Normandy Landing Beaches

'Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.'   Eisenhower 6th June 1944

Eisenhowers naval aide found another speech it in his shirt weeks after the Operation Overlord Speech had been delivered and saved it. It read:

“Our landings have failed and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

Thank goodness this was never needed.

The landing beaches are a mere 90 minute drive away it would be a travesti not to visit them and remember all those who gave their lives and fought for what we are today.

If the Great Wars are your passion Normandy as a whole is full of history.

' 10th August 1944. Gathemo is a pile of rubble and is liberated after a fierce battle by the 109th. The 109th continue towards PERRIER EN BEAUFICEL. Throughout the day German Troops have driven through SOURDEVAL in lorries in the direction of BROUAINS near PERRIER. They were singing, but in the evening they go back in the other direction most of them on foot, many wounded. Nobody was singing.'                Taken from McGazine - 28th Division Infantry - The Keystone