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Day trip to Normandy, 6th June 2008.
Having completed a "practice run" last August with another member from Dorset Area, Ashley Case,
we decided to plan another for early June 2008 to co-inside with the 64th Anniversary.
Back in April we began to plan the day trip to Normandy. The local paper periodically runs a "readers offer" whereby if you collect three vouchers one can get a discount on the usual crossing from Poole the Cherbourg.
I contacted a number of local members and friends whom had previously indicated interest if another trip was being planned. We all began collecting the vouchers and agreed on a date for the trip, 5th / 6Th June.
However for various reasons by the time the booking was made it was down to just myself and two friends who would make the trip.
With the booking made the plan was to leave on the 11.00pm ferry from Poole arriving in Cherbourg at 06:30am local time. Drive down the Arromanches-les-Bains and then spend the rest of the day slowly making our way back along the Normandy peninsular arriving in Cherbourg for the 7.00pm sailing back to the UK.
Leaving home I picked up the other two and we proceeded to the port. After booking in at the ticket office we joined the rest of the cars travelling to France, our very own lane all to ourselves, after a few minutes we were joined by another jeep also travelling to France for the day trip. Have just got out to speak to the other jeep driver we were then both asked to proceed to the security area where both jeeps were searched and drivers quizzed about just what we had onboard, “firearms”, “pyrotechnics” or any other substance that could cause an explosion on the ferry. Looking puzzled at the security offices we both replied “no” only the fuel in the tanks. Having travelled this route many times before it makes you wonder just what they think you are trying to take out of the country, surely they should be checking on what folks were brining back in to it!
Once on board the ferry we proceed to the bar for some light refreshments (yes I had a coke) and a bite to eat before finding the reclining seats. My two friends remarked on the amount of airborne uniforms at the bar, we must have had over 50 airborne reenactors travelling on the same crossing on their way to St. It was nice to see them and it really added to the ambience of the trip.
Arriving in France we drove off the ferry and through passport control with the minimum of delay (should be like this in the UK). Through Cherbourg, up the hill, and along the A13 to Bayeux. A uneventful 80km drive with the GPW performing well, as we arrived in Bayeux we latched onto the back of a number of jeeps, dodge ambulance and a command car as they turned left on the Arromanches road.
Arriving in Arromanches around 8:30am the jeep was parked in the upper car park near the post office (as the main one by the museum was closed), a small walk past the Pâtisserie (good selection of cakes) down to the main car park and beach. The tide was out and the large casement was dry enough to walk around, beside the casement were three crosses dedicated to troops who fought there 64 years ago.
Leaving the beach we walked around the museum and browsed the local shops (amazing just how expensive things are) €120 for a period coke bottle. In the car park a number of local reenactors gathered with a number of vehicles, jeeps, command cars, ambulance’s, a halftrack plus a few motor bikes (Harleys and Para bike). About 9.30 a piped band opened the service closely followed with a fly past of two Hercules from the French Air force. A number of veterans were seated in front of the museum for a service together with a number of serving solders from the UK.
We then drove along the D514 towards the batteries at Longues-Sur-Mer. This is about 10 minutes (5 miles) from Arromanches. This bunker and the Atlantic Wall were featured in the film "The Longest Day", installed by the Germans in September, 1943. The batteries were ideally positioned with views over both Omaha and Gold beaches, well able to threaten the Invasion fleet. It consists of 4 Krupp 150mm cannons, in type M272 Casemates with a range of 12.5 miles and a large, range-finding and observation post type M262. From the early morning the batteries engaged a number of vessels from the invasion fleet before finally being silenced late afternoon on the 6th June. The position was captured the next day by the British 231st infantry brigade.
Leaving the car park we decided to miss the American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer and go straight through to Pointe-Du-Hoc some 16 miles to the West at the other end of Omaha beach.
Having been a number of times to this famous area I still remember my first trip on the 40th anniversary with the MVT. I came with my Father, also a veteran of the Normandy landing 51st Highland division, and a number of the 2nd Rangers. “04 years ago access was via a small dirt track and much of the area was overgrown with shrubs and small trees. Free to go wherever you wanted how glad I am I got some photos of the command bunker. Now behind barbed wire due to the crumbling cliffs.
What a difference now, easy parking, a visitor centre and toilets. Walking around there were a number of French schools visiting and a group of reenactors climbing over the Casemates. In amongst all of this was a crowd gathered around a veteran over with his family for the US. Although he had not been with the Ranger he was landed late morning on Omaha beach.
Having spent about an hour at Pointe-Du-Hoc it was now about 1.30pm so we pressed onto Sainte-Mere-Eglise for a spot of lunch and what was to be the main gathering of vehicles and reenactors. Arriving at around 2.15 the town was packed full of civilian cars double parked on the road, in the fields, every driveway was full, lots of people walking towards the main car park. The police were turning cars away at the junction; we looked at each other thinking this was a bad decision. Seeing us approaching the junction the policeman waved us on into the town – guess it does have its advantages driving a jeep on these special days. Driving slowly into the town we turned right into the main square. It was full of WW2 jeeps, GMC’s, half tracks etc, 100s of them. Finding a space in the car park we got out to have a wander amongst the crowds and get a bite to eat. The Museum was open and free for the day so my friends went in whist I went to the military fair.5 euros to get in , wandering around I was looking for a cylinder head for the jeep 380 euros for a used Willys, having just missed out on a NOS from Australia for $200 this was a bit pricy. The arms dealers were doing a good trade as were a number of the clothing outlets.
Leaving the town centre and with time marching on we drove out to Utah Beach for a quick drive on the sands and a look around the museum before heading back along the N13 to the ferry arriving back in Cherbourg for 6.00pm.
For those interested we drove a total of 175 miles (20 in the UK) used 43 litres of fuel. Cost were £25 for the jeep, £10 per passenger (min of 2) and just in case things went south I took out RAC breakdown for the day £19.50 for the comprehensive cover. Anyone interested we are planning another day trip possible late August / early September. Please look at the Dorset MVT website for an update.
Andrew Craig.
Hi John,
Ron asked me to write up a review on the Watercress Line "War on the Line" for your quarterly Dorset MVT column in the Windscreen. As I knew that it was likely that I would be one of the few of us going to Exbury Gardens “The way we were" so I have combined them for you.
Watercress Line
My first visit to this event so I am unable to compare it to other years. I was set up with my Fordson WO2 towing the ammo trailer as a "Dorsets Re-supply" diorama at Ropley Station along with other mostly "Brit" exhibits. The event started up by being a bit wet underfoot and continued in the same vein for the whole weekend.
On my site were two field hospital displays, one in partnership with a comms. set up, provided by "Gold Beach 60 years on" two guys as a US photographic unit
On the vehicle front I had the luck to see 3 Bedford QLR's in one place, one was a working radio truck the other two had been converted to accommodation. Also a rare Austin K3 GS body. As usual there were a couple of jeeps in various guises. On the other side of the track was a Bedford QL GS body with some re-enactors.
The bad weather caused a lot of the kit to stay in the garage and vehicles under their tarpaulins at home but even so there were plenty of punters (free entry is always a "come on)
Another plus was that we had the Spitfire, that had queues waiting to sit in the drivers seat even during the heavy rain. And in the evening Mr. Todd and his merry troupe provided a cookhouse type Barbie.
A freebie trip on the train was a real eye opener there were many there in period costume and even the rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm, to see the kids with gasmasks and labels was really good.
The drive home was a bit grim as heavy rain and open to the elements cabs don't usually go hand in hand. Beloved was marinised as best as I could and I was smelling that rubberised cape for a couple of days on her, gosh didn't they pong.
Exbury Gardens
Over paid over sexed and over here, all the best clichés but honestly without the US contingent the event would have been stuffed completely. So OK there was the two final days of Wimbledon, The British Grand Prix and Start of the Tour de Froggery kicking off as well as the Netley March Steam Rally 5 miles away. I think that the event planners also shot themselves in the foot as even within the grounds there was very little signage to the event area and outside on the roads on the way there sod all.
Last year there was shedfulls of stuff and many vehicles unfortunately it was very spread out all over the shop, this year everything was concentrated in one area but was very sparse.
OK vehicles, sadly mostly US stuff (no I am not very PC here) my WOT2 was there along with the Austin K3 GS body and that was it for Brit stuff. Green mice, a Jimmy twin back axle, several 2.5's and a GMC American Red Cross canteen van. On Saturday evening when dark a huge white sheet was spread over one side and it became a cinema screen a 2.5 - side on to it providing the cine projector. Steve McQueen did his great escape bit and the sound track was heard all over the New Forest.
No sour grapes about it though as without these boys as I said in the beginning I may have slinked or slunk off home myself on Saturday night. When the Yanks left the site to invade Lepe beach it was very lonely. Big question mark if I will go next year.
So John I hope this helps, I am off on my travels again soon. Last year I made it to El Alemain and next month I will be in St Petersburg. There is a big military museum just behind the Peter Paul Fortress and a military vehicle park outside so I may have some pictures on my return.
Best regards Barrie
Hi John,
I hope this gets to you in time.
My travels
Well I suppose that considering I working away at sea for most of the year, owning a couple of classic vintage vehicle could be thought by some to be a bit of a strange hobby. (OK no comment).This year has worked out well for me as I have managed to attend several events during my leave periods.
