Hawthorn Ridge Mine, Battle of the Somme During a visit to Flanders Fields last weekend we passed by Hawthorn Ridge. The detonation of the Hawthorn Ridge Mine on 1st July 1916, captured on film by Geoffrey Malins, is one of the iconic moments of the First World War. The explosion also symbolises the disaster of the 1st [...]
Bomb Demolition Number 1 The ‘Bomb, Demolition Number 1’ was fired from the Churchill AVRE’s 290mm Petard mortar and it pretty much destroyed any masonry in its path. . It’s 630mm (25in) tall and weighs 18kg (40lb). The AVRE was a specialist engineer vehicle used to overcome obstacles on the battlefield. Find out more in David [...]
Thinking of a D-Day tour in 2019? Book your ferry crossing now! If you're thinking of visiting the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion or finding out more about Operation Overlord and the Normandy Campaign, Brittany Ferries' 2019 sailings went on sale on 24 July 2018. Brittany Ferries offers a range of sailings from Britain to [...]
Frank Bourlet RIP. Last Veteran of the Pegasus Bridge. Another veteran leaves us. It is being reported that Frank Bourlet, from Glider No. 1, the last veteran of the Coup de Main group that spearheaded the assault on Pegasus Bridge, has passed away. May he rest in peace.
Kind words from New York's finest tour guide Alison and I had the pleasure of meeting Sheldon and Debby Lapidus from Best New York Tours in March 2018. At the time we didn't know that Sheldon was a professional tour guide as he only told us just before they left. We were all the more pleased [...]
Click the words "Last Post" in blue below to view the video. Last PostColour Sergeant Bugler Russell Piner from the Royal Marines School of Music and Staff Sergeant Bryan McKinney from West Point Military Academy have collaborated to create a Last Post video that encapsulates a shared ethos: understated excellence, mutual respect and profound appreciation for [...]
During our tours we often refer to this very effective German weapon which played havoc with the Allied landings, particularly at OMAHA Beach and Hillman. This firing demonstration took place at Dellwood Park in Lockport, Illinois on 8 September 2013, by 5th Company GrossDeutschland. The MG-42 (a shortened form Maschinengewehr 42, or "machine gun 42") is [...]
Glenn, Bing and Ranee, the parachuting dogs of D-Day The dogs wore their own parachutes and were trained to jump after bones/treats. It would appear that they were not distressed by the experience and after a few practice jumps they would often exit the aircraft without coaxing. During D-day and the battle for Normandy, [...]
Among the Best D-Day Tours of Normandy TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 We are delighted to receive a TripAdvisor certificate of Excellence for the year 2015. This isn't something we sought or applied for, it was awarded to us based on the quality of the reviews our tours and accommodation have received on TripAdvisor. We're delighted [...]
