Utah Beach

Last beach of the D Day landings that we visited

Sculpture of the American landing 

An easy walk these days along a battle hardened beach for those who choose to do so 

The horses put on a show for us 

They reached far beyond were we were in a very short time

Inside the museum

Bayeux

A city revisited.This time not rushed because of a train strike.
This is a place I could spend more time in. Its old(yes I am aware a lot of France is old)but easy to navigate on foot and plenty to see. The tapestry with its history and story. Quirky,quaint

One of many views down a back street

Lunch spot view(awful isn't it)

Notre Dame Cathedral(one of many)

Not quite the full French Maid Outfit

This is one of the few birds we have seen with colour

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

This is our 2nd visit to this cemetery our first was a little damp and windy with time restraints. Today weather was a great improvement and full of Americans on tour of this area. This time as luck would have it we managed to be there as they were lowering the 2 large flags (have video but a little long needs some editing)

We were also privileged to be at this moving dedication to W.W.2
American soldiers . The men had come over as representatives of English Leagues( similar to Australian R.S.L)
these men landed on landed the beaches some on Sword beach and others along the other beaches that were involved in the D Day landings

This French lady was in tears thanking this man for what he had done to help her country.
He simply replied he was just doing his job

This moving poem was read out by a lady who's father (now passed)
It was written by a young American soldier.

Mametz Wood. Somme France

This is tribute to the Welsh Soldiers who fought for this area.The statue was erected on this site in 1987 it is stunning and moving.Walking across a paddock into the wood itself and to see the tributes that have been placed by family members was again a humbling experience

Road side poppies on the way to Mametz Wood
They just pop up in the most unexpected places

Across the Ditch

Returned the car and off we go. Heading to France, where we are picking up the third member of Willobee's followers. Trained it to Lille and a short walk to night stay.
Next day car pickup and getting out of the car park. NIGHTMARE. 20 minutes later we exited.
Driver tested ,navigator tested Miss T.T not a problem.
Our first port of call is to the Bonjean Cemetery to pay our respects to a relative who did not return home to Australia.Placing a memorium and poppy.

Three proud cousins paying our respects

The picture on the right was already at the head stone

Kia Venga
Our French Transport
.Big enough to just fit down some of the streets

Ring of remembrance
L'Anneau De la memoire
Ablain Saint Nazaire 

All the names of the solders who lost their lives in the WW1 are listed on the panels that form a circle.
All those (friend and enemy) who fought in France are remembered here
with respect.
As we entered the site a Spitfire circled the memorial, with its unmistakable 
engine roar