Ian checking out 'Albert's' Churchill tank on top of Hill 112

http://www.hill112.com/tank.htm

Nathalie AKA Frenchie next to Major Howard's bust where the first glider landed


The start of a day full of walking, notice the infamous foxhole t-shirt enroute into St Mere Eglise


BK chatting to a US vet, im sure she will remember names


A coach load of British vets and wives arrived and Nathalie and I were soon greeting them hehe





The vet on the right is a Desert rat 7th armoured div, the vet on the left was in 11th armoured div

Andy,

You took a photo of my back without warning!! Before the sunburns too and being stiff all over...

These veterans and their wives were absolutely lovely...

Nathalie

Great... the first pics! I've been looking forward to see these!!! Hope some more will follow soon. Nathalie... great t-shirt! Andy... no Chelsea-shirt???

More to come mate, just gotta resize them, and nope no Chelsea shirts or coats this year lol

I certainly did Nathalie, and yes pre sunburn and sore limbs

I wont do a write up as maybe some of the other members who were there will want to do that


Andy

Great pics Andy.
Well, aslong as someone does a write up im sure we'll be fine lol.

Ben

Thanks for sharing them Andy. As usual they are outstanding. And no rain like last year when you had to sleep in your tent .

Frank

Great photos Andy! Thanks for sharing. Glad you weren't soaked this year.

I love the Foxhole Co. shirt, Nathalie!

I just had to wear that shirt, hadn't I? It was the perfect moment.

Nathalie

The veteran on the left (below) was choked up when I was chatting to him, he thought it was so great that a man of 'my age' had such an interest. I told him that actually theres alot of us out there across the world who really appreciate what his generation did. So anyone out there who is a bit nervous about approaching vets, please just do it, it really pleased him and also made me very proud of my interest in theis subject.



Come on chaps, line up in an orderly fashion



The vet in the tartan trousers had the Légion d'honneur

In typical fashion, these British vets above headed straight for the bar while their American counter parts below went about their business




Ok, guess the board members?

Andy,

The 507th vet - wearing sunglasses and pointing is Howard Huebner of C/507th who landed near Pouppeville before moving through and taking part in the charge at La Fiere.

The 508th vet with red cap and beard is my great friend Jack Schlegel who was involved with the killing of Gen. Falley with Malcolm Brannen on D-Day. Jack is an absolute riot - he tells the funniest stories.

I wish we had met up Andy - next time!!!

Regards

Paul Woodadge

Paul thanks for the names and info, much appreciated and a great shame I didnt get to to meet you.

I see Robert Murphy sold quite a few books and BK being one the buyers

Andy

Andy

Not that I am boasting, but I was the FIRST to buy Bob Murphy's new book. His first signing was in the shop in Ste Mere Eglise on 3rd, and I was first in line. I also got the co-author Emile to sign and another A/505th vet Dave Bullington.

We'll have to talk business sometime - I will need a new tour guide in 2007!!!

Paul

OUTDAMNSTANDING photos! Thank y'all for representing those of us who weren't there. Nat, first time I've seen the WDAT T in use, and you model it to fine effect.

It's simply great that these vets are feeling appreciated. Good job, y'all.

It's brilliant, Andy. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Uh la la You look wonderful Nat.. I gave my Foxhole T-shirt to Bill at the dinner we got them for ... I wish I had ordered an extra ..Is that Filip with you in the one where Andy is making us guess??? hmmm It really is sweet of you to share these Andy. BK youre looking good also Europe must be an agreeable place ..everyone looks great.Thanks again Andy cant wait for more Hugs & such Cindy

Proceedings being over looked by Iron Mike




Current US soldiers in St Mere Eglise


Hermanville war cem, I put a poppy cross there from Brian


For me what Normandy is all about and a bump back to reality of the sacrifices made by all the Allies. A grave in Hermanville

I always, always read the epitaphs... and this one is by far the most powerfull I've ever seen. Outstanding pictures, Andy. I'll be there next year... finally!

looking forward to more pics guys. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting everyone. Special thanks to Andy for sharing his car and knowledge. As for Frederick well it was the highlight of the trip. Hope you made it home safe BK. So guys get those pics posted - I didn't have a digital camera with me so I await processing and scanning.

