Relics from Moissy ford - Page 2

jagdpanther44 · #26 (**permalink**) September 8th, 2007, 12:49 AM

Attached is a still from my camcorder footage of the monument at Moissy dedicated to two U.S. pilots.

Notice the two different versions of Mustang that are depicted on the stone. I think the top one is an XP51 and the lower one a P51D.

I've translated the French inscription on the lower part of the stone using Google Translate and it reads "With the memory of the two pilots died for freedom".The inscription also states that Lt Dell P. Hudson "Disappeared here".

A fitting tribute to two very brave men.

Slipdigit · #27 (**permalink**) September 8th, 2007, 01:05 AM

Could it be a B model P51? The B-model had the birdcage similar to the P-40 instead of the blister canopy.

http://www.xfig.org/xfigcarlo/P-51B-4FG.gif

jagdpanther44 · #28 (**permalink**) September 8th, 2007, 11:37 AM

Thanks Slipdigit, i think you're right.
I'm not too good with aircraft identification, my 12 year old son is the expert in that field

Martin Bull · #29 (**permalink**) September 18th, 2007, 07:34 PM

Just finished packing the car...off to Normandy bright and early in the morning !

Erich · #30 (**permalink**) September 18th, 2007, 08:01 PM

jagdpanther the Stangs are a B model at top and a D model lower.

the monument is dedicated to the 363rd or ? looks like the middle number has been chipped a bit. can you confirm please ?

in brief for the 363rd fg. under the 19 TAC in May of 44. started with the B model. operated from Feb. 24, 1944 till Sept. 4, 1944 when the unit became the 363rd TAC recon Group. 78 air kills recorded. nose colors distinguished the three squadrons with Blue for the 38oth, Yellow for the 381st and Red for the 382nd fs.

E ~

jagdpanther44 · #31 (**permalink**) September 18th, 2007, 11:28 PM

Thanks for the info Erich, i will check my video footage to verify the middle number.

I'm surprised that nobody has ever come across this monument before, then again, there are so many in Normandy one could go on discovering them forever.

Moissy is one of my favourite 'sites to visit', it's hard to believe that such a beautiful place was once a scene of complete carnage.

With a bit of luck i may be going back to Normandy next month, so i will take photographs of the monument and post them.

Erich · #32 (**permalink**) September 18th, 2007, 11:55 PM

yes please make comment, I see Martin B. has already left for Normandie ? this will be a fun place in time enough with all the present day photos applied here ........

jagdpanther44 · #33 (**permalink**) September 21st, 2007, 09:54 AM

Erich i've had a closer look at the video footage and the chipped number is indeed a 6.

Martin Bull · #34 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 03:09 PM

Here's the result of a days' strolling, getting stung by nettles and wet feet in the River Dives.....all these objects were found within 200 metres of Moissy Ford.....

From left to right, bottom to top, they appear to be ; -

2 x 7.92mm bullets
4 x 7.92mm cartridge cases ( fire-exploded, one has remains of MG link )
A brass radio connector
Aluminium object ( handle-shaped )
Tightly-wound coil of copper wire
2 shell fragments
Piece of leather boot-sole with nail-heads
Small medicine bottle
Mule shoe
Piece of buckle ( horse tackle )
2 chain links
2 lumps of molten brass/copper/lead ( ? vehicle radiator )

And then, the largest piece.....

I'm open to suggestions....

It is very light alloy and well-made, ribbed on the inside and with strengthening strakes on the outside. The two holes are neatly drilled and as can be seen in the first photo, the larger one is recessed on the inside to fit a washer.....

Anyhow, I found this piece in deep undergrowth by the river and that's when I got the nettle-stings

PzJgr · #35 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 04:35 PM

I was going to ask you on your other posting with the photos if you did and scavanging but I see that you did. That last piece is intriguing.

jagdpanther44 · #36 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Interesting items Martin, i especially like the bullet casing still in its MG belt.

Could the large piece of alloy be a vehicle footplate ?

Martin Bull · #37 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 10:58 PM

Actually, I wondered that - the gauge of alloy seems to be similiar to, for instance, various Kettenkrad pieces I have seen.....

Erich · #38 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 11:02 PM

Martin:

do you think in any possibility that the ribbed section might be some sort of kick plating.. ?

Martin Bull · #39 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 11:05 PM

Could be - it is more or less exactly foot-sized.....

Erich · #40 (**permalink**) September 28th, 2007, 11:11 PM

I wonder about your Kettenrad idea, look at that plate again, the bolt hole on a 90 degree flange and then down for a possible foot rest or behind the driver for a carrying rack

hmmmmmmmmmmm

Thomas6449 · #41 (**permalink**) April 23rd, 2008, 07:03 PM

Hi,
I have just come across this forum and noted that you had talked about the ford at Moissy and the Vimoutiers Tiger Tank. I was at both sites last week and took some pictures. The ford has not changed, but I include some pics of the Tiger Tank.

jagdpanther44 · #42 (**permalink**) April 23rd, 2008, 08:55 PM

First of all, welcome to the forum, Thomas6449 and thanks for sharing your photographs.

Great to see the Vimoutiers Tiger making another appearance on the forum, I've spent many an hour climbing all over the thing, what a beast...

Please post more photos of your Normandy trip.

krieg · #43 (**permalink**) April 23rd, 2008, 09:44 PM

yep all nice pics keep them coming we all like to see them well done
best krieg

S.Vestae · #44 (**permalink**) April 24th, 2008, 06:32 PM

Hello All,

nice relic and historical items

sebastien.

Thomas6449 · #45 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 07:36 PM

Hello again,
Here are some more pics. The knocked out Panther is shown to give you the picture of the house that is in the background today. the cement structure is a Tobruk bunker on the western edge of Carpiquet Airport (near the flying club). The 50mm anti-tank gun is from a bunker overlooking Juno beach. The emplacement faces east-west along the beach and is heavily protected on the seaward side.

Thomas6449 · #46 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 07:42 PM

We went to the Abbeye d'Ardenne to see where 22 Canadian soldiers were murdered by members of the 12th SS Hitler Youth Division. I included the old pic from 1947 showing the damage the Abbeye sustained.

Thomas6449 · #47 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 07:45 PM

Here are some pics of the vehicles at the Mont Ormel Polish Memorial overlooking the Falaise-Chamois gap.