Hardly ever JR. But what I did do when writing home. Was to start off each sentence or phrase with the capital letter of where I was.
Like this
Very nice of you......
Even though I am....
Not only do I...
Rons birthday is soon....
As soon as.....
Indeed there may be times....
Just send my love.....

The capitals spell out the place, in this case; "Venraij" Holland.
Cheers sapper

Ah, clever Lad!

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

All,

Recently I have been using Google Earth to help follow along with Sapper's narrative. I would like to share the first part with all of you. It maps out Sapper's journey from Newhaven to Sword Beach. Later maps will include all the place names mentioned and hopefully in order as Sapper relates in his narrative. I hope to add photos and supplementary items as well.

I would like to dedicate this small effort to Sapper and his fellow REs.

I have placed the GE file on "file and share" at Sign In or Sign Up | KeepandShare

You will have to sign in with the following username and password:

name: bgsapper
password: 246thRE

Sapper, if you or anyone else spots errors, please let me know so I may correct them.

You will have to zoom in on the Sword Beach area to see the map over lay.

Below is just an image of this part. One nice thing item about GE is that you can zoom in to the selected area and using an oblique view see the terrain.

If you have difficulties please let me know by PM and I'll try to help. Thanks

- JR

Attached Images

BGmap1.jpg (116.5 KB, 18 views)

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

I'm looking forward to seeing what you saw - through your eyes, your heart and your experiences!

This should be interesting. Though I reckon that there will be many places not known about.
I do have the complete route taken.
Sapper

Excellent stuff JR...You really have your work cut out for you, after seeing the route Mr. Sapper took.

If it's of any help to your project, in particular the adding of photos then try the following 'link'. It's a site containing a large number of links to all things D-Day and Atlantik Wall with some excellent archive photos.

Atlantikwall.co.uk

Well Done and Good Luck

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When I finally get to Heaven, to St. Peter I will tell, "Another Marine reporting sir, I've served my time in Hell".

Thanks, texson!

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My Grandfathers Uncle: Stanley Halldin, 981st Field Artillery Battalion.

Here's Part II . Use the same username and password as before. This takes us to Pegasus bridge. And remember to zoom in for full effects. The numbers at the end of the placenames represent the order Sapper has discussed them.

Sign In or Sign Up | KeepandShare

(Remember if you turn on all places, the map gets cluttered...just turn on the places of interest...) More later

If you cant download the kmz files, let me know. I will email them to you.

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

Oh, here's part II in jpg format ... just to give you a preview

Attached Images

partII.jpg (170.7 KB, 22 views)

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

Nice work.

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For a considerable time, I gave talks. Lectures, and ran workshops on the Normandy Campaign. All designed, and dedicated to the memory of, and the sacrifices of those young menn that never came home.

To be able to do this, I had the help of two great friends... and stalwarts of the Normandy Veterans Association. Being severely disabled I could never manage that task on my own. Those friends got me into the venues, set up everything for me. So that I could give the talk. Sadly Ted and Derek have passed on. That brought an abrupt end to the NVA sponsored lectures.

Now I have been asked to give two final talks. One on the 26th of May, (Museum) and another on the 5th of June. (Army) In both cases, I have the kind help of the organisers to get it set up, take me to the venue, and back home again.

The good Lord willing... I will post a report here later, if anyone is interested.
Sapper

Yes, Sapper! we are interested! I very sorry to hear of your friends passing, and hope that the organizers of these talks can take up the slack on your speeches!

Best Wishes,
- JR

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

Very interested, indeed.

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I, for one, thought of you Sapper as well as your comrades yesterday - and I am sure I am not the only one here and elsewhere who made a point of remembering those who gave so much 65 years ago...watching it all on TV was the closest I could get in space, but in spirit, there were millions there, me included.

My father was 35 then, back in '44, and had just done something like 5 years of training in England in preparation for action. He eventually landed on the Normandy cost on July 26th and proceeded towards Caen, Falaise, Bernay - and on across the Seine into Belgium and Holland. He left in April '45 and returned to Canada where I was born shortly after the war had ended. In a way I am grateful he made it back or I wouldn't be here, thus I am even more appreciative of those - mostly younger - who didn't.

I can't help but feel that the media and the Internet have made it possible for us to experience part of what was like to be there, and therefore first-hand accounts like yours are indeed priceless.

