GOLD Beach Memorial. Remembering men of 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, killed in action on D-Day 6th June 1944 on KING RED sector. The 5th East Yorks commanded by Lieutenant Colonel G.W. White landed at 0725, the LCA's putting the men down in the correct sector. Upon landing, they immediately came under heavy fire, with D Company becoming pinned down by machine gun fire and from 88mm guns in nearby bunkers. 50th Division's overall objective was to land in the GLOD Beach sector, secure a bridgehead, push inland to Bayeux, and cut the Bayeux-Caen road at the village of St Léger. There's nothing quite like walking the ground and seeing these places first hand. It's a tangible link to D-day and the Battle of Normandy and an unforgettable experience! 📩 [email protected] 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #dday #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #britisharmy #beaches #liberation #royalartillery #artillery #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #memorial #remembrance #france #goldbeach #army #allies #history #militaryhistory
A Lieutenant Commander of HM @royalnavy in quiet reflection at @commonwealthwargraves Ranville War Cemetery. Navys from many Allied nations played a huge role not only on D-day but before and during the whole NW Europe campaign. An incredible feat that can often be overlooked. I was very happy with how this photograph came out. A second of remembrance captured on 6th June, during a D-day anniversary. (More of these to come in due course.) 📸 @44_together_tours 📩 [email protected] #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #ww2history #uk #canada #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #memorial #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #ww2travel #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
U.S Ranger monument atop bunker H636a - Pointe du Hoc. Following heavy bombardment, these cliffs were scaled by US Army Rangers on D-Day. Despite the artillery pieces having been moved and opposition at first being light, the ground was heavily contested with the Germans putting in counter attacks later on D-Day and on the 7th of June. The Rangers wouldn't be relieved until 8th June at 10:30 am. The monument consists of a simple granite pylon positioned atop a German concrete bunker with tablets at its base inscribed in French and English. The monument was formally transferred to ABMC for perpetual care and maintenance on January 11, 1979. This battle-scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it. ⭐️Tours of the Normandy battlefields ⭐️UK based tours looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, airfields, museums, and more. ⭐️Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #usarmy #usarmyrangers #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
WN 18 SWORD Beach Then and Now. A great example of why SWORD Beach had the most concrete emplacements, the most troops stationed there, and was the most fortified Beach on D-Day Code name 'Skate' by 'Bigot' planners, this R612 casemate posed a significant threat in Coleville-Montgomery on D-Day. Around this position, trenches had been cut in, anti-tank ditches dug, barbed wire laid, and had German troop accommodation nearby, although the area has since been built over with modem housing. Housing a captured French 7.5cm 231 F.K (Field Kannon) it was capable of firing HE (High Explosive) as well as AP (Armour Piercing) rounds. It wasn't until the landing craft slowed to unload their cargo of men and armour that WN18 started causing problems. Several AVRE tanks, as well as landing craft, landed in front of WN18 and were engaged from the position, causing significant damage until at least two tank rounds found their target and neutralised WN18. (See picture 3.) WN18 is still intact and is now part of a house! Probably the strongest residential building you'll see! 📩[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours (picture 2) 📸IWM (Picture 1, 3, 4.) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #ww2history #dday #dday80 #operationoverlord #ddaylandings #ddaytour #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #army #commando #soldier #sailor #swordbeach #sword #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Reflection at the D-3 draw, OMAHA Beach. After exploring this area, I gave these clients time. Time to absorb what happened here, the sacrifice, bravery, the enormity of the task these men faced on D-Day 6th June 1944. Vierville-sur-Mer is the point that separated the 1st Infantry Division and the 29th Infantry Division at Dog Red and Easy Green sectors of Omaha Beach. "Les Braves" sits on the sands of Omaha Beach and consists of three parts. The sculptures creator Anilore Banon describes it as follows; The wings of hope So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6th 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future. Rise, Freedom! So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity. The Wings of Fraternity So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves. On June 6th 1944 these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers. ⭐️Just one of many sites to visit along Omaha Beach. At 44 together tours, we'll look at individual stories, as well as unit actions. We can follow in a family members footsteps and create a tour around what you want to see. Each tour is designed specifically for you! 📩[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #ww2history #usa #america #abmc #dday #dday80 #operationoverlord #ddaylandings #ddaytour #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Airborne training on bridges in England before D-Day. For Operation Deadstick, the men of D COY 2nd Battalion Ox and Bucks would have to know their overall objective, and each man his individual role in the operation, down to the smallest detail. With this in mind, rehearsals would need to take place prior to the real assault. The Countess Wear Bridges, on the southern outskirts of Exeter, were chosen for their similarity to the real bridges in Normandy. The men of D COY practised attacking the bridges both in daytime and at night, rehearsing a variety of scenarios in case events unfolded differently on D-Day. This, combined with the troops' skill, bravery, and excellent training, along with the incredible flying from the glider pilots, ensured the bridges were in airborne hands on D-Day. The initial part of the plan had been a success, counter attacks, and bitter fighting in Bénouville were soon to follow. Another great place to visit as part of a U.K based or U.K/Normandy tour. To be able to follow in the footsteps of these men from training to going into action at the bridges is a tangible link to the past and never ceases to amaze. 📩[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours (images 1, 2, 7 ,8.) 📸IWM (images 3, 5, Pegasus and Horsa bridges.) 📸 Google Earth (images 4 , 6, Countess Wear bridges.) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #ww2history #wwii #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #britisharmy #training #rehearsal #pegasusbridge #glider #operationoverlord #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #military #history #militaryhistory
