York Branch NVA in Normandy 2010

Just returned from Normandy where once again I had the pleasure and honour to take the York Branch Normandy Veterans Association around for five days. Here are a few photos from the trip.

We started at Banneville War Cemetery.

 

We then moved on to Cagny where two of the veterans fought with Guards Armoured Division. Below Dennis Heydock, ex 1st Coldstreams.

 

We then moved on to Pegasus Bridge, and a drink at Gondree Cafe.

 

and a few good discussions over the drinks!

 

Later we moved on to Gold Beach where branch chairman, ex Captain Cyril Howarth, came ashore with the advance party of his field regiment.

 

Next stop Bazenville, where Douglas Haw (pictured with his son) spent his first 10 days in Normandy.

 

We ended the first day at Hill 112, where Ken Smith (a member here) fought with 5th DCLI.

 

Great photos, thanks for sharing

Cheers
Paul

 

Paul you have a good eye for framing people and objects , thanks for posting these up.

 

Next day we started at the Longues sur Mer battery.

 

Plenty of military vehicles here; one of the vets standing with a type of vehicle he drove in 1944.

 

The vets were busy signing books; Fred Patrick, ex Medium Rgt RA, signing at Longues.

 

We then went on to St Laurent USA War Cemetery. Here the vets were interviewed by Discovery Channel. The presenter was a chap called 'Harry Harris' - never heard of him personally but he was good with the vets.

 

While wandering around met this chap - "Jim" - who served with 6th KOSB in the Odon battle and at Hill 112. Robert Woolacombe, author of Lion Rampant, was his platoon and company commander.

 

We ended this day at St Mere Eglise which was crowded with people!! So a chance to get a photo of this without someone in front of it!

 

Great photos.

 

Cheers Paul - Excellent - Love the two vets discussing their bit of the war over a beer

 

Lovely pics Paul Thanks.
Do you know which Med Regt Fred Patrick served with?
Cheers
Rob