Hi, You can't help to notice the build up to the d-day anniversary, just a thought, what will be the next "landmark" The Arnhem operation, crossing of the rhine, VE-VJ day? Interested in peoples predictions and also what you feel should be marked. Ali
Arnhem I think. One rather regrettable thing is the fact that D-Day completely overshadows the fighting for Normandy and the liberation of France which followed. I'm sure our local newspaper is not the only one that wants to hear from 'D-Day Veterans' and is completely oblivious to the fact that 6th June was just the beginning of the North West Europe campaign.
I agree, D-day was a historic day but it was only one of many days in the fight to free France etc. Its similiar to wwi and the 1st July 1916, again a momentous day in Britain's history but it throws a large shadow over the rest of the battle. I believe Arnhem will be well marked, but I don't think it will get the same media attention, perhaps a rerun of The Bridge too Far, having said that I do hope that there will be more in the future along the lines of the recent BBC production "Dunkirk". Ali
As the British role in this isn't really acknowledged is this likely to be more of an event the other side of the pond?
Personally,i think the next big landmark to be commemorated in a big way,that involves everyone is VE/VJ day,the two days that brought it all to an end,or should that be a new begining ??. Steven
Arnhem, for sure. The Bulge, surprisingly, also seems popular in the UK; the company I do tours for has 4/5 coaches going over for the anniversary.
The British were not greatly involved in the Bulge, except via the battle of Monty's mouth, but it was the last major German offensive in the west, so it is important and I hope they make something of it. The speed of response by Patton's 3rd Army was one of America's most notable feats of arms, as was American defence of the northern shoulder of the bulge. Regarding Arnhem, I hope they don't just look at 1st Airborne's battle, because XXX Corps operations also need a critical examination. Of course, come August we have the 90th anniversary of the start of WWI, which will be particularly moving I think, given how often we are reading "last veteran of ... dies" these days.
Originally posted by angie999@May 24 2004, 12:16 PM The British were not greatly involved in the Bulge, except via the battle of Monty's mouth, . Suggest you see the Belgian account. http://users.skynet.be/bulgecriba/BattleArdennes.htm Aye MalcolmII
Originally posted by angie999@May 24 2004, 12:16 PM The British were not greatly involved in the Bulge, except via the battle of Monty's mouth, That's what I love about this group. I learn something new every day
Not wanting to get into acrimonious debate, but there are quite a few veterans who would take issue with the assertion that the British did not play much of a part in the Battle of the Bulge. It's a question of scale obviously, but the CWGC cemetery at Hotton bears witness to the ordeal of e.g. The East Lancs and 13th (Lancashire) Battalion, the Parachute Regiment amongst others.
I believe a book is about covering the british contribution, could be wrong but I think its by Sutton publishing but the title slips my mind. Ali
I think that Charles Whiting has done the new book on the British in the Bulge. Paris's liberation got coverage in American media. The invasion of Southern France, less so. Warsaw, more so. The big ones will be Arnhem, the Bulge, Remagen, and the liberation of the death camps.
