An emotional end to D-Day trip
Exeter businessman Chris Wollacott and his friend Steve Robertson are cycling to the five D Day beaches in Normandy, France to remember the brave soldiers who fought in 1944.
Steve's father (from London, pictured) was one of the servicemen and lied about his age 18 (he was 17 years old) to be able to sign up.
Chris's Dad Cyril Wollacott (from Crediton) is 88 on the 9th June 14, he was 18 years old all but 3 days by the skin of his teeth. He missed the D Day landings because but was part of the India & Burma soldiers.
The pair will be posting a regular diary on this website for the duration of their trip (June 3 to 7).
Day One
Stayed overnight at a small place called MONTEBOURG. We went looking for something to eat and there was nothing open. Met four American guys that were also looking to eat then a French person drove us 6 kms to the nearest restaurant (nice people the French). Steve and I were joined by Bill from Scotland (an ex Celtic goal keeper but a Rangers fan) and the four Americans from Florida who were from the www.socom.mil Sky diving team. They were two husbands and wives jumping everyday accept the 6th June.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loLlaQaTA40
Day Two
An 8:30am start after a hearty healthy continental breakfast, There was heavy rain overnight so we were expecting to get wet. Well it was spitting for a while but no downpour, thank goodness and the the sun came out. It was a challenging day. 45 to 50 miles to cover through Emondeville to UTAH beach, Caratan, Isigny sur Mer, Grandcamp Maisy to OMAHA beach. Achieved two of the five beaches today where we laid the crosses on behalf of the Royal British Legion (Newton Abbot) .Then on for an overnight at Arromarches. Reached our destination, tired legs but in time for a pint at the local bar. This was after a puncture (yes only after a two days) and a wonderful day with all the World War ll machinery all on display and a lot in convoy.
Day 3
Awoke to sunshine today. So very pleasant cycling along mainly flat roads. It wasn't long to the first of the British soldiers landing beaches of D Day that of GOLD at Ver-sur Mer. Met a couple of veterans there. But the next JUNO beach at Courseulles-sur Mer I was physically moved talking to the Canadian veterans who were actually part of the 6th June beach landings. I spoke and shook hands with several 92-year-old veterans. One was a radio signaller and one a gunner. Both described the fear and the elation of the fight. Steve chatted to a North Nova Scotia Highlander who was most likely on his father's ship (HMS Royal Ulsterman a landing craft assault ship) on D DAY 6.6.1944.
D-DAY
The sun is shining on Normandy today, it brought out large crowds. Steve and I were in Arromanches where we saw some landing craft, veterans and we awaited the visit of William and Kate.
The atmosphere was electric, everyone had a story to tell. Why have you come? One told us: "In memory of my brother who was gunner killed whilst in a Lancaster bomber". Another said: "My elder brother was one of the first to run up the D Day Gold beach".
You can see from the pictures that everyone had come to pay their respect for whose who had falling in the war.
150,000 troops were used by the allied forces to land on these 50 mile stretches of beaches in Normandy. We saw the Spitfires flying overhead, it was difficult to see William & Kate for all the crowds.
But as with this trip again we were in the right place at the right time as we were on bikes. We caught a wave from William as their car whizzed back to Bayeux. Another great day finished in the company of six French locals in Bayeux, who invited us in their home for a good night drink. Now that's another story!!
On the last night in France we stayed in a large old farmhouse which after D Day was taken over by the Canadians as part of their French foothold. The farm next door was also an important part of their base that included the construction of an airport.
From this airport there was a strike on General Rommel's car that caused him injury and effectively took him out of the Second World War. The farmhouse was 1km outside of Bayeux, so I took the opportunity to see the Notre-Dame Cathedral (the Queen was there on the 6th), one of the largest British war grave cemeteries plus the Bayeux Tapestry (70metres - 230ft long) depicting another Normandy invasion in 14th October 1066, Battle of Hastings, which also changed British history.
So after 165 miles of cycling our wonderful experience came to an end. I now have a better understanding of the enormity of the task faced by the 150,000 Allied invasion force. I met some really lovely people and made some new French friends. I have been moved to tears when I think of the brave young men who lost their lives so we can be free!
Thanks to Steve Robertson for arranging the trip, Mandy Bennett for updating our progress and all those that gave generously the Royal British Legion (Newton Abbot).
