| D-Day anniversaries 08:29 - Jun 16 with 1734 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
Obviously it was the 79th anniversary ten days ago. I took a solo trip around Normandy a few years ago, however I'm absolutely desperate to be in Normandy for an anniversary, and to shake the hand of at least one D-Day veteran, so I'm fully intending to be there next year for the 80th anniversary, which will probably be one of the last real chances for me to do so.
Has anyone been in Normandy for one of the anniversaries? Can you just turn up like a regular tourist to the sites and commemorations, or is there some kind of exclusivity/booking process? [Post edited 16 Jun 2023 8:30]
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| D-Day anniversaries on 08:34 - Jun 16 with 1705 views | Bluespeed225 |
Not been on an anniversary, but been to the beaches a couple of times. It’s impossible to put yourself in the boots of the boys that landed there, but just trying to visualise what was happening on that day was both awe inspiring and terrifying. |  | | |
| D-Day anniversaries on 08:36 - Jun 16 with 1686 views | Keno |
On a similar note I fully intend too be on Guernsey on 9th May 2025
Not sure how many from 80 years are still there but its something I feel should do in memory of my family who lived through 'those years' and for the one member who didnt |  |
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| D-Day anniversaries on 08:39 - Jun 16 with 1685 views | MedwayTractor |
My sister has been a couple of times (my father was an AVRE Churchill commander on Juno Beach - if you get there, have a look at One Charlie, one of his troop's tanks). I'm certain, from what she has told me, that any access to the area around the beaches is controlled very strictly, ticket access only, this will most certainly apply for the 80th anniversary.
Book everything as early as you can, including Channel crossing, accommodation as well as beach access and hope that the French don't screw it up by going on strike!
For more info on One Charlie, have a look here:
https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/1003/Churchill-AVRE-Tank---One-Charlie.htm
[Post edited 16 Jun 2023 8:47]
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| D-Day anniversaries on 08:39 - Jun 16 with 1681 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
| D-Day anniversaries on 08:34 - Jun 16 by Bluespeed225 |
Not been on an anniversary, but been to the beaches a couple of times. It’s impossible to put yourself in the boots of the boys that landed there, but just trying to visualise what was happening on that day was both awe inspiring and terrifying. |
It's such a fascinating area. It's important to cover the whole area from east to west, starting at Pegasus Bridge and ending up at Utah Beach/Ste Mère-Église. Standing on Omaha Beach and looking up towards the bluffs is extremely humbling. | |
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| D-Day anniversaries on 08:42 - Jun 16 with 1676 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
| D-Day anniversaries on 08:39 - Jun 16 by MedwayTractor |
My sister has been a couple of times (my father was an AVRE Churchill commander on Juno Beach - if you get there, have a look at One Charlie, one of his troop's tanks). I'm certain, from what she has told me, that any access to the area around the beaches is controlled very strictly, ticket access only, this will most certainly apply for the 80th anniversary.
Book everything as early as you can, including Channel crossing, accommodation as well as beach access and hope that the French don't screw it up by going on strike!
For more info on One Charlie, have a look here:
https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/1003/Churchill-AVRE-Tank---One-Charlie.htm
[Post edited 16 Jun 2023 8:47]
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Thanks. That's exactly what I wanted to know and also what I expected.
Did your father talk much about it?
I think I'd cry if I had it all sorted and then a load of strikers screwed it up. | |
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| D-Day anniversaries on 09:20 - Jun 16 with 1605 views | Guthrum |
| D-Day anniversaries on 08:34 - Jun 16 by Bluespeed225 |
Not been on an anniversary, but been to the beaches a couple of times. It’s impossible to put yourself in the boots of the boys that landed there, but just trying to visualise what was happening on that day was both awe inspiring and terrifying. |
Walking over battlefields, you also see things which maps and even photographs won't really convey. Distances, the steepness of slopes, who could see what. Gives a lot better understanding of what went on and why. |  |
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| D-Day anniversaries on 14:47 - Jun 16 with 1498 views | docklandsblue |
I made a radio show at Arromanches on the 70th anniv and it was pretty tightly controlled for access. Plus getting between bits of the coast was really difficult as their are so many events happening across the country. Nearly missed our Eurostar back, but luckily the Queen's train blocked it in somehow meaning it was delayed.
It's a real impactful thing to attend though, so i'd recommend it if you can make the logistics work.
I'm the soggy bloke who isnt in khaki or ginger.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020h5jp/p020h4qc | | | |
| D-Day anniversaries on 15:23 - Jun 16 with 1476 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
| D-Day anniversaries on 14:47 - Jun 16 by docklandsblue |
I made a radio show at Arromanches on the 70th anniv and it was pretty tightly controlled for access. Plus getting between bits of the coast was really difficult as their are so many events happening across the country. Nearly missed our Eurostar back, but luckily the Queen's train blocked it in somehow meaning it was delayed.
It's a real impactful thing to attend though, so i'd recommend it if you can make the logistics work.
I'm the soggy bloke who isnt in khaki or ginger.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020h5jp/p020h4qc |
Cool! I've tried googling 'D-Day 2024 tickets' etc but can't find any obvious site to book things. Do you know how it's done? | |
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| D-Day anniversaries on 16:27 - Jun 16 with 1436 views | docklandsblue |
| D-Day anniversaries on 15:23 - Jun 16 by ThisIsMyUsername |
Cool! I've tried googling 'D-Day 2024 tickets' etc but can't find any obvious site to book things. Do you know how it's done? |
I think for the big anniversaries, you end up having to go through the various legions societies etc... but there are a fair few folk who run B&Bs in Normandy who deal with guests going all year round, so I imagine that's a good place to start.
Good luck. | | | |
| D-Day anniversaries on 20:07 - Jun 17 with 1299 views | Wakh |
Check out this young girl for dday things. Pretty sure she is an ITFC fan too.
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| D-Day anniversaries on 08:16 - Jun 18 with 1206 views | Pinewoodblue |
We were in Normandy, in the year that marked 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
We stayed on a campsite close to Pegasus Bridge, at that time the old bridge was Rusting on the river bank opposite. We spent the whole of D Day at the bridge. The local fire brigade band marched back and forth across the bridge at regular intervals, but they only played a couple of tunes. It really was a local event attended by members of the parachute regiment who had taken part in the capture of the bridge, having landed by glider.
The cafe was the first building in France liberated and is, or perhaps was now, still owned by the daughter of the owners back in the day.
We purchased a book in the cafe, there is a small museum, a book with one page stories and photos, of those involved in D Day operations. Not just soldiers but also airmen and sailors. Several members of the parachute regiment involved in operations that day signed the foreward page of the book for us. After dark there was a firework display free from health & safety restrictions. Fireworks placed within 2-3 feet of the cafe and crowds within 20 feet.
No big wigs in attendance they would be on the beach at Arromarche. Visited there, Caen, and cemeteries on other days,
Important the younger generation understand history and nothing beats seeing places first hand.
Also visited the monument, on the beaches, commemorating the spot De Gaulle landed, several days after Churchill did. |  |
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