France - U-Boats, D-Day beaches ...and ... Back to England.

In the Footsteps of History

It was always going to be part of the 'Adventure' this visiting of sites and places that remind us of the tumultuous events during World War 2 (WW2) 1939-1945, in this case on the Atlantic coast of France.

U-Boat shelters

The U-Boat pens (WW2 fortified shelters for German submarines) at St Nazaire are still there after 74 years. The construction is of such strength that they are virtually indestructible.

The World War 2 U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire

Below is a link to my article as submitted to another website. It gives a detailed account of my visit over two days.

http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7272

Also seen at the St. Nazaire docks was the Russian helicopter carrier / assault ship VLADIVOSTOK, built by the French and nearing completion, soon to be handed over to the Russian Navy.
Edit: This ship and another in the same class had their deliveries cancelled after the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia and the subsequent annexation.

The D-Day beaches in Normandy, France.

The largest ever seaborne military operation took place in 1944 on the Atlantic coast of France when tens of thousands of soldiers crossed the English Channel from Great Britain to start the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany.
We visited, not for the first time, those beaches along the Normandy coast which saw those men and materiel being disgorged from landing craft. We concentrated on the American sector, the beaches known as Utah and Omaha and the adjacent town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise near Utah beach, south of Cherbourg.

Dedicated to all those who led the way on D-Day

Showing the likeness of Major Dick Winters of Easy Company 

(TV series Band of Brothers)

An overview of our visit is covered on another website, see link below;

http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7296

German fortification facing Utah beach

American cemetery at Omaha beach

Leadership:-

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?
  No, but I fought in a Company of heroes"

Staff Sergeant Mike Ranney (101st US Airborne) answering a question from his grandson

"Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men"

Major Richard D "Dick" Winters, Easy Company, 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st US Airborne Division.

Lastly:-

This was our last stop on our European Adventure which started in May 2012. We returned to England by ferry from Calais to Dover and made our way across the hills and dales of that 'green and pleasant land' to a place soon to be called home, somewhere in England.

It is time to put roots down again, until the next time, when the travel bug bites. Never say never ....

To all of you who read and followed this Blog over the past 24 months, who contributed with comments and information to enliven the experience, we say a big thank you!

This is Marius and Joan signing off.

 

France - French Pyrenees and Bordeaux

We decided to visit the Pyrenees on the spur of the moment having seen their majestic outline from Tarbes. We were not disappointed as we travelled through Lourdes on our way to Cauterets. The weather was superb and the scenery stunningly beautiful. The campsite had only just opened for the season and even that was earlier than usual due to the early onset of Spring.

The nights were cold, but we were warm inside Fifi plugged in as we were, with warm days reaching 22C in the sun. The town was well stocked on all grocery needs with butchers and bakers to choose from, a free bus service taking you in and out of town although at only 2km easily walkable.

BBQ / Braai in the Pyrenees

Ferrying tools and supplies to workers on the slopes

It was the intention to stay two nights, we stayed four and you can see why. Fresh air, scenery, good food, an intoxicating ambience all added to the stimulation of the senses.

The Bordeaux region known for the production of world class wines was next - can it all get any better?

Again it is almost sensory overload when you travel along the D5 on the left bank of the Gironde passing Chateau after Chateau with names that are held in the highest regard by wine lovers all over the world.

Chateau Pichon-Longueville

We stopped at the wine information centre at Pauillac on the Gironde for some brochures and advice. The very helpful staff advised that there was a possible overnight stop at Chateau de Cach ....

.... a picture paints a thousand words ....

Again a one night stop became three and the Chateau staff were happy to have us enjoy the tranquillity of their surroundings camped outside a barn with plug-in facilities. We cooked a lamb casserole in the cast iron pot and washed it down with wines from the Medoc and Haut Medoc, how could you not, seeing as you are camped right in the midst of it all.
Staying for a few days on a wine producing French Chateau was a dream come true, more so seeing that we both enjoy a good Bordeaux from the left bank of the Gironde. Good being a relative term because you can empty your wallet very quickly on the better vintages. Visiting in March as we were could be a bit early for connoisseurs as most Chateaux only open from April onwards for tastings and eating on site in the varied bistros and restaurants. Feel free to have the 'house wine' on offer at most establishments, it is good and quaffed by many of the locals - and they would know.