The Longest Day, 6th June 1944

[hairyspin]

By this time 75 years ago, Allied troops had landed on the beaches of Normandy to start the liberation of Europe. Today I'm remembering Bob Ham, a good friend of our family, who hours ago with his comrades had captured and now held Pegasus Bridge, a vital route across the Caen canal. After the war, Bob went back to his ordinary job but would never forget the friends he lost in action.

In memory of all those who fell on that day.

[dvj]

By this time 75 years ago, Allied troops had landed on the beaches of Normandy to start the liberation of Europe. Today I'm remembering Bob Ham, a good friend of our family, who hours ago with his comrades had captured and now held Pegasus Bridge, a vital route across the Caen canal. After the war, Bob went back to his ordinary job but would never forget the friends he lost in action.

In memory of all those who fell on that day.

My sources tell me 70 years ago. But my math sucks as well.

[Daveroo]

god bless all those men and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

[wombat666]

Actually, 70 years is correct, but the sentiment is genuine.
Probably the best 'Faction' I've read about the D-Day landings is 'The Steel Wave' by Jeff Shaara, his characters are very real and his research is impeccable.
Jeff Shaara is the son of Michael Shaara, author the epic 'The Killer Angels' which covers the Battle of Gettysburg.

In memory of those who fell on these days.
:medals:

[stovall]

For me the bible for the battle at Normandy is D-Day by Stephen Ambrose. I read this book about 5 times before spending two weeks there in 1998. It was a life changing experience for me. Standing where it happened is something never to be forgotten. Several of my very close friends took part in the invasion. We have shared the experience of standing and being in the same place, them 70 years ago and me in 1998.

A salute to all those who took part in the invasion.

[Tako_Kichi]

My late father took part in the D-Day landings and I always think of him and his comrades at this time.

He was a Royal Marine Commando and on D-Day itself he manned an anti-aircraft gun on board a Royal Navy destroyer standing off Sword beach. On DD+1 he was part of the demolition crews that blew the bottoms out of the concrete block ships used to form the temporary harbours. On DD+2 he landed on the beach and then fought his way across Europe until he was finally de-mobbed in Berlin in 1946.

His unit was also one of those who were supposed to be at the infamous 'Bridge Too Far' during 'Operation Market Garden' but they didn't get there in time as they were stuck in the massive traffic jam trying to get up the Arnhem Corridor.

[SOLOBO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X-wvsmPwTc

[AndyG43]

The BBC have been doing a great job here today, with lots of very respectful coverage on TV & radio. I'd just finished explaining the story of Pegasus Bridge to one of my work colleagues this morning when, on the radio, the DJ started talking to one of the Commandos who had relieved the coup de main force at the bridge - emotional stuff, really brought it home to both of us.

As always I stand in absolute awe of the brave men & women who fought the good fight 70 years ago. I salute them, one & all.

[rgatkinson]

I'll second that. I have been watching coverage of the remembrance service on BBC for many hours. Have found it emotional and humbling. I, for one, will never forget and will always be grateful to all those who gave their lives to secure our freedom and way of life. May they rest in peace.


Taff.

[DarrenL]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10882005/Bernard-Jordan-the-great-Normandy-escapade.html

"On a day of sombre reflection and deep felt gratitude for the bravery of the men who stormed the Normandy beaches, one D-Day veteran in particular seemed to embody all their pluck, determination and even humour with his actions 70 years later. Bernard Jordan, who served with the Royal Navy during Operation Overlord, had been looking forward to joining the events in northern France to pay tribute in person to his comrades who fell during the invasion. But on being told by staff at the residential care home in Hove that they had not been able to get him onto an organised coach trip for the anniversary events, he took matters into his own hands. Pinning on his D-Day campaign medals under his raincoat Mr Jordan, 89, set off under his own steam and headed for Normandy.

His disappearance prompted staff at the care home to raise the alarm on Thursday evening, with police searching the area and contacting nearby hospitals and bus and taxi companies.

The extent of Mr Jordan’s resolve to join his old comrades only became clear when another veteran – thought to be slightly younger than him – informed police that the missing pensioner had joined a coach party and made his way to Ouistreham. The veteran, who has lived at The Pines at Furse Hill home since January, is believed to have attended the commemoration services held in the town yesterday. Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, police commander for Brighton and Hove, said Mr Jordan was “reported missing to us by a care home who said he can’t go to Normandy for D-Day remembrance. We’ve found him there!”

[AndyG43]

I saw that story in another newspaper DarrenL, you have to applaud his pluck, determination & ingenuity. Well done Mr Jordan.

[SOLOBO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhBNy4c-yBY

[hairyspin]

I've been there before Solobo, and the British and Commonwealth cemetery too. Anyone here been to the German cemetery? I have, and it really brought home the tragedy that was WW2.

Lest we forget.


(and apologies for the senior moment in my opening post...)

[SOLOBO]

Indeed Hairyspin, In memory of all those who fell on that day...

And all the cemeteries are carefully maintained.

In a day of november 2011, I was at Utah beach. And my eyes lingered over its horizon.
Moving feeling...
Irony of History : Normandy is one of the most beautiful regions of France.

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

I guess I'm different.

The battle of Midway was fought June 4 to June 7 1942. D-Day happened two years later. At this time in June I commemorate both battles.

One interesting thing about Midway is a pilot could takeoff to bomb the enemy yesterday and bomb the enemy tomorrow and returned today (on June 4) - actually happened.

-Ed-

[huub vink]

Anyone here been to the German cemetery?

8 Years ago, when I visited the area for the first time I took these pictures. I agree with SOLOBO, Normandy is one of the most beautiful regions in France (Although I prefer Bretagne because ofthe better weather.)

La Cambe (The largest German War Cemetery in Normandy)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/Normandieuml206_zpsa5b6fade.jpg~original (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Huub_Vink/media/Normandieuml206_zpsa5b6fade.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/Normandieuml209_zpsf1aebcc8.jpg~original (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Huub_Vink/media/Normandieuml209_zpsf1aebcc8.jpg.html)

Delivrande (A Commonwealth War Cemetery, where also nearly 200 German soldiers found their last resting place)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/Normandieuml231_zps7b587663.jpg~original (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Huub_Vink/media/Normandieuml231_zps7b587663.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/Normandieuml234_zpsc366e510.jpg~original (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Huub_Vink/media/Normandieuml234_zpsc366e510.jpg.html)

For me living in Western Europe, the landing was one of the most important battles of the Second World War, however I agree with EasyEd it was just one of battles we should keep in our memory.