The American cemetery is something else. Very somber place to be. Only surprise was the ages of those killed isnt shown...the place is kept immaculate.....those running up the beach never had a chance.
Just been informed by the club that the fella in the blue training kit is not to return home, but to report directly to the Spanish training camp to await further instructions.
Just a few more as we make our way back to Calais after a really rewarding weekend, today we got to remember Geoff Reynolds, our Charlton player who lost his life in the Normandy Campaign. We saw his name on the impressive new British Normandy Memorial and also retraced his movements down to 'Dickies' Bridge, a hugely important river crossing that his squadron captured the day he was mortally wounded.
It was a humbling privilege to bring this New Eltham lad who went onto play for the Addicks back into the Charlton family, exactly what remembrance and battlefield tours should be about.
Fantastic photos, looks like you are having a good one. I have been lucky enough to do this trip with another club and it is every bit as good as it looks, anybody thinking about this don't hesitate, you will not regret it.
A great big "Thank you" to Neal for organising such a fabulous event, to Howard for all the driving, to Clive for bringing the events of 1944 (and 1815) so brilliantly to life, and to all my fellow Lifers who shared the coach. I have had a memorable weekend.
A great big "Thank you" to Neal for organising such a fabulous event, to Howard for all the driving, to Clive for bringing the events of 1944 (and 1815) so brilliantly to life, and to all my fellow Lifers who shared the coach. I have had a memorable weekend.
I’d like to reiterate every word of this. So much packed into a short space of time. It’s been a memorable - and long weekend. Made longer by the delays at Calais. But that won’t take the shine off it. Thanks everyone.
cheers guys, it's a pleasure organising these and it's great when everyone enjoys them but wouldn't be the same without Clive and the knowledge he brings and the little anecdotes that bring everything to life. The Bayeux Tapestry was amazing too and definately worth the visit. A great weekend that even the Eurotunnel delays couldn't put a dampener on.
Was very disappointed I had to drop out of this quite late on. Absolutely gutted in fact. Was looking forward to seeing some friends from previous trips and from CL of course. If there is another trip in the future my name is already on the list. Glad it was a success.
Thanks @LargeAddick and @SE7toSG3 for another fantastic trip, a lot of time and effort must go into these and it is very much appreciated.
My small group really enjoyed their first trip to the Normandy beaches and Pegasus bridge.
For me the highlights had to be hearing our ex player, George Reynolds story and +30 Addicks returning to the area he fought and sadly died in and hearing all about the engineering ingenuity of The Mulberry Harbour.
A great big "Thank you" to Neal for organising such a fabulous event, to Howard for all the driving, to Clive for bringing the events of 1944 (and 1815) so brilliantly to life, and to all my fellow Lifers who shared the coach. I have had a memorable weekend.
And to top it off, you got to sit next to me all weekend!
Can't thank Neal and Clive enough for organising this. The whole weekend was simply fantastic from start to finish. Panicked when the coach toilet packed up on day 1 as I've got the bladder of a walnut but managed to survive the trip home yesterday. Even the shuttle delays coming home didn't spoil it, would rather be held up on the way home than on the way out there.
Comments
Great photos. Keep safe and carry on!
Just a few more as we make our way back to Calais after a really rewarding weekend, today we got to remember Geoff Reynolds, our Charlton player who lost his life in the Normandy Campaign. We saw his name on the impressive new British Normandy Memorial and also retraced his movements down to 'Dickies' Bridge, a hugely important river crossing that his squadron captured the day he was mortally wounded.
It was a humbling privilege to bring this New Eltham lad who went onto play for the Addicks back into the Charlton family, exactly what remembrance and battlefield tours should be about.
In case you missed the Reynolds story before
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10931701/amp/Kitesurfer-killed-eight-injured-sudden-mini-TORNADO-hits-Normandy-beach.html
Apparently it was totally unpredictable. I hope it wasn't due to @LargeAddick 's baked beans. Seems like too much of a coincidence to me.
Seriously though, RIP the kitesurfer, and Bon Récupération aux autres.
http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/memorial-de-la-vendee.htm
Afterwards, you can all come back to our place for a massive booze-up pool party.😁
I have had a memorable weekend.
Big thanks to Neal and Clive, is there anything that this man doesnt know about world wars and the people who fought in them.
My small group really enjoyed their first trip to the Normandy beaches and Pegasus bridge.
For me the highlights had to be hearing our ex player, George Reynolds story and +30 Addicks returning to the area he fought and sadly died in and hearing all about the engineering ingenuity of The Mulberry Harbour.