Normandy
This morning the Endeavour came into the port town of Ouistreham where we disembarked for our day long journey around the Normandy region of northern France. The morning was spent traveling to many of the monuments to peace and war that were built here after the two world wars. The majority of them concern the second world war and its decisive battle; Operatioin Overlord, more commonly known as D-Day. As we moved along the coast from east to west we passed the five main beaches where the British, Canadian, and American troops landed. They were Sword, Juno, Gold, Utah, and the bloodiest of the all Omaha. The Americans were to take Utah and Omaha. Casualties approached 10% of the fighting forces.
After visiting the cliffs near Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial harbor constructed by the allies, we went to Longues Sur Mer where one of the few remaining German batteries is left. The most moving part of the day was the American cemetery at Colleville, right above part of Omaha beach. There are 9,387 white marble grave markers and over 1,500 names on the wall of remembrance for bodies never recovered. It was a very powerful experience to walk among the graves stones and learn the name, rank, and home state of the many fallen Americans during the long campaign to free Europe.
After going to the town of Bayeux for lunch we walked a short distance to view the Bayeux Tapestry. This 70 yard long embroidery illustrates the Battle of Hastings in 1066 of William the Conquerer, also called William the Bastard-Duke of Normandy, as well as William I, and the disputed King of England, Harold. The detail of viking life and the color and texture of the artwork is extrordinary given the delicacy of the medium and its age.
It was a full day filled with great imagery and emotion as we explored the rich history of Normandy.
This morning the Endeavour came into the port town of Ouistreham where we disembarked for our day long journey around the Normandy region of northern France. The morning was spent traveling to many of the monuments to peace and war that were built here after the two world wars. The majority of them concern the second world war and its decisive battle; Operatioin Overlord, more commonly known as D-Day. As we moved along the coast from east to west we passed the five main beaches where the British, Canadian, and American troops landed. They were Sword, Juno, Gold, Utah, and the bloodiest of the all Omaha. The Americans were to take Utah and Omaha. Casualties approached 10% of the fighting forces.
After visiting the cliffs near Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial harbor constructed by the allies, we went to Longues Sur Mer where one of the few remaining German batteries is left. The most moving part of the day was the American cemetery at Colleville, right above part of Omaha beach. There are 9,387 white marble grave markers and over 1,500 names on the wall of remembrance for bodies never recovered. It was a very powerful experience to walk among the graves stones and learn the name, rank, and home state of the many fallen Americans during the long campaign to free Europe.
After going to the town of Bayeux for lunch we walked a short distance to view the Bayeux Tapestry. This 70 yard long embroidery illustrates the Battle of Hastings in 1066 of William the Conquerer, also called William the Bastard-Duke of Normandy, as well as William I, and the disputed King of England, Harold. The detail of viking life and the color and texture of the artwork is extrordinary given the delicacy of the medium and its age.
It was a full day filled with great imagery and emotion as we explored the rich history of Normandy.