@commonwealthwargraves Ranville War Cemetery. An incredibly special place. At 0600, when you're completely by yourself, even more so. "You are not leaving your menfolk like strangers in a foreign land, but as angels of deliverance sleeping amongst those they had come to deliver." Mayor of Ranville, 1947, when loved ones made a pilgrimage to Ranville War Cemetery. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #ww2history #uk #canada #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #memorial #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #ww2travel #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Gliders of 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, waiting to leave RAF Tarrant Rushton on the evening of 6 June 1944. A lone Handley Page Halifax is on the runway, with two Horsa gliders at the front of the queue. The same type of gliders that were used in the Coup de main assault on Pegsus and Horsa bridges the previous night. Lined up behind the troop-carrying Horsa gliders are Hamilcar heavy gliders, waiting for their turn to cross the Channel and reinforce the gains made so far. On both sides of the runway are more Halifax glider-tugs of No. 298 and 644 Squadrons RAF. Always a fantastic place to visit and walk the airfield, keeping the memories of what happened here alive. 📩 [email protected] 📸IWM (CL26) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #airfield #france #airborne #pegasusbridge #dday #ddayhistory #paratrooper #raf #operationoverlord #overlord #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uktour #dorset #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Researching for a tour of the Eastern flank. Looking at the landings and defensive positions on SWORD Beach at Ouistreham and inland towards Bénouville for the link up of the Commandos and Airborne forces on D-Day. We'll also be looking at the 7 Para defence of Bénouville, the Ox and Bucks action in Escoville, and fighting on the Bréville ridge I thoroughly enjoy being out on the ground with maps from the time like this one to pinpoint locations, defences, and areas where actions took place. A fascinating area, a great walk from SWORD to Peagsus Bridge, and always good to get up on the ridges/high points to understand the battles that happened here. ⭐️If you're thinking about a tour, get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! 📩[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #ww2history #airborne #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #wwii #operationoverlord #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
Bayeux War Cemetery. The largest Commonwealth cemetery of the Second World War in France, it contains burials brought in from the surrounding areas and from hospitals that were set up nearby. The cemetery contains 4,144 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, with 338 unidentified. There are also over 500 war graves of other nationalities, the majority German. A stunning place to visit, immaculately tended to by @commonwealthwargraves reflecting the cost of the battle of Normandy. 📩 [email protected] 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #dday #operationoverlord #overlord #epsom #charnwood #bluecoat #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #bayeux #commonwealth #memorial #remembrance #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
Walls of the Missing - Normandy American Cemetery. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. ⭐️Tours of the Normandy battlefields ⭐️UK based tours looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, airfields, museums, and more. ⭐️Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! ⭐️[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #overlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
LCT 7074 Painstakingly restored and sitting in front of @theddaystory_portsmouth LCT 7074 is looking exactly how it was on 6th June 1944. By visiting, you are able to board the vessel and get a feel of the size and scale. A fully emersive experience, you can even stand on the Commanding Officers bridge. LCT 7074 carried 10 tanks on D-Day, and there's even a Sherman and Churchill tank on board to get a feel of its size. This is such a great exhibit to look at, and the museum itself is well worth a visit. An incredible piece of history restored to keep memory alive! 📸 @44_together_tours 📸 @theddaystory_portsmouth #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #tank #dday #museum #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #navy #goldbeach #history #militaryhistory
One of the most recognisable points along the landing beaches. The view from bunker H636a at Pointe du Hoc. These cliffs were scaled by US Army Rangers on D-Day. Despite the artillery pieces having been moved and opposition at first being light, the ground was heavily contested with the Germans putting in counter attacks later on D-Day and on the 7th of June. The Rangers wouldn't be relieved until 8th June at 10:30am Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #usarmy #usarmyrangers #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
A defenders view taken after the capture of NAN Red sector, JUNO Beach, Bernières-sur-Mer as troops and armour pour ashore 6 June 1944. Note - amount of barbed wire on seawall. The assaulting troops had scaling ladders to get past the sea wall, but with wire of this depth, getting through it would have proved a difficult task. ⭐️If you're thinking about a tour, get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! ⭐️ [email protected]⭐️ 📸Archives Canada #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bernieressurmer #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #navy #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
Lt. Commander Honour served with Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) from 1942-1944. He was to command minature submarine HMS X23, off Sword Beach, Normandy, France, 4/6/1944-6/6/1944. Lt. Commander Honour describes how he came to command a miniature submarine. "In the middle of 1942, shortly after the Valiant and the Queen Elizabeth had been attacked by Italian midget submariners, our Commander came round and said they were looking for volunteers for hazardous underwater work. The qualifications were that you were able to swim and were single. As I qualified for both these things, I had my name put down!" Following intensive training, Lt. Commander Honour and his four man crew would have a unique head-on view of the D-Day invasion. They were tasked with marking the limits of the Anglo-Canadian beaches with lights on the surface of the water. Lt. Commander Honour "As we surfaced, and of course a lot of work going on, putting up the mast, and you can imagine in the weather as it was, which was still rough, sticking up an 18ft telescopic mast and various other gadgets that one had a quick look to seaward and one saw the invasion force just as the Germans would, and it was terribly frightening although we knew they were on our side it was still very frightening, and I can imagine the Germans feeling." Ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. Note - Pictured is HMS X23 surfacing on the morning of D-Day 6 June 1944. © IWM 9709 some quotes from Lt. Commander Honour. #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #france #navy #royalnavy #submariner #submarine #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #dday #operationoverlord #neptune #sea #ships #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
With The Sixth Airborne Division In Normandy Lt. Gen. R.N. Gale. A treasured first edition telling the story of the birth and operations of Sixth Airborne Division in Normandy, along with orders of service for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. I received these whilst attending the ceremonies @memorialpegasus and @commonwealthwargraves Ranville War Cemetery. The Eastern flank is such a fascinating area. Said by many to be the most crucial area of operations, stopping armour penetrating from the east and causing untold damage to the invasion. There's so much still to learn, both of individual stories and unit actions. ⭐️Just one of many sites to visit along the invasion front. At 44 together tours, we'll look at individual stories, as well as unit actions. We can follow in a family members footsteps and create a tour around what you want to see. Each tour is designed specifically for you! ⭐️[email protected] 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #pegasusbridge #glider #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
