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[tunnie]

Staggering achievement, can you imagine them trying it today? 

I always keep meaning to take the bike and visit some of the beaches and sights in Normandy.

We must never forget!

[TheBoy]

(split off to avoid the original going off topic).

Tunnie, yes you should. If you go on an anniversary, a bike is the only way of getting around (although you still would have been knackered this year without a pass, that I had to apply for beforehand).

We all read the history books, probably look at the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan (often said to represent the most realistic representation of what happened at Omaha) as dramatic, but nothing prepares you for what you will see at the various Commonwealth cemeteries, and the American one at Omaha. There are lots of museums in the area that are worthwhile, you could easily spend a week there, and still feel you need to return.

[tunnie]

Given current situation now, I think if I'm good I may get a weekend pass. In a few years time   

[TheBoy]

Given current situation now, I think if I'm good I may get a weekend pass. In a few years time   

I suspect the fallen will still be there in a few years...  ...they have nowhere to go

That said, if you can get there when there are still veterans are going, you'll find it an honour to chat to them, listen to their stories, and shake their hand.

[henryd]

(split off to avoid the original going off topic).

Tunnie, yes you should. If you go on an anniversary, a bike is the only way of getting around (although you still would have been knackered this year without a pass, that I had to apply for beforehand).

We all read the history books, probably look at the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan (often said to represent the most realistic representation of what happened at Omaha) as dramatic, but nothing prepares you for what you will see at the various Commonwealth cemeteries, and the American one at Omaha. There are lots of museums in the area that are worthwhile, you could easily spend a week there, and still feel you need to return.

I was a bit taken aback at that one especially when you realise that all those men were killed in the first hours of the landings and the men buried there are only a percentage of those who fell,many were repatriated 

[TheBoy]

(split off to avoid the original going off topic).

Tunnie, yes you should. If you go on an anniversary, a bike is the only way of getting around (although you still would have been knackered this year without a pass, that I had to apply for beforehand).

We all read the history books, probably look at the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan (often said to represent the most realistic representation of what happened at Omaha) as dramatic, but nothing prepares you for what you will see at the various Commonwealth cemeteries, and the American one at Omaha. There are lots of museums in the area that are worthwhile, you could easily spend a week there, and still feel you need to return.

I was a bit taken aback at that one especially when you realise that all those men were killed in the first hours of the landings and the men buried there are only a percentage of those who fell,many were repatriated 

The graves at Omaha cover all the fallen from US services, not just those that died during the landings. Approx half were on D-Day or the immediate days following.

[biggriffin]

You also want to go around the north and down towards verdun thro the Somme,nearly every village on or near front line has a cemetry, either.allied,French,and german(harder to find but there), most have 200 + brave souls.
 That's 100 years ago.
least we forget,for they don't grow old.

[TheBoy]

You also want to go around the north and down towards verdun thro the Somme,nearly every village on or near front line has a cemetry, either.allied,French,and german(harder to find but there), most have 200 + brave souls.
 That's 100 years ago.
least we forget,for they don't grow old.

The losses in WWI are incomprehensible. Mere cannon fodder 

[biggriffin]

You also want to go around the north and down towards verdun thro the Somme,nearly every village on or near front line has a cemetry, either.allied,French,and german(harder to find but there), most have 200 + brave souls.
 That's 100 years ago.
least we forget,for they don't grow old.

Also worth a day, but in bellygum is ypres the menin gate.

[Lagondanet]

Yes, the Verdun/Yypres cemeteries are certainly a must. Amazing. 

[humbucker]

I remember visiting the key Normandy/D-Day sites as part of a school trip in the mid 1990s (GCSE History iirc). We visited the beaches, Pegasus Bridge, some key battlefields and toured the cemeteries - including the German burial ground. A very sombre affair. It's easy to forget that both sides lost lives during the conflict.