Club Arnage

I'm planning on going to Normandy for the D Day 70th, campsite booked last July, I found by pure chance yesterday that there is anti congestion plans in place which may put a spanner in the works  :o

To get access on these dates to the area between Cabourg & Carentan upto the beach & as far south as Caen you need a pass  ::)

If anyone else is planning on going check this out, Can't find any mention elsewhere without looking specifically for it  ::)

http://dday70.wordpress.com/

Also, look out for Dakotas over Normandy, part of the commemoration, they have gathered a multitude of DC-3's and will be doing drops

www.daksovernormandy.com/

As an American that has been to Normandy I need to say that is has changed my life forever.  The experience was so meaningful that reading about this event has brought tears to my eyes.  I will never look at the English, French and Canadians the same again.

And as for the German soldiers, I have the utmost respect for their fighting spirit in the face of inept leadership and overwhelming odds.

This ground is sacred and the place where many of my dad's friends from home risked it all and many died in the attempt to capture the high ground.

I submit two items for your reading and viewing enlightenment.  Please read D-Day by Stephen Ambrose and watch "Saving Private Ryan".

I had a client that has since died that was in the first wave on Omaha Beach.  He said that the opening 30 minutes is the most realistic depiction of the landing he has ever seen.  His wife told me that at last she finally understood what he went through.

The book is well-researched and a great read.  Ambrose has done a masterful job in the telling of the story that we feel like we are right there dodging bullets.  The parachute drop scenes are the best I have ever read.  This give all of you just enough time to get the book read and the movie watched.

mmmm, was planning to drive along the coast (Calais - St Mont St Michel) week before Le Mans, may have to look at my plans again then

Bet all campsites/aires will be full

ideas needed :-\

we booked here:
http://www.camping-castels.co.uk/camping-le-chateau-de-martragny-id253-id_camping7.html?gclid=CMXr4Nul070CFQcTwwodB4YAfA

last week for the Tues night 10th, no problems. But all the dignitaries will have gone by then of course and normality returned. Sort of.

Thanks will look at the campsite, but was planing to do the week before Le Mans (2nd - 9th June) may have to re-plan now

As for books, got 4 out the Library
Which one ?-
if I only read one of them (yea, I'm a slow reader)
1. Forgotten voices of D-Day - Roderick Bailey
2. D-Day Commando - Ken Ford
3.Tales from the front line - D Day - Jonathan Bastable
4. D-Day - Antony Beevor

Thanks for this post.

I'm changing my plans so that on route to Le Mans we intend to visit Juno beach - maybe others too. I understand that it was Juno beach that the Canadians used.  I believe my house in Haslemere billeted the Canadians when they were based in the local area.

Aricus

A thought for folk going across early. I'd suggest that if you're arriving at Caen either right before or just after June 6 then be prepared for major traffic delays, road closures, greater security at Customs and immigration and so on. Given the high-level guest list, the Caen area is likely to be crawling with bodyguards, anti-terrorist teams and suchlike.

D-Day by Stephen Ambrose