Where old meets new at the D-3 draw. Located at Vierville-sur-Mer, this is the point that separated the 1st Infantry Division and the 29th Infantry Division at Dog Red and Easy Green sectors of Omaha Beach. "Les Braves" sits on the sands of Omaha Beach and consists of three parts. The sculptures creator Anilore Banon describes it as follows; The wings of hope So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6th 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future. Rise, Freedom! So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity. The Wings of Fraternity So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves. On June 6th 1944 these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers. ⭐️Just one of many sites to visit along Omaha Beach. At 44 together tours, we'll look at individual stories, as well as unit actions. We can follow in a family members footsteps and create a tour around what you want to see. Each tour is designed specifically for you! ⭐️[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Sherman DD Tanks (note skirts depressed) that made it ashore on SWORD Beach begin to push inland with Infantry forming up behind. With the amphibious assault done for this small group, FIBUA (Fighting In Built Up Areas) is possibly now the challenge. Note - Roads full of debris from surrounding buildings due to naval bombardment and early fighting, with house in background almost completely destroyed. The sheer weight of fire that has been put down is clearly evident. Would this have been reassuring to the troops making their way off the beach? As with Caen, it makes for a superb, ready-made defence ⭐️If you're thinking about a tour, get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! ⭐️Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. ⭐️Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! ⭐️ [email protected]⭐️ 📸IWM #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #royalengineers #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
Cpl. Thomas Waters originally served with special forces in Burma before transferring to @royalcorpssignals and being attached to 5th Parachute Brigade Headquarters during the invasion of Normandy. He was awarded the Military Medal on D-Day. His Military Medal citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and coolness under enemy fire and devotion to duty during airborne operations in the Ranville area on 6th/7th June 1944. On 6th June Corporal Waters volunteered to bring in a wounded comrade from an exposed position, in the face of accurate enemy sniping which had already caused casualties he coolly went forward and brought in the wounded man. He then continued his duty of laying a signal line along an exposed route under constant enemy sniping and small arms fire. When this line was cut by enemy fire Corporal Waters again went out under fire and repaired it. [On several] occasions this NCO went out voluntarily and repaired communications in full view of the enemy. By his gallantry and complete disregard of personal danger Corporal Waters maintained communications between Brigade Headquarters and a Battalion holding a vital position. On 25 June, Cpl Waters told Captain Radmore he suspected the Germans were sending out men to cut their telephone lines. Radmore wrote: "He [Waters] lay up and later I met him on the road where he appeared wearing jackboots and carrying a German helmet. He had seen the German creep out of the ditch with a pair of wire cutters and had shot him." Waters was seriously injured during a training accident later in the Normandy campaign. He would survive this incident, but he was tragically killed whilst crossing a road during a postal round on the 30 September 1955. 📸 @44_together_tours whilst guiding at @memorialpegasus #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #pegasusbridge #glider #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
Major General R.F.L. Keller, commanding 3rd Canadian Division (centre wearing beret), steps onto French soil at Bernières-sur-Mer. Kellers 3rd Division has the task of landing on Nan Beach stretching from Courselles-sur-Mer to St Aubin-sur-Mer and Mike Beach, which was to the west of Courselles-sur-Mer. Every yard of those beaches was heavily contested as percentage wise the Canadians lost more men on JUNO than the Americans at OMAHA or the British on SWORD. The Canadian contribution to D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was outstanding. A lot of hard fighting would lie ahead for the Canadians in the seventy-six days of fighting in Normandy that followed D-Day. ⭐️If you're thinking about a tour, get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! ⭐️ [email protected]⭐️ 📸Archives Canada #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bernieressurmer #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #navy #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
Cpl. Jim Kelly. 41 Commando, Royal Marines. Cpl. Jim Kelly was 24 years old on D-Day 6 June 1944. He'd joined the Royal Marines to get revenge for the bombing of his home city of Liverpool by the Luftwaffe. Coming ashore at Hermanville-sur-Mer on SWORD Beach, Jim recalls how he landed with 41 Commando, the most experienced unit in the Brigade, under withering enemy fire; "In our group, there would be about seven of us. Within six paces of getting onto the sand, it was only me standing up... the others were all down, and I got told to get off of the beach." Advancing to get off the beach and coming under sustained machine gun fire, Cpl. Kelly recalls "There were three lads digging a trench on the beach, and with the machine gun fire, one fella was getting hit, and he was looking at his arm that was getting chewed to bits." Ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. ⭐️[email protected] #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #royalmarinescommando #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
SWORD Beach. Royal Engineers of 84th Field Company coming ashore at QUEEN RED sector D-Day 6 June 1944. This image clearly shows the danger and confusion of a landing beach on that morning. The soldiers in the foreground seem to have got across the beach unscathed,(Note - assault vests with toggled pouches) but in the centre, a walking wounded has his arms around two soldiers who are moving off in the same direction. Others have exited craft at the shore line, and are on their belt buckles, perhaps waiting to be told what to do, whilst others are partially submerged presumably wounded and receiving help. Yards away, others have taken a knee to adjust equipment before moving off. It's such a powerful image, with so much happening. Every time I look at this photograph, I almost always spot something I hadn't seen before. To be able to walk this and other sectors along the landing beaches really brings home the scale of the operation and the task these men were given. It is an experience that you never forget. ⭐️If you're thinking about a tour, get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! ⭐️ [email protected]⭐️ 📸IWM #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #royalengineers #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
It's all in the detail. Such fantastic work, @britishmemorial with these sign posts for each of the invasion beaches. The more you look at them, the more you see. ⭐️Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! ⭐️Get in touch, and let's explore the D-Day beaches and battlefields together! ⭐️ [email protected]⭐️ 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #WW2 #history #Dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #memorial #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #france #tank #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #history #militaryhistory #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #guidedtour #tourism #calvados
Normandy American Cemetery chapel ceiling. Made up of around 500,000 mosaic tiles, it's another element to the cemetery that has been done perfectly. I always make sure I pay it a visit when I'm in the area. Thanks to @usabmc for the work they do. Just one of many sites to visit along Omaha Beach. At 44 together tours, we'll look at individual stories, as well as unit actions. Each tour is designed specifically for you. ⭐️[email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
JUNO Beach defences. This picture shows how formidable the defences were facing the men as they assaulted JUNO Beach on D-Day 6 June 1944. The bunker, the seawall, the height of which is evident when compared to the men standing in front of it, and the mass of barbed wire. The Canadians' role on D-Day and the battle for Normandy was nothing short of incredible. Every man a volunteer as Canada didn't have conscription, and every man highly trained and ready for what lay ahead. Lessons had been learned from Dieppe. The Canadians had a terrible time on the beaches but made considerable advances by the end of 6 June 1944. Percentage wise, the Canadians on Juno lost more men than the Americans at Omaha and the British on Sword. Note - scaling ladder used to great effect, in getting men off the beach. 📸Archives Canada 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bernieressurmer #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #navy #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
Fred Glover and the Merville Battery. Fred Glover volunteered for airborne forces and was assigned to the 9th Battalion. He would be part of the Glider borne force to attack the battery. Below, Fred describes some of the opening moments of the part he played in the assault. 'The flight across the Channel is uneventful; some attempt is made to sing, but is half-hearted and it soon fades away. My own thoughts are centred on how I shall perform during the action and in particular not wanting to let my comrades nor the regiment down. I am sure this feeling is common among servicemen in these circumstances. The Horsa glides down towards the gun casements and at that moment ack ack fire from the 20mm gun hits the fuselage and several of us are hit. I receive wounds to both legs but as yet I feel no pain. Unsure of the situation on the ground, the pilot, rapidly losing height, just clears the minefield and we crash down on the edge of a small orchard and beside a track that leads up to the battery. The glider begins to smoulder as we tumble out of the wreckage and we are immediately engaged in a fire fight with enemy troops moving from the village of Gonneville to reinforce the defenders of the battery. We have played an unexpected role in the action. With the withdrawal of these German troops we are able to make our way the short distance to the battery; I need assistance as I feel that there is blood inside my boots and the pain is beginning to bother me.' 📸 and above text Fred Glover testamony - Paradata 📸 @44_together_tours D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #merville #glider #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #gun #battle #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
Higgins boat UTAH Beach. One of the most recognisable pieces of hardware in Normandy. The museum @utah_beach is always a must visit. The unmistakable Higgins boat greets you as you make your way toward the western most landing beach on D-Day. A fully interactive piece, you are able to step aboard before walking onto UTAH Beach itself and entering the museum. 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #usa #dday #utah #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #utahbeach #history #militaryhistory
Lieutenant Nicholas Somerville landed on D-Day with the South Wales Borderers, ordered to advance on Bayeux. 40 years after that day of days, he describes his experiences in the opening hours of D-Day 6 June 1944. "I set straight off like a cycling club literally. In fact, as I was going along the road, my first casualty was there was a German 88 millimetre firing from up on the mavay ridge, and we just sort of pedalled on because our job was not to stop but to get through somehow or other, and I looked round and found that this thing had fired solid shot at the chap behind me, and I found a chap peddling a bicycle with no head on which was rather worrying! Crashed into the ditch, and that was my first casualty I saw. Had a sick feeling about it, but the obvious thing to do was get on as fast as we could." Ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. ⭐️Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. ⭐️Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy and walk the ground of the men who came ashore on 6 June, or the inland campaigns. ⭐️Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! [email protected] #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #wales #southwales #gold #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #arromanches #beaches #goldbeach #bayeux #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
Royal Marine Commandos attached to 3rd Division move inland from Sword Beach, D-day 6 June 1944. Note - equipment in the water already at work as Marines move inland. 📸IWM #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #royalmarinescommando #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
UTAH Beach then and now. Taken on a tour of the U.S. sector and UTAH Beach. This is always such a fascinating area to guide and explore, with the U.S. airborne drops happening inland from here, and the brilliant @utah_beach museum By the end of D-day, the whole of the 4th Division, 20,000 troops, and 1,700 vehicles had landed ashore on UTAH within fifteen hours (excluding 20th Field Artillery Battalion.) The 4th Division casualties on D-day were as follows; Division casualties for the day were 197. These included the loss at sea of 60 men from Battery B, 29th Field Artillery Battalion. The 8th and 22nd Infantry Regiments who landed before midday suffered 118 casualties, 12 of these KIA. Although the casualties on UTAH were light compared to other landing beaches, the 4th Division would suffer terribly in fighting that would take place inland. 📸U.S Archives 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #usa #dday #utah #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #utahbeach #history #militaryhistory
Taken during a recent tour following in the footsteps of the Commandos from the landing beaches to Pegasus Bridge and beyond. Bill Millin was the personal piper of Lord Lovat Fraser whose Commando Brigade landed on Sword Beach on D-Day. Millin piped along the beach to encourage the men around him who were all under heavy, sustained, fire. It is the said the Germans didn't shoot as they thought Millin was "mad!" Speaking 40 years after D-Day, Millin said; "I'd heard about bagpipers of the Great War, 14-18 war, and before that, but in modern warfare bagpipers and bagpipes? This seems rather strange to me, but I think I was very fortunate to play the bagpipes with the first Commando Brigade in the greatest military venture in the history of warfare." 📸 @44_together_tours 📸IWM #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #france #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
Taken on a recent tour, this statue commemorates the US 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Inantry Division. Located at the D-1 draw, DOG Green sector of OMAHA Beach. It is along this stretch of beach that Company A (The Bedford Boys) disembarked and were all but wiped out. A powerful place to visit during any tour. Just one of many sites to visit along Omaha Beach. At 44 together tours, we'll look at individual stories, as well as unit actions. Each tour is designed specifically for you. [email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #usarmy #france #soldier #sailor #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Whether conducting tours or doing research, I always make sure to read epitaphs on @commonwealthwargraves headstones. All are touching, some heartbreaking. To lose a loved one is painful enough to lose two children is beyond comprehension. The price paid for the freedom we have today is still in living memory. It was a high price, but one that had to be paid. Thank goodness there were ordinary people prepared to defend what we have today. Telling their stories and keeping memories alive is the least we can do. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #royalmarines #marines #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #france #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
The future generations watching over their predecessors. This is a picture I took during a D-Day anniversary tour at @commonwealthwargraves Ranville War Cemetery. 2nd Battalion @theparachuteregiment were representing on the day, and did a fantastic job. It's a picture I often look back to...remembrance, the occasion, the sacrifice, the Lance Corporal in the picture being educated during his training about the history of his regiment, and actions in this very place, and what he was feeling. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #pegasusbridge #glider #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
The order is given. Ships of the Royal Navy assembled off the coast of the Isle of Wight before sailing for the coast of Normandy and D-Day. Note - Wing of RAF PR plane clearly visible Book a U.K. based tour with us looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! [email protected] 📸IWM (A 23720A) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #navy #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #sea #ships #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
U.S. foxholes in just one field of the bocage, June 1944. With its high hedgerows, the bocage was a formidable natural defence against the U.S. advance through this sector. Soldiers had to try and take the ground literally a hedge at a time. 📸U.S Life Magazine #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Atmospheric skies at Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery. Taken during one of our recent tours, this beautifully kept @commonwealthwargraves cemetery slightly off the beaten track, but a must visit. 97 known and 1 unknown British Army personnel are at rest here, along with 1 known RAF burial. There are also 16 known and 1 unknown Army burials here stated in the documents at the cemetery as Non Commonwealth and non world war Foreign National. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #cemetery #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #parachute #tank #armour #liberation #inland #campaign #battle #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
British 6th Airborne LZ N. This photo shows innumerable gliders on LZ N between Ranville and Amfreville, June 1944. To land that many gliders in that amount of space is testament to the training the men of the Glider Pilot Regiment went through. Just to the east is Amfreville/LePlein, Bréville, les Bois de Mont Château Saint-Côme to name but a few. All heavily contested in the early stages of the invasion and at great cost. A fascinating area to walk the ground and absorb what happened here. To share individual, as well as unit stories, is to ensure it's never forgotten. Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. And/or a battlefield tour to Normandy. Walk the ground of 6 Airborne Division on the Eastern flank. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! [email protected] 📸 IWM - Div HQ, RA, and 6 ALDG BDE gliders on LZ N. #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #ddaylandings #paratrooper #parachute #pegasusbridge #glider #dropzone #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #military #history #militaryhistory
The US Navy monument, UTAH Beach. We always enjoy our tours to UTAH Beach and the superb @utah_beach museum. The monument to members of the @usnavy who took part in the landings is both powerful and poignant. The three sculptures on the monument each represent a different role the US Navy played on D-Day 6 June 1944. An officer is standing and showing leadership, the planning and intelligence that made the naval aspect Operation Overlord such a success. The sailor on his knees represents the naval combat demolition units who fought ashore and took very high casualties. The final sailor is loading a ships gun for the shore bombardment. At the base is a map of both US beaches, Omaha and Utah, and is shaped as a pentagon, representing the five invasion beaches. The names of the American ships that took part in Operation Overlord are also inscribed on the base. ⭐️Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. ⭐️Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy and walk the ground of the men who came ashore on 6 June, or the inland campaigns. ⭐️Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! [email protected] 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #usa #dday #utah #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #usnavy #unitedstates #utahbeach #history #militaryhistory
Cpl. Harold Brasier Queens Own Rifles of Canada. Corporal Harold Brasier would land with the Queens Own Rifles of Canada on Nan White sector of JUNO Beach at Bernières-sur-Mer on D-Day 6 June 1944. In June 1984, Cpl. Brasier describes his experiences of coming ashore on Juno beach that morning, 40 years before. " I saw this fella out a little further in the water, and he had been hit along with a lot of others, but he was screaming. As I was trying to point him towards the shore, I couldn't help him much, I was dragging my own self, my leg, he was hit, and he was just... something came over my shoulder, something really big, and he was just obliterated in front of me." Ordinary men, in extraordinary circumstances. 📸Archives Canada 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bernieressurmer #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #navy #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
Link up at Pegasus Bridge then and now Men of No.4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, and members of 6th Airborne Division after the link up, pictured stood just yards from Pegasus Bridge 6 June 1944. Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! ➡️ [email protected] 📸IWM B 5058 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #paratrooper #commando #armycommando #pegasusbridge #glider #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #unitedweconquer #military #history #militaryhistory
Stand up, hook up, sound off for equipment check! Upon hearing those words from the jump master, "Each man hooked the line attached to the backpack cover of his main chute to the anchor line running down the middle of the top of the fuselage." After all numbers had been called, the next order from the jumpmaster was given "Close up and stand in the door!" The first man stepped up to the open door. All the men had been ordered to look out at the horizon, not straight down, for obvious psychological reasons. They had also been taught to place their hands on the outer edge of the door, never on the inside. With the hands on the outside, there was nothing to hold a man in the plane, and the slightest nudge, even just the sense of the next man pressing forward, would be enough to get him out of the plane. If he tried to steady himself by putting his hands on the inside, as Gordon said, "twelve men behind couldn't push that fellow out of there if he didn't want to go. That's the power of fear." When a jumpmaster saw a man put his hands on the inside, he would pull him back and let the others go out. Easy Company 506th PIR 101st Airborne Division 'Band of Brothers' December 1942 - September 1943. 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #airborne #101stairborne #easycompany #bandofbrothers #paratrooper #dday #dropzone #memorial #operationoverlord #army #usarmy #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #parachute #military #history #militaryhistory
SWORD Beach SWORD was the most heavily defended of all five landing beaches due to its defence in depth, with the major city of Caen around 10 miles from the landing beach. Note-In second photo, Waves from landing craft can be seen as they approach the landing beach to unload troops and materiel. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #france #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #ddaylandings #swordbeach #ouistreham #dday #army #operationoverlord #neptune #tank #ddaylandings #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
JUNO Beach, MIKE Beach Aerial photo of the landings on Mike beach, Juno assault area, to the west of Courselles-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. 📸IWM CL41 #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
GOLD Beach, KING RED, KING GREEN, JIG RED. Aerial photo showing King Red (left), King Green and Jig Red (right) sectors of GOLD Beach during the landing of 50th Infantry Division, 6 June 1944. Note - German anti-tank ditch is visible on the left in front of the village of Ver-sur-Mer. 📸IWM (MH 24887) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #goldbeach #dday #army #operationoverlord #neptune #tank #ddaylandings #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
UTAH Beach. Aerial photo showing 4th Infantry Division troops streaming ashore on UTAH Beach. D-Day 6 June 1944. The landings on UTAH went well, with many troops getting off the beach quickly, and casualty figures low. However, in the weeks to come, the 4th Division would have over a 100% through-rate due to casualties sustained fighting inland. 📸Conseil Régional de Basse-Normandie / US National Archives #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #sailor #airmen #utahbeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
OMAHA Beach, DOG, and EASY. Aerial photo of the numerous Allied naval craft off DOG and EASY sectors, OMAHA Beach, 6 June 1944. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
Order of the Day for 6 June 1944. General Eisenhower had this distributed to Allied service personnel bound for the Normandy beaches on the eve of D-Day, 6 June 1944. Some soldiers had their squad, platoon, battery, crew, etc. sign their individual copies, some of which still survive today. 6,939 Allied vessels were ready to transport troops, armour, supplies, etc. to the beaches. More than 2,395 aircraft and 867 gliders stood ready to deliver highly trained airborne troops behind enemy lines to hold the Eastern and Western flanks against German armoured counterattack as best they could and to dominate the skies of the impending battle theatre. With uncertain weather forecasts and the invasion already postponed by 24 hours, Eisenhower decided before dawn on 5 June to give operation Overlord the green light. Later that same afternoon, he penned a note intended for release, accepting responsibility for the decision to launch the invasion and full blame should the landings on the Normandy coast fail. Thankfully, announcing the failure of operation Overlord was never needed. 📸US National Archives #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Just moments before heading to Normandy, officers of 22nd Independent Company 6th Airborne Division synchronise their watches in front of an Armstromg Whitworth Albemarle. Left to right: Captain Robert de Lautour and Lieutenants Don Wells, John Vischer, and Bob Midwood. Note- Captain Robert de Lautour was possibly the first to land in Normandy, but was KIA 20 June 1944, and is buried in Ranville War Cemetery. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #ddaylandings #paratrooper #parachute #pegasusbridge #glider #dropzone #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #military #history #militaryhistory
GENERAL EISENHOWER: I sat silently just reviewing these things maybe, I’d say, thirty-five or forty-five seconds. Now it’s been reported by some of the people present for example my own Chief of Staff says that’s five minutes, well I know that wasn’t—but five minutes under such conditions sounds like a year. Actually I’d think after thirty, forty-five seconds something like that I just got up and said okay, we’ll go and, uh, every—this room was emptied in two seconds. Well of course that’s the most terrible time for the senior commander, he’d done all that he can do, all the planning and matter of fact there’s very little more that any commander above division command can do anything once you get started. And then finally along about six in the evening I went over to the field from which the airborne, the American airborne, started out. And um, there was a very fine experience. They were getting ready and all camouflaged and their faces blackened and all this. And there they saw me and of course they recognized me and they said, ah, quit worrying General we’ll take care of this thing for you. And that kind of—of thing was a good feeling. As they started off, I watched them out of sight. After postponement for 24 hours due to bad weather, the order is given! 📸IWM TR1541 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #letsgo #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
A great day out yesterday with a great group looking at British 6th Airborne, 'Band of Brothers' Easy Company, and the Big Red One. We started at Upottery, where Easy Company 'Band of Brothers' 506 PIR 101st Airborne boarded C47's heading for the Cotentin. The runways, once a hive of activity, bustling with planes and men bound for Normandy, now have civilians learning to drive lorries. Then to Tarrant Rushton, where the men of D Company Ox & Bucks Light Infantry boarded Horsa gliders, towed by Halifax bombers to assault Pegasus Bridge in the first action of D-Day. Then, to an area used as a camp for U.S troops in the build up to D-Day. Camped here were men of the 'Big Red One' 1st Infantry Division, 18th Infantry Regiment, also here were 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, as well as 2nd Rangers. These men would be loaded aboard ships in Weymouth, bound for OMAHA Beach. Who were the men who carved their names into the trees? (No full names exist.) Did they survive D-Day? Did they make it home? 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #airborne #101stairborne #easycompany #bandofbrothers #paratrooper #dday #pegasusbridge #memorial #operationoverlord #army #usarmy #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
La Brèche de Hermanville then and now. Soldiers from 2nd Kings Shropshire Light Infantry moving prisoners back towards the beach 6 June 1944. 📸IWM B 5027 📸@44_together_tours At 44 Together Tours, each tour is tailored to you. Book a UK and/or Normandy tour and see the locations of then and now pictures! #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #dday #sword #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #uk #tank #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #swordbeach #thenandnow #history #militaryhistory
Airborne stained glass windows, Sainte-Mère-Église. The first of the two stained glass windows was dedicated in 1969, during the 25th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Two years after the landings, Paul Renaud then aged just sixteen, designed the first piece entitled "Paratroopers" depicting the airborne troops he witnessed on the night of 6 June 1944. It shows the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus and watching over paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne decending into battle. The Saviour watching over the saviours of the village of Sainte-Mère-Église. The second window entitled "82nd Airborne" was installed in 1972 and shows Saint Michael, the patron saint of paratroopers. The 82nd Airborne Division shoulder flash is also included, as well as the lion of Normandy and the Sainte Mère-Église coat of arms (with two parachutes.) Each of the division’s combat jumps during the Second World War are also represented. This French inscription translates to: “To the memory of those who through their sacrifice liberated Sainte Mère-Église.” 📸@44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #america #airborne #82ndairborne #101stairborne #bandofbrothers #paratrooper #dday #memorial #operationoverlord #army #usarmy #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #military #history #militaryhistory
Prime Minister Winston Churchill talking with men of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division who came ashore on D-Day 6 June, 1944. Note - General Sir Bernard Montgomery and 50th Div. men are all smiles with Churchill, cigar in hand, providing morale. Photo taken 22 July 1944 Before the war, the 50th 'Tyne and Tees' was a territorial formation. Before D-Day, it had already fought in France in 1940. It then took part in the North African campaign and later Tunisia. In 1943, it fought in Sicily and was now considered an experienced, veteran, Division. The 50th began arriving back in Britain in November '43' and would soon begin six months of intensive training for D-Day. 📸 IWM (TR 2044) Like, follow, book a tour, and join us in Normandy to walk the ground with us, and follow in the footsteps of the men that fought here! #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #goldbeach #dday #army #operationoverlord #neptune #tank #ddaylandings #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Pointe du Hoc then and now. Following the assault by D, E , and F Companys, the 2nd Rangers establish themselves amongst the ruined defenses. Counter attacks against the Rangers were ferocious, but they held on, securing the area with only the kit and equipment they scaled the cliffs with. Note - U.S. flag laid out for recognition from friendly forces. German POWs being brought in. Book a U.K. based tour looking at the build-up to D-Day, including training areas, camps, embarkation points, and more. Or, a battlefield tour to Normandy. Each tour is unique and specifically tailored to you! 📸 US Archives 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #usarmy #usarmyrangers #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
The planning goes on. Meeting of the Supreme Command Allied Expeditionary Force, London February 1 1944. 📸War Office official photographer O IWM (TR 1630). #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Mont Fleury Battery. Mont Fleury was situated just behind KING RED sector of GOLD Beach. The battery was close to the coast, and so was an early objective for men of 50th Division. The taking of this position played a big part in the only #victoriacross being awarded on D-Day to CSM Stan Hollis. Like, follow, book a tour, and join us in Normandy to walk the ground with us, and follow in the footsteps of the men that fought here! 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #goldbeach #dday #army #operationoverlord #neptune #tank #ddaylandings #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
April 22 1944. As D-Day approached, there would be no let up in training. Every man had a specific job, which was vital to the outcome of the invasion, non more so than Britsh 6th Airborne Division, who's objectives included blowing five bridges over the river Dives and Divette, silencing the Merville Battery, capturing and holding Pegasus and Horsa bridges, and holding the left flank to stop the advance of the German 15th Army. British paratroopers sitting in the fuselage of their aircraft while awaiting their order to jump. 📸IWM (TR 1662) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #airborne #6thairborne #dday #ddaylandings #paratrooper #parachute #pegasusbridge #glider #dropzone #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #ranville #cemetery #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #soldier #military #history #militaryhistory
Canadian soldiers on a patrol north of Caen 9 July 1944. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #caen #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
Men of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles on the march in Normandy in July 1944. The Canadians' contribution to the Normandy campaign was phenomenal but is sadly often overlooked. It should be remembered in the narrative of the Normandy campaign alongside that of the other allied nations, and should feature more. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #canada #dday #juno #beach #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #operationoverlord #neptune #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #canadian #tank #allies #soldier #sailor #airmen #junobeach #history #militaryhistory
July 1944. A camouflaged 155mm gun of 53 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery firing during a barrage. The 155mm was an American artillery piece used by Britist troops on the Normandy front. 📸IWM (TR 2057) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #dday #ddayhistory #inland #battle #operationoverlord #hero #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #artillery #cwgc #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #allies #army #infantry #soldier #sailor #airman #military #history #militaryhistory
Winston Churchill flanked by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke and General Sir Bernard Montgomery, commanding 21st Army Group, at Monty's mobile headquarters in Normandy, 12 June 1944. Malindine E G (Capt) No 5 Army Film and Photographic Unit O 📸IWM (TR 1838) #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #monty #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