Thanks for getting my best side in pic 1 Andy

Ian

Thanks so much Andy..I love seeing those US soldiers ya know..They are very dear to my heart..thanks again for sharing these Hugs at ya Cindy

Andy, are these 82nd Airborne troopers?

It's great to see BK and Frenchie enjoying Normandy! vr, jk

Thanks, Doug and Cindy.

I felt quite pride to wear my t-shirt, since I 'm so fond of Wild Bill.

The photos remind me of sweet memories.

Bart, are you coming down next year?? What great news!!

Nathalie

To be honest CK im not sure, I saw 101st soldiers but im sure there was 82nd also. In that group were also Canadian, French, British and German paras.

Ian mate it was a pleasure, and thanks for looking after me with the tea and food hehe and hope you didnt get moaned at too much when I dropped you off in Pompey lol


Andy

Hey folks!

I haven't been on WBG in a long while, but I was just on the couch with the flu looking through my Normandy 2004 photo album, reading my printed-out WBG report, and reliving the wonderful memories. I thought I should come check in, and boy was I happy to see your photos Andy - lots of familiar places and a few familiar faces (Hi Filip and Nathalie!) I'm so glad you all got to be in Normandy again this year, and you too, BK. I wish I could have gone back too, but as I've said before, I think 2004 was the trip of a lifetime!

Anyway, good to "see" you all. I'll try to get back on again soon and post about a Pacific vet I met last Veteran's day...



(picture is from D-Day morning, 2004.)

~Melodee

Excellent, Andy. Thanks !!

Brooke

I just assumed they were 82nd because they are wearing the maroon beret which denotes an Airborne unit. All other Army units including the 101st wear the black beret (except for Rangers who wear tan and Special Forces who wear green).

Mike

Excellent posts and pictures. Well done Andy!

Thanks for the comments folks, alot easier this year with the weather, the vets were out in numbers along with the crowds so it was just great to be there. Seeing the old boy's reaction to me telling him about my interest was one of the highlights of the trip. A small thing but just showed me that we need to get out there before its too late. Ian and I were chatting about this very thing, that normally they are just old men back at home going about their everyday lives with nobody knowing what they did for us. Then they go to places like Normandy or where ever they fought, wear the medals and they are heroes for that time. Their wives seem quite proud to watch us young ones going up to their husbands shaking them by the hand calling them Sir (as I always do) and saying thank you.

Hillman strong point


Hope I got your good side again Ian


Gives you an idea of the view the Germans with MG's had across the countryside leading up from the beaches



Signals vets

Nobby (Harry) Clark signing Ian's book. We went to the Pegasus memorial museum to watch Wally Parr's ashes being put over the old bridge






Royal Green jackets next to the replica Horsa glider, they were formed from the Ox and Bucks and Royal Ulster Rifles and apparently will be reformed yet again soon


Ok just to prove my point, look at the faces of the vet and his wife as Gary says hello and shakes the hand of this ox and Bucks vet

Melodee,

How nice to read from you, it's been a long time...

My week-end was much too short but so wonderful!

Nathalie

I am so impressed by these pictures---just to see the crowds of dedicated people....and to see the group of our little friends getting together, sticking together via the computer, e-mails, across oceans, and interests.

Thanks so much for sharing; wish i were there too!

--J

Well another gathering was at Merville to meet Frederick Glover, anyone who has read Fredericks topic will know he is a very witty man, he is just the same in real life.





Fred then showed us where he was on the museum A company picture


Fred explaining to BK what happened at Merville





Frederick trying to go AWOL and wasnt the first time

Thanks for the report Andy and thank you for being with us, also thanks to Frenchie and BK, this was a very pleasant meeting !!!

It was good to meet you both again mate

Gathering outside Gondree before midnight, I think its such a shame that Arlette Gondree will not let things rest and welcome the Ox and Bucks back across the road. Its been a long time since the Major passed away and despite attempts by coup de main vets and family members she still does not budge.


6th








one of fav pics

Perhaps shouldn't repeat the same comment after each new photo-post of yours but here I go again...

"GREAT PHOTO'S, thanks for posting!" It must have been an unique experience to hear the Merville action explained by Frederick himself! I envy you guys!

