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.
JB