D-Day 6 June 1944, King Red, GOLD Beach. A great aerial view of the landings on GOLD Beach on the morning of D-day. Vehicles can be clearly seen on the beach, as the push inland begins. Just in from this sector was the Mont Fleury battery. This is a great place to walk the ground and follow the routes inland by men of 50th Division. Like, follow, book a tour, and join us in Normandy to walk the ground with us, and follow in the footsteps of 50th Division! 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #goldbeach #dday #army #operationoverlord #neptune #tank #ddaylandings #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Soldiers of the U.S 5th and 6th Engineer Special Brigade help soldiers ashore as they reach Omaha Beach. Note the life raft used to get more troops on the beach. Itself a rescue vessel from a craft sinking earlier. 📸U.S Archives #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #sailor #airmen #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory
V.E Day 8 May 1945. With Berlin surrounded, Adolf Hitler committed suicide on 30 April 1945. His named successor was Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. During his brief spell as Germany’s president, Dönitz negotiated an end to the war with the Allies – whilst seeking to save as many Germans as possible from falling into Soviet hands. A German delegation arrived at the headquarters of British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery at Lüneburg Heath, east of Hamburg, on 4 May. There, Montgomery accepted the unconditional surrender of German forces in the Netherlands, northwest Germany and Denmark. On 7 May, at his headquarters in Reims, France, Supreme Allied Commander General Eisenhower accepted the unconditional surrender of all German forces. The document of surrender was signed on behalf of Germany by General Alfred Jodl and came into effect the following day. Millions had lost their lives, but the war in the Far East against the Japanese would still rage for months. NEVER FORGET. 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaylandings #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #war #victory #europe #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Sergeant R. Fielding, one of many allied soldiers now at rest in the immaculately kept @commonwealthwargraves Hermanville War Cemetery. 41 Commando Royal Marines would land on the western edge of SWORD Beach at Luc-sur-Mer and link up the Canadians at JUNO. Below are extracts of 41's landing. (National Archives.) 0745 - Coast became dimly visible and our naval craft could be seen firing on the land targets the sea passage had been uneventful. 0825 - Coastline now perfectly visible and Troop Commanders were able to identify their beach from previous study of low obliques during the briefing. The beach appeared a bit of a shambles. It was littered with dead and wounded and burnt out tanks and with Flails flailing through wire and mines, Bulldozers clearing gaps etc. The beach was quite obviously still under fire as mortar bombs and shells were crashing down fairly plentifully. It appeared however that Red Beach was getting a better share of this fire than White. 0830 - Shells started falling around the craft and several near hits were reaching ships damaging ramps etc. on some craft but caused no casualties to personnel. 0845 - Touch down about 200 yards out to sea on Red Beach with our proper Beach, White, 300 yds. away on our left. Whilst still coming in, Lieut. Colonel Gray had foreseen this and did his best to get the craft to slew right on to the proper beach which was in fact drawing less fire than Red. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #france #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
D-Day newspapers. This is how the papers broke the news of D-Day 6 June 1944 to the people of Britain, and parts Canada and the U.S., respectively. The Daily Telegraph front page is dated 7 June, the Canadian Leader Post, and Alabama Journal are both 6 June 1944. Different styles for different audiences, but there's no mistaking this is BIG! However, I can't help but wonder the feelings of loved ones who had a father, husband, son, brother, that was by now on French soil, with thousands never to come home. Note - Alabama Journal has used different graphics inside each letter of 'invaded.' Can you work out what they all are? 📸Daily Telegraph 📸Newspapers.com #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #news #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
Great day spent in St. Ives looking at Commando training areas. The Commandos would play a vital role on D-Day 6 June 1944 and were instrumental in its success. Many would make the ultimate sacrifice. The cliffs in this area were that arduous for the Commandos' extremely high standards, that training here went on until 1950. Photo showing 4 Commando scaling cliffs in St. Ives, 1944. 📸 Commando Veterans Archive 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #WW2 #dday #normandie #normandy #normandy1944 #army #commando #ouistreham #memorial #remembrance #overlord #operationoverlord #neptune #sword #beaches #swordbeach #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #uk #normandy #normandie #france #allies #soldier #history #militaryhistory
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery. Coleville Montgomery. This statue of Field Marshal Montgomery is in the town of Coleville-Montgomery, previously named Colleville-sur-Orne until it was renamed in honour of the British Commander who was in command of all ground forces for Operation Overlord. Part of the monument reads MONTY FIELD MARSHAL VISCOUNT MONTGOMERY OF ALAMEIN COMMANDER IN CHIEF ALLIED LAND FORCES NORMANDY 1944 When British troops went ashore, the mayor of Coleville said he'd rename the town after the first Allied soldier to go through. A Private said he couldn't possibly do that, so went to his Sergeant who said he couldn't accept that and better go to his Platoon Commander, who said he couldn't possibly do such a thing, and better go to his Comapny Commander. It went all the way up to Montgomery, who said, "Thank you very much!" When 'Monty' added phase lines from the invasion beaches to Paris, General Omar Bradley didn't like it one bit. However, the phase lines stayed, and Paris was reached two weeks early. 📸 @44_together_tours 📸IWM #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #uk #canada #usa #france #airborne #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #bandofbrothers #dday #paratrooper #operationoverlord #neptune #monty #parachute #dropzone #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #allies #military #history #militaryhistory
5th Ranger Battalion Memorial, Vierville-sur-Mer. 5TH RANGER BN ON D-DAY, 6 JUNE 1944, THE FIFTH U.S. ARMY RANGER BATTALION LANDED ON OMAHA BEACH NEAR VIERVILLE SUR-MER UNDER INTENSE ENEMY FIRE RESPONDING TO THE BRIGADIER GENERAL COTA'S HISTORIC ORDER, "LEAD THE WAY RANGERS" THE FIFTH RANGER BATTALION WITH A-B- AND C COMPANIES OF THE RANGER BATTALION, ADVANCED AGAINST STRONGLY DEFENDED ENEMY FORTIFICATIONS MANNED BY GENERAL ROMMEL'S TOUGHEST TROOPS. THE RANGER BREAKTHROUGH OPENED THE BEACH ALLOWING TROOPS OF THE 29TH INFANTRY DIVISION TO POUR THROUGH AND THUS PAVED THE WAY FOR THE LIBERATION OF FRANCE DEDICATED TO OUR FALLEN BY THE RANGER BATTALIONS ASSOC. WW ii, THE CITIZENS OF NORMANDY AND THE 5TH RANGER BATTALION. 6 JUNE 1984. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to follow units from training areas in the U.K. to the beaches where they landed on D-day and to follow the advance inland. 📸 @44_together_tours #44togethertours #ww2 #worldwar2 #wwii #usa #america #abmc #dday #ddayhistory #ddaybeaches #usarmy #usarmyrangers #operationoverlord #beaches #liberation #battlefield #battlefieldtour #tourguide #guide #normandy #normandie #normandy1944 #france #soldier #omahabeach #omaha #beach #military #history #militaryhistory