Normandy trip 2010 (including then and now photos)

My Normandy trip has finally come round.

We will be catching the 07.30am sailing tomorrow morning from Portsmouth to Ouistreham then it's just a short drive down the coast to our accomodation.

I have a few places on my places to visit list, and as usual i'll be spending at least one day in the Falaise Gap area rummaging in hedgerows and along the edges of fields.

The weather forecast for next week seems to be a mixed bag of sunshine and showers, but who ever placed their trust in weather predictions?

A few then and now photos are also planned and i'll post them here on my return.

See ya all soon.

 

Hi!

I can't wait to see yours then and now photos, also good luck in finding relics

All the best

 

Well done and have great time

We look forward to your photos

 

Here's a live report from Normandy!

Looks like the weather forecast was correct. The weather was a little 'iffy' earlier this week, but the last two days have been gloriously warm with not a cloud in the sky.

I'll kick off my then and now photos with this comparison of the Falaise Gap area.

This is the field next to the ford at Moissy. The retreating german troops would have been fleeing across here to reach the ford at Moissy (which is in the top centre of the photo) to make their crossing over the river Dives.

Various pieces of personal kit can be seen strewn under and around the horse drawn cart. These include: a soldiers boot, mess tin, gas mask and gas mask canister. There is also an ammo pouch and ammo tin there. A K-98 rifle can also be seen propped up against the carts wheel brake.

The original photo is used with the kind permission of Mr R.Leal and was taken by his grandfather.

 

Nice comparison John. Would never guess from this now peaceful scene the horrors of the 'pocket' would you?

Mike

 

Are you allowed to Take a metal detector onto the normandy Beaches and dig things up?

 

Hope you enjoy your trip John

The Falaise area is on my target list of destinations as well so I will watch your posts with interest.

 

Are you allowed to Take a metal detector onto the normandy Beaches and dig things up?
arnhem44... On the whole, metal detecting is not only dangerous (live ordnance etc) but also forbidden, and in the majority of cases illegal. But, off the beaten track, like sites that are on private land today, you can seek permission from the land owner. Personally, and from the experience of other members, choose the right place like John has with Falaise and you will be surprised what you'll find under an inch of soil or a hedgerow.

John... I missed you're original post about your trip, is Neil with you this time? Again, it's too hot for the smuggling of Blacksnake in your car roof-box!!!

 

John... I missed you're original post about your trip, is Neil with you this time? Again, it's too hot for the smuggling of Blacksnake in your car roof-box!!!

Neil (Pegasus) is currently in the Hurtgen Forest in Germany.

I've been in regular contact with him via text messaging and he has had some good finds which i'm sure he will post here on his return.

That roof box is still available for my next trip to Germany in August.

 

Here's another then and now comparision.

This is in St-Lambert-sur-Dives.

I couldn't take my photo from quite the same position as where the original was taken due to the fact that trees now obscure the view.

Once again, the original photo is used with the kind permission of Mr R.Leal and was taken by his grandfather.

 

Hi John,

Excellent 'Then and Nows' as always- Good to see you are having fun and keep the pics coming !

Cheers
Andy

 

Nice image comparisons, John. Amazing standing in the footprints of history like that.

cheers,
phil

 

Thanks all for the kind comments.

I arrived back in blighty yesterday...to rain !!!

Hard to believe that yesterday morning I was stood on the Quayside at Quistreham in blazing 33c sunshine !

Adam, Here's a close up of the ZgKW U305's markings.

 

This is in Sainte-mer-Eglise and the building was a hospital during WW2.

 

This is the opposite side of the road to the hospital.

 

Hi John, great 'then and nows', thanks. Those Norman rooflines are great references for the shots aren't they? Amazing they have changed so little.

MIKE

 

Hi John, great 'then and nows', thanks. Those Norman rooflines are great references for the shots aren't they? Amazing they have changed so little.

Thanks, Mike. Using the rooftops is a great aid for lining shots up.

Much of Normandy has changed very little since WW2 and that makes it easier to track down my then and now photo locations.

This is near to the centre of Sainte-mer-Eglise.

Is that a child (dressed in uniform) pushing the cart ???

 

Sainte-mer-Eglise again.

Let me know if your all getting bored yet?





The main road through the town.




The church in the centre of town