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Normandy 2001

Gold Beach from Arromanches

The Time Team landed on the beaches of Normandy some 57 years 199 days since the largest amphibious landing of history. The Tonsley crew visited Gold Beach, Arromanches, Longues-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach (of "Saving Private Ryan" fame), Pointe Du Hoc, The Melville Battery and Pegasus Bridge the scene of a dramatic glider drop to secure a vital bridge head. As you will see by the photos many of the German defences are very much intact. Another very thought provoking trip.

 
It was no re-enactment though, as we arrived in decidedly more style courtesy not of the Royal Navy but of P&O. We also did not stay our first night just beyond the beach head in slit trenches (although these were available) we stayed in a stunning French chateau/farm and sampled some of the local delicacies including the famous Normandy Calvados. 

Hover over the image to see its caption. Click on the image to see an enlargement.

Montgomery, Eisenhower and Bradley on the beachThe Longues-sur-Mer BatteryLieutenant General Wilhelm Von Woolf, "Gunter"
Pointe du Hoc defences taken by US 2nd Ranger Bn (6th June 1944)Coastal observation point and machine gun position (Longues-sur-Mer)
Watch-keeping duty