I should think Bart all the red berets remind you of events closer to home

Andy,

I love the one where Mr Glover is trying to do a runner!!

And I also love the one of the 2 veterans in a wheelchair...

Nathalie

From what I heard Nathalie its not unusual, Frederick told us they had to get him on the coach in the morning as he was trying to get out of going





Vets and family greeting French school children along the road


Only 3 Coup de main vets were in Normandy this year, the two here are Tich Rayner on the right and Harry Clark. The other Stan Watson went home on the 5th. This was taken just before the service for Denny Brotheridge




Also at the service a good contingent of Royal Green Jackets, formerly the Ox and Bucks and Royal Ulster Rifles


Penny bates on the right, Major Howard's daughter and next to her Lt Sweeney's widow


In attendance, Gary, Ian, Steven and BK

Seeing their happy faces in the last photo says a lot... I don't know what the circumstances were, but it's a joy to see that expression.
Nathalie

Andy those pictures are a credit to your recording abilities, clear and interesting just like I was there again, well done I know you were patient enough to wait for many of those photos mate.

Cheers mate, if theres any you want with you and the vets give me a shout and ill emial the full size ones to you.

In true army humour the other Ox and Bucks vet in the pic who wasnt part of the coup de main was nicknamed Lofty, cant imagine why



After the service it was time to meet up with Fred again and for Steven to have his pic taken with him, who by the way had his birthday on the 6th


At the main war cem service we met up with Chris again (Arnhem Harry) and Patrick and his lovely family, Patrick your a true gent and thanks for the picture again. But Frederick didnt want to go in and watch the service so BK and Chris did and we took Fred for a drink well it was hot and so we went AWOL with Fred


Back down at the bridge in the very hot sun, only Tich Rayner led off over the bridge, its not a usual part of the ceremony.


Then we met this great man, a few campaign stars and maybe Gary will remember more about him than I do?





Army air corps lads outside Gondree


Army air corp chopper which flew low over the bridge and gave everyone a wave to a cheer from the lads in the cafe

I arrived home Thursday evening 5 PM, slept about five hours, went to work Friday, moved my company, worked until 1:30 AM, back on Saturday at 7:30 AM, Sunday off to collapse, and back at it Monday. Still can't get my sleeping clock right. I'm way too old for this!

Anyway, here's a handful of photos I've edited so far, mostly people photos and in random order. Who knows when I'll get around to organizing the rest of them? Bit by bit, I guess.

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/hom...rmandy%2006-06/

It was great to see everyone and my trip was very rewarding. BK

I can see that. Great pictures as well, BK. Did you reach the 700MB again, like when you returned from Holland in 2004?

521, Bart. But I was only there eight days and there were many fewer veterans in Normandy on the 62nd than Holland on the 60th! BK

Juno beach













Arromanches

The veteran carry the flag in the middle was chatting to us just before the parade in a cafe, he was carring the main NVA national standard. He was on LC's and worked off Omaha

Damned! Missed the bagpipes again!

Nathalie

Hello Andy

Nice pictures. It seems that I have put mine in the wrong forum
The veteran is Ray Fary 80th AAA bn 82nd A/B Div.

Hello

The veteran signing the book Is Julius Eisner D Co 505th PIR. Pathfinder on D-Day in stick #10

Hi, Patrick. Thanks for posting those photos and the one you presented while I was there. Ray Fary is a past president of the 82nd ABN Association and I was chatting with him about that a bit. I'm acquainted with Mark Christenson who runs my favorite paratrooper site; he is a Chapter head and serves on the Association's national board (I think), so of course he and Mr. Fary are acquainted. A very understated but dashing man. He wrote his name and unit in my notebook so I'd get it right and you have it spot on.

In the Eisner photo, I'm peering over the page to read his name, but had to ask someone afterwards anyway. I did not seek any autographs, though I did shake a lot of strong and well-worn hands. The best part of visiting these sites during the commemorations is that the veterans expect to be approached and nearly all have a ready smile and a story for you.

I'll go now and slowly look over all your photos, Patrick. I'm amazed at the territory you cover over a very few days. Thank you for your great work on your site. It was lovely to intersect with you and your family in a few places. I hope we'll meet again. Regards, BK

Please keep these coming, this is a great thread. BK, you look like the "on-the-spot" reporter there woman!