Later that day we went back to Pegasus Bridge and Black Watch veteran Ken Bell had 'Black Bear' played for him. It was a good end to 6th June.
On 6th June we held our own service at Ryes War Cemetery and were joined by some veterans from the Surrey branch NVA. Two brothers of one of my aunts (by marriage) are buried side by side at Ryes (Bazenville): Robert CASSON, 25, died 6 June 1944 (IV.B.1); Joseph CASSON, 18, died 27 June 1944 (IV.B.2). Do you happen to know if they were the mates of any of your group by any chance, Paul?
Paul, Looks like all present enjoyed their trip, Good work. It also looks like we just missed eachother at the bridge!
On our final day we went inland and started at the village of Saint Hymer, which Cyril Haworth had liberated in a half-track in August 1944.
We then drove down to the Falaise Pocket and stopped at the Tiger at Vimoutiers. All three vets below came up against Tigers and were glad to see this was no longer active! (L-R: George Meredith 11th Armoured Division, Ken Smith 5th DCLI, Gordon Collinsn 1st RTR).
Down near the Moissy Ford we found some bits of shrapnel, melted glass and bullet heads. Ken Smith and George Meredith both walked down with us.