You see, it connects me with my father, and this long after he left us in 1963...for that I am grateful to you Sapper for making it possible.

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Thank you for that.
As promised, a report on my Visit to give a talk to the officers at Tidworth. Sgt Luke collected me and drove me there, I was treated with great courtesy and kindness. I gave the talk (about an Hour) Had lunch in the mess, and was taken round the site By the officer Captain I W. I saw the latest of everything, and was able to see the Sappers modern gear.
Before being driven home again by Sgt Luke
It was for me... a wonderful day, and for that, I can only say MY MOST GRATEFULTHANKS..
Sapper

I am sure the men at Tidworth enjoyed your talk. I sure wish I could have heard it!

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“The first lesson is that you can't lose a war if you have command of the air, and you can't win a war if you haven't.” - General Jimmy Doolittle

Hello all, especially to Mr Sapper.

I am new to this site, I stumbled upon it as I was trying to find out a little more about my Grandad’s experience of D-day and Sword Beach. I 'Googled' and clicked on a link which directed me here, and I have to say that I'm very pleased it did.

I have read some of Mr Sapper’s accounts of D-day and beyond, not quite all of them yet, I have some catching up to do since they date back to 2002! They are remarkable stories and beautifully written, it is a privilege to get a firsthand account of what happened. I regret not having had the opportunity to ask my Grandad questions about D-day, (sadly he died when I was a baby), and so to have an insight in to what life was like through one man’s eyes is very much appreciated.

Whilst the stories are so well written they encapsulate the scene, reading them is still a world away from experiencing it first hand and I can but only imagine the true horrors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Sapper for his postings, I am truely captivated by these and although I have things to do today, I will be back tomorrow to read more!

Pause for thought......
Today the sun is shining, I will enjoy the peaceful walk in to town, listening to my iPod, I will enjoy shopping with friends as most girls do! And I will enjoy catching up with my boyfriend this evening over a bottle of wine and DVD. How very different the world is today. How very grateful I am to men, like my Grandad, like Mr Sapper and like many more who fought for their king, for their country and for future generations to enjoy a free world. I will be enjoying this day, and remembering those that have enabled me to do so.

Thank you for today

X

Howdy Laura and welcome to the forum. It is a fine thing to see someone appreciate all that they have and to give thanks to those who sacrificed for today's blessings. Indeed, Sapper and his comrades are indeed an honored group.

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That was nice Laura. But I must be honest .The only reason that I write these articles or postings, is just to keep the memory alive of those that never came home. Nevertheless your posting was delightful
Sapper

Well, i think it is wonderful that you do. Your articles really bring home the true extent of the sacrifice that was made by so many, I don't see how that could ever be forgotten.

Sapper! I am reading every word you typed. My Father hardly ever talked about his experience during the War. My little brother got him to talk a little. HE went in at 20yrs old (10/15/1942) & discharged at 23yrs (10/16/1945). Survive 5 major Battles & Campaigns with the 120th Anti-Tank Company 30th Division (Old Hickory).
1)Normandy
2)Northern France
3)Rhineland
4)Ardennes-Alsace
5)Central Europe
I read post from every Veteran who is willing to share there story. You made HISTORY! Thank You!
IBBARR

Sapper,
Thanks for sharing such an informative insight into the reality of war. My wife and I, came across your threads by accident. Such a fascinating, well written, account of your wartime experiences. You are an inspiration to folk today, you write with dignity, and portray a real sense of humanity. I am embarking on researching, my deceased fathers wartime experience in the Royal Marines. Sadly I failed to question him enough during his lifetime, and desperately want learn now. This has helped to fuel me.
Thanks once again,
Terrence & Pippa

Thank you for the kind message.
From my experience you may find tracing service men back in WW2 difficult,The main reason was that they were moved all over the place, Under command Etc.
Cheers
Sapper

hi i have been watching the forums for little over a year and i decided to sigh up to day i must say this was quiet a story you Mr.sapper i am very glad that you shard this with us i also i think the wooden bullets where used training and i guess the smell my be the oil they used in their hair or maybe the cigarettes or wine they used thank you for sharing this experience with this sight. and really i love British tanks my favorite was the firefly was a excellent idea i must say. it would be nice to know how it was like to fight along side one if u ever did! sorry i spelled British wrong

Tanks? great big blundering things. I have travelled on the back of a Sherman into battle Did not like it at all.
Cheers Sapper