60 anniversary events

I'm off to Quisterham, 'Sword beach and Pegasus bridge'in June for the 60 anniversary of D-day. On my last visit to the Pegasus memorial museum the guide there thought that the 60th would be another occassion for a 'big' allied parachute drop in the area.

Do any members know of specific dates for such a drop or know if one is certain to take place?
Anyone know of any other special events in this particular area of Normandy on this weekend?

Regards Graham.

After psoting this question I surfed onto this site....May assist others 'doing the 60th'

http://www.normandiememoire.com/NM60Anglais/sommaire.html#

Regards once again Graham.

[ 17. November 2003, 05:02 AM: Message edited by: OX and BUCKS Light Infrantry ]

 

Had a look at the fancy site - where's Ouistreham?

Anyway, I know nothing about any para drop, but widespread Commando Veterans are not going because hotels (including their regular ones) have been booked out for a long time at silly money by travel agents looking to cash-in and Americans and Canadians. Result, there will be a very poor showing next time and most are doing someing here in the UK.

No.9

[ 18. November 2003, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: No.9 ]

 

G'day

You could have a look at
http://www.atomsmasher.co.uk/goldbeach/index.htm
They are planning a big 30Corps event for four days. Looks tempting but a group of Despatch riders is going along all the beaches and I want to join them roving along the countryside on my bike. Have a few pints at the local party;s too.

Cheers Popski

 

No 9,

Quisterham is the French ferry port for the Portsmouth to Caen ferry. This is the town right next to Sword beach.

I have also heard all the 'local' hotels are booked up.....Some companies are using hotels on the outskirts of Paris as a base for Normandy trips. I think you will spend more time on the bus than viewing the vets etc. Best option is to pack a tent and rough it for the weekend, good fun too

Popski,

I am checking that website out now

Regards Graham.

[ 18. November 2003, 07:22 AM: Message edited by: OX and BUCKS Light Infrantry ]

 

G'day Ox

Have made reservation at a holidaypark in Normandy. Maybe there is some more room there. But it will be expensive to be there, knowing there will be many tourists coming for the commemoration. Easy money I think. Merde

Pop

 

Thank you Ox, there's obviously a syntax problem here. I KNOW where Ouistreham is thank you, and where all the targets were that No.4 had to engage and most of the men of 4 who are still alive and who are not going there for the reasons I (that's me) have already stated (i.e. in my previous post). What I meant was I have looked at the fancy site you advocated, and, among all its local info there is no mention of Ouistreham - either with accommodation suggestions or any info as to what (if anything) may be going on there.

I believe if you care to book with Ambrose Inc. in the US, you can get a 4 day tour for 'only' 3 or 4 thousand bucks - gee, wow, whiz, what a bargain, I'm applying for my Green Card today!

No.9

 

No 9,

Whoops sorry mate no offence meant
My fault I must have read your first post incorrectly DOH!

I am going to Quisterham as there is a campsite just 5 minutes walk from the town along the Caen canal. Its called camping Pommiers and I have used it before. Its very handy for sword beach and all its museums, not to mention the good bars etc.
Pegasus Bridge is about a 30 minute amble further along the canal, however should you wish to stay right next to Pegasus there is also a camp site about two hundered metres on the Quisterham side of it.
Not bad for £38.00 return on the ferry as a foot passenger....

Popski,

Glad you have managed to find accomodation. I did try to book my campsite in October when I was last there but they said a very polite "No"
Regards Graham.

[ 18. November 2003, 05:26 PM: Message edited by: OX and BUCKS Light Infrantry ]

 

Found this site for anyone thinking of going to Normandy for the 60th....

This site is easier to use than the previous one posted. Only mention of a parachute drop is in St Mere Eglise on 5 June @ 1430 hours.

Here is the link then
http://www.dday-overlord.com/NMjineng.htm

Regards Graham.

 

I would be deeply grateful if any that are going to Sword Beach will spend a moment of contemplation on my behalf, and for my comrades of Monty's Ironsides...The Third British Infantry Division. The Assault Companies that died ensuring that the invasion on that beach would be a success.

The battles of the "Bloodiest square mile in Normnandy" The Chateau de londe. Caen. Goodwood. Pegasus bridge. Le Bisley wood. Hillman Tilly. names that I will never forget among many others. I am unable to go, due to the severity of my war injuries.
Brian

 

Sapper,

Brian consider it done.

Regards Graham.

 

Here's one might interest you, Graham....

http://www.relaxez-vous.freeuk.com/Normandy2004/D-Day_1944/Pegasus/pegasus.html

 

Thanks Graham You are a pal.
Brian

 

Brian - I will also be down on the beaches for 6th June, so will pay my respects to your comrades as well.

 

Brian, No problem at all.

Martin, Thanks for that link, had a quick look will explore more in the morning