the week's events.

There's not much more to say, but I think there's probably one more post to come. There are far too many highlights not to look back before this blog ends. 

Bayeux

We drove inland on Friday 7th June to attend a service at the museum in Bayeux - the first town liberated, by British forces.

Eddie was chosen as one of 7 veterans for an exhibition being organised by the town of Bayeux for next year - the 70th anniversary. He had his photograph taken in a studio in the museum, and we'll forward his thoughts on freedom and liberty. All of this, along with similar of 7 children, will form part of the special anniversary display in Bayeux in 2014.

The museum itself is well set out. Eddie found a map that showed where his ship was patrolling when it was torpedoed on the 15th June.

From here we went on to the British Cemetry - immaculately kept by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Row upon row of headstones, all testimony to sacrifice and loss -and the unbearable sight of young men taken long before their time.

I loved the way people wanted to talk to the veterans and had time to listen.

 A sobering morning's visit. A chance to remember and pay respect.

The Mayor's Reception

The 6th June ended with a reception hosted by Hermanville's mayor. It had been a long day, and everyone was pleased to relax, mingle and chat. The present day representatives of the Third Division were incredibly sociable and keen to chat to the veterans. A fantastic end to a memorable day.

The British Cemetry in Hermanville

The service in memory of the Third Division was followed by a march down to the British Cemetry in Hermanville. It was a sheltered spot, with sunshine filtering down through the trees, almost magical. Local children sang both national anthems, and then, with great care and respect, placed flowers on the graves, accompanied by the piper.

A tranquil evening. An opportunity to walk in quiet contemplation among the graves, and to share stories and experiences.

And then, on the way out, George spotted a vehicle he drove during the war. Tonight though, he wasn't allowed even a test drive.

Memorial Service for the 3rd Division

At the end of the afternoon of the 6th June, D Day, we attended a memorial service for the Third Division, who landed on Sword Beach. John's father actually came ashore at Hermanville-sur-Mer, so we felt it was important to be there and to show our respects.
Sailors will be sailors though, and they started with a tot - squaddies march, matelots sip.

The band were magnificent. An incredible rich sound that resonated in the memorial square and set the tone for the service that followed.

By now there was a brisk wind blowing in off the sea, and the sky was darkening. Again we heard someone say how the weather always changes for the worse on D Day.

The boys managed to shelter from the worst of the wind.

In spite of the wind and the chill, it was a very well attended service. Again, very emotional and moving. 

From here, we were to march over to the British Cemetry. John is proud to say that he did march all the way. George, Eddie and I took the car.

More at the Naval Memorial

Like a 'proper' photographer, I had more than one camera, and now that I've uploaded most of the photos, there's some others I wanted to post from the Naval Memorial Service in Hermanville. Rather than edit the previous post, I've decided to create another post.
So let's start with the boys - proud to be taking part

And here's our very genial host - Jacques, from the Hermanville history association - Histoire Memoire Souvenir. We were told that there had been some discussion about where to place the memorial, but that now everyone agrees it's in the best possible place, with its open view of the sea and the beach.

The laying of the wreaths.

Jacques' lovely wife, Colette, and her American friend, who's been living in France for (I think she said) 50 years.

All the services we attended were moving and emotional. A chance to remember those who were lost, but also an opportunity to meet people, share stories. We were all so glad we came.

Histoire   Memoire   Souvenir