↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Europe > D Day 75th Anniversary
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
Print this entire topic · 
rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
D Day 75th Anniversary
Less than 2 years away so time I started some planning and preparation.

I'm wanting to undertake a road trip in 2019 to commemorate the D Day landings and the subsequent advance through Northern Europe by the allied forces. I'm going to be accompanied by my (grownup) son and living out of our roof top tent.

We have a few ideas but would welcome any suggestions regarding places to visit ie museums, battlefields, cemeteries, memorials, significant towns/villages etc. Also any recommendations as to campsites that are RTT friendly (preferably quieter sites not those with playgrounds or amenities for young families).

It may be a bit early yet but if anyone knows or hears of any relevant commemorative events being planned? Anything from gatherings, parades, re-enactments to faith services, musical/choral concerts etc please could you pop a post on here. Thumbs Up


Last edited by rockster57 on 1st Aug 2017 8:54pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #641237 1st Aug 2017 7:38pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Rosco



Member Since: 03 Dec 2010
Location: Burntwood
Posts: 1797

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
That sounds like a cracking plan. Sorry I can't offer any suggestions, but I'll be following with interest Thumbs Up 2007 - Stornoway Grey 90 XS SW - Gone
2002 - Black Discovery II - Gone
2014 - Montalcino Red 110 XS SW
Post #641260 1st Aug 2017 8:41pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Panda



Member Since: 29 May 2015
Location: Essex
Posts: 432

England 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Fuji White
Dunkirk
Normandy
Pegasus Bridge
Caen
Sainte-Mère-Église


Follow the route of the Band of Brothers finishing in the crows nest. Hitler's old hideout. Sounds crazy but authentic!

Thumbs Up Thumbs Up Monty-2015 2.2 110 XS Puma Station Wagon
Yoda Disco 3-Sold
Larry Disco 1-Sold
Muddly XS 90 TDCI-Sold
Pearl Disco 2-Sold
Larry Disco 1-didn't want too but sold
Post #641283 1st Aug 2017 9:57pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Outlaw1



Member Since: 11 Aug 2016
Location: east sussex
Posts: 266

England 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
There is a excellent museum at Bayeaux
A campsite on the cliffs behind Omaha beach,if a little windy
American cemetery behind omaha is really worth seeing
You will have a great time It is amazing how much has been preserved and how accessible things are .
Post #641284 1st Aug 2017 9:58pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Ramsay



Member Since: 30 Sep 2015
Location: Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway
Posts: 623

Scotland 1995 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Auto Keswick Green
When are you thinking of going? In June Normandy will be very busy over the anniversary dates.
What vehicle are you using? Ex military Defenders going to Europe may have more difficulties post March as we don't know if the open OGEL will still be in use.
I would suggest the route North and East of the British Liberation Army, taking you through France, Belgium and Holland then Germany to Kiel. 1995 Defender 110 CSW
1971 SIIA Lightweight
Post #641293 1st Aug 2017 10:47pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Pickles



Member Since: 26 May 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3748

Australia 2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Keswick Green
That will be a great experience for your son Rockster, Pics will be mandatory (for the forum!)
Pickles.
Post #641298 1st Aug 2017 11:06pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
Thank you for all your replies.

Panda - most of your suggestions are on the list. The exception is Dunkirk which widens the theme and context of what we're doing. I'll leave that until another time. Also the "Crows Nest" (Kehlsteinhaus above Berchtesgaden) is under consideration but maybe too much of a detour south?

Outlaw - Good suggestions. I've previously visited the American Cemetery and will definitely be returning there with my son who hasn't! I like the sound of the campsite and will look into booking a stay there.

Ramsay - yes June. I realise it will be busy but I'm reckoning that will be when most events will be taking place. I'm unaware of the general export issues but I doubt they'll apply as we'll be using a non-military Defender. A quick look on google at Kiel has raised my interest, thank you.
Post #641327 2nd Aug 2017 7:08am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
216lcg



Member Since: 11 Oct 2012
Location: London
Posts: 48

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black

Click image to enlarge

I went this year.Drove down from Calais. Vehicles not permitted on the landing beaches but thought they couldn't prevent it in 1944 so who would stop a Britisher in a landrover on D Day 2017. Actually was June 4th, but near enough. Gold beach, I think. Mulberry in the background![img]

Click image to enlarge

[/img]
Post #641332 2nd Aug 2017 7:39am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
Haha, very naughty! But I admire your pluck!

Reminds me of the exploits of the COPP undercover reconnaissance teams who in January 1944 also "trespassed" on the Omaha and Sword beaches. Under the noses of the German defences they collected soil and sand samples in condoms for the scientists to assess suitability as landing sites.
Post #641455 2nd Aug 2017 6:56pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
216lcg



Member Since: 11 Oct 2012
Location: London
Posts: 48

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
I don't think my landing was quite as daring!When i was at Pegasus and saw the plaques in place at the sites of the various Allied glider landings with inscriptions recognising the debt owed by Europe to these brave men I did think that perhaps M Juncker et al should visit and be reminded of the sacrifice made when they talk of punishing the UK for Brexit.

Click image to enlarge
Post #641550 3rd Aug 2017 9:50am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Siwynne



Member Since: 04 Nov 2016
Location: West lancs
Posts: 552

England 
Today is D24.
On this day 75 years ago my grandfather crossed the channel on an American landing craft with a Cromwell tank doing its best to kill all onboard when it broke loose in roughs seas. He was a fitter in 3rd battalion Scots guards and ended up as driver for Captain Mann who was promoted to major in the field. This is key as I can actually pinpoint where my grandfather was as the regimental diary records the movements of major Mann. It is my plan when time and funds allow to follow the route my grandfather took from France through Belgium and into Holland. He didn’t speak of it much but as part of a tank crew fighting through Belgium and Holland I am sure it was a pretty horrific journey.

Click image to enlarge

He is second from right front row
Post #779715 30th Jun 2019 9:58pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
Thanks for sharing that Si. Fascinating and humbling piece of history Thumbs Up
Post #779724 1st Jul 2019 12:51am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums