Latest D-Day70 News from MOD

As a tour operator, we have received the latest news that applies to all from the UK wishing to attend events in Normandy in June.

The key point is that everyone wishing to enter the Normandy area on 6th June will have to apply for accreditation via the MOD and the cut-off date is 30th April.

I have posted details on my D-Day70 blog:

http://dday70.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/latest-news-on-d-day70/

 

Paul, you've posted this today so I take it that it's not a joke left over from 1st April ?

It looks as if the MoD have taken it upon themselves to restrict the free movement of British citizens in France and those of other nationalities will be able to travel where they please.

Surely most visitors will be there before 5th June anyway ?

Unbelievable !

 

Many thanks for posting that Paul, just what I need to sortout accreditations for our party of 9 that will be attending.
Hope the MOD get the website on line soon!

Rich, I am sure other countries will have similar measures in place as well, organised by their MOD or similar organisation.
If it is going to be anything like the 50th you won't be able to get through the very tight security cordons without official accreditation, whoever issues them.

 

Paul

Will this be similar to the one put in place by the French for the 60th anniversary?.....gendarmes at checkpoints etc etc or is it a purely MOD thing for those visiting high profile events in the so-called British sector.

Confusing and very late in the day for those who have already booked ferries etc. I've phoned Brittany Ferries and they are not currently aware at the front desk....a very nice lady is currently trying to find out!

Thanks to you most sincerely for posting this 'alert'.

 

Mike, have you looked at the area of that 'congestion zone' ? It's huge and includes the ferry port at Ouistreham. I can find nothing on any French language websites. Is the MoD seriously suggesting that my ability to enjoy a booked and paid-for stay at a French campsite depends upon the whim and administrative efficency of an organisation that has still not managed to get a website up and running but has publicised a cut-off date of 30th April ?

 

Rich

Although I do agree with your/my/others frustration, and it does certainly affect those of us fortunate to be travelling to France at that time, it does have it's slightly funny side. Here we are insisting on being on a certain beach in France on 6th June......bet the feelings weren't mutual 70 years ago!

Incidentally, I've heard back from Brittany Ferries and at the moment they know no more than we do.

 

Thanks for this information, Paul.

Do you know exactly how we apply for an accreditation pass? Is it via the (still non- operative) MoD website?

 

You don't get all this kerfuffle in Dunkirk - It's all very civilised but then again they don't get any so called vip's jumping on the band wagon. You should stick to Pas de Calais or Bretagne matey

 

To be fair, it seems an appropriate way to mark the 70th anniversary of the Transportation Plan...

 

Paul, do you know if there is to be a commemorative badge / bar awarded to any surviving Normandy Veterans please? If so, would they be issued just to those attending the commemorations in Normandy?
.................

On the topic of ticketing for the commemorative events, once there are Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Government Ministers, etc attending the move towards greater control of who else attended was virtually inevitable (in my opinion). Many years ago, the various commemorative events were still formal but more for the local commune and visiting Allied Veterans who attended the particular location that was special to them (e.g. Merville Battery, Pegasus Bridge, Omaha Beach). There never seemed to be any restrictions for anyone attending.

It has completely turned round since the late 1980s. These days, if anyone wants to attend one of the main commemorative events then it is probably best to book through an accredited tour operator who can sort out the necessary formalities.

I trust you have another successful pilgrimage.

 

Nothing on the British Legion web site, and they are supposed to be organising things in the British/Canadian sector!

 

No, not a joke.

MOD are sorting the accreditation so that when the French grant passes the whole thing will operate more smoothly. It is the French that are imposing restrictions but MOD helping UK citizens to get where they need to be.

If you are there before 6th June it doesn't matter; you will still need this to move around on the 6th.

 

Yes there will be checkpoints all over the area covered by the map I posted. No paperwork and you won't get in, no matter who you are.

Late in the day, yes. But this is largely down to the French and not the MOD.

 

I understand you will be able to apply via the website or if you contact the MOD direct now.

As a tour operator we were contacted directly by the MOD and why this is not publicised wider, I have no idea.

 

Not that I am aware of, no.

 

I understand MOD are organising most events with RBL running the ceremony at Bayeux War Cemetery which will be a public event. You won't need paperwork to get in there but you will need paperwork to be able to travel to it.

 

I'd buy a good book on the BEF to read on the 6th June mate and stay where you are - That will turn some heads. I can recommend Tim Lynch's Dunkirk-Whereabouts Unknown or Patrick Takle's The British Army In France After Dunkirk. Both cover fighting on the 6th June as the remainder of the BEF headed west for Ops Cycle and Aerial so you could say you are there commemorating the 74th Anniversary. That should get you quotes like "What do you mean the British Army were in Normandy in 1940...You've been in the sun too long old boy" and "My dear chap, its the 70th not the 74th anniversary"

 

I am astounded by this. Ordinary persons can't simply go there if they want to?