After visiting the Arlington National Cemetery with Devilsyam last summer I decided that a trip to France was in order to visit some of the WW2 sites. The original plan was to spend a week in France staying in cheap but comfortable accommodation with a view to visiting 17 historic sites, Due to work commitments and lack of funds this ended up as 4 days camping visiting The American Cemetery, Overload Museum, Site Fortifie Hillman and the German Cemetery.
The ride up to the channel tunnel from Bristol was overcast but the rain held off
As we emerged from the train in France we were met by blue skies, A quick fuel stop and we set off to our camp site at Port en Bessin. Five hours later we pulled into the campsite and just had time to pitch the tents, brew a cuppa and eat a pot noodle before the sun set. 438 miles and day 1 over.
After what can only be described as not the best nights sleep ever (cramp in right foot followed by right leg then left leg) I awoke to blue skies:) After quick shower and a cuppa we set off to visit the American Cemetery. Its hard to put into words the feelings I experienced whilst visiting the American Cemetery, many of the brave soldiers who gave their lives were younger than my oldest boy who was travelling with me. Next it was off to the Overlord museum followed by a blast to Saint Lo for a Mc d's. 136 miles and day 2 over.
I awoke early thanks to the local wildlife (tents have shit sound proofing) so we set off to Site Fortifie Hillman. On the outskirts of Colleville-Montgomery Site Fortifie Hillman was a German defensive command post, The site is situated at the top of a hill with good views in all directions. Comprising underground bunkers that were joined by trenches with gun emplacements its very impressive that this whole site which has 930 cubic meters of concrete is hardly visible. After a spot of lunch we set off for La Cambe to visit the German Cemetery. Compared to the American Cemetery the German Cemetery has a very different feel about it, For one the plaques that lay on the ground don't have the same presence as the bold white crosses also each plaque has two bodies buried beneath it. Originally an American Cemetery from 1945 to 1947 the Cemetery was handed over to the Germans in 1948 after the American bodies were transferred to the new Cemetery or repatriated. 142 miles and day 3 over.
Awakened by the alarm I packed the bike ready for the trip home. With the sun shining we set off with plenty of time to spare. Arriving at Calais with an hour to spare we had time for a burger king
Back in the UK two things struck me, First the more congested our roads are and second it was overcast
The ride home was uneventful until we reached Chippenham when it decided to piss down. 438 miles and day 4 finished.
All in all a great time and a perfect way to spend a bank holiday weekend