Working away does sometimes have its advantages as last year I was lucky enough to watch the Indian Army conduct an amphibious landing on the Alderman Islands on the Far East side of the Bay of Bengal and visit to visit the El Alamein cemetery and museum just outside of Alexandria. Photo's available on request.
This year I finally managed a visit to the huge Russian Artillery Museum in St Petersburg as I usually go into the Baltic "In the season*. It has been a goal for me to get there for about 5 years now, I have been thwarted several times either due to the G8 conference as last year or being there on a "closed" day or more simply against popular belief I do have to work sometimes. Anyway this year I made it, wow what a day. Well I suppose that as a museum it has to have a load of old stuffy bits like some of Mr. Napoleons Eagles etc. My period of interest really starts with the Great Patriotic War era WW2 and what a huge display of vehicles and artillery pieces were in that section. Please if you ever manage to get out there spend a little time and visit, you will not be disappointed. There is line upon line of green machines with an array of wiz-bangs onboard. Other notable displays are a display of AK-47's and copies along with Mr. K's presentation UAZ (Jeep), a display of river mines, and probably the most un-PC display of taxidermised. (not sure if this is a word or not even the spell check is struggling with it) dogs with tank demolition charges, mines, and telephone cable reels strapped to their backs, one also wearing a gas mask. RSPCA approved no doubt. Even the Austin Armoured Car that Lenin preached from in 19171s there. I took some digital photo's that really do not do justice to the place as it is a bit gloomy inside and the stuff is crammed in so tight it is difficult to get far enough away. At the time of going to print Uncle Ron has it and I guess some computer wiz could lighten the photo's up. Once the Dorset MVT boys have had a shufty it will be available for any who want it.
World War 2 Old Sarum Nr. Salisbury Aug Bank Holiday
Well worth the £4 entry fee although there were not a lot of vehicles on site. I went as a punter as I was scheduled to be away for the event, English Heritage I am told can be bunny fuggers with last minute entries and although I tried to enter with my WOT2 and Trailer along with a non -MVT mate and his Austin K3 GS Truck, EH were unable to arrange it. OK so i was a bit miffed as there was an awful lot of empty field but to take nothing away from the displays as they were excellent. Vehicles - well there were jeeps (green mice) a Jimmy, .Dodge Ambulance and a Search light and generator all in excellent condition and immaculately fitted out with kit. As most of you know I lean towards the Living History side of vehicles and not the re-enacting, not easy when you dress to the left. There was a full timetable including Firepower. A display of arms and weapons of the various combatants and a competition to see which re-enactment society could spend the most money firing-off blank rounds the fastest and longest Jerry won that one but we are still 2 nil up on them. Some of you know that I have taken an interest in the PIAT so I was creaming my jeans when one of the 'Tommies'' was kind enough to get his one out and play with it. Joking apart this guy was very knowledgeable on the subject and I managed to get a short video clip of the weapon being cocked a couple of times (not a job for the old and rotund). To ease springs the striker rod has to be released and even with spring only it really does kick like a mule. The second guy to ease springs was a bit on the skinny side and I am sure left two furrows where his boots dug in and will not be able to lift a pint for weeks. Anyway excellent value for £4 even for a tight wad like me.
Best regards Barrie.
A Dorset MVT Member goes to London to see The Queen! Household Cavalry Pageant June 2007
Preparation for the pageant for me started way back in October 2006 when Preston asked through the MVT for various vehicles to take part. After months of waiting I finally got the green light to take part. Arrangements were made via e mail between myself, Major Whatley, vehicle co-ordinator for the pageant, and Corporal Fairbanks of 19 Tank Transporter Squadron.
Saturday 9th June one of the Army's tank transporters arrived dead on time to take my Alvis Stalwart to London. As there was no room in the cab I had to follow the transporter to London and had a job to keep up! After a brief stop at Heston Services to meet the military escort we flew into the centre of London to Chelsea Barracks where I unloaded my truck. After a short wait we were told to make our way to Wellington Barracks and a brief but exciting drive, again with military motorcycle escorts, took a convoy of post war vehicles through the heart of London past Buckingham Palace to Wellington Barracks which was where the vehicles would be stored until needed for the Pageant. (By the way I thought red lights meant you had to stop).
It was then minibus back to Chelsea past the naked cyclists to collect our own cars followed by a drive to Pirbright to find our accommodation which was basic! It was an old style spider block dating from pre war and probably last used for national service. Sunday was a day of rest and as, we were not needed by Pageant organisers, we went sight seeing in London. The Army laid on a wonderful Barbeque at Pirbright and we enjoyed an evening in the Sergeant's Mess!
Monday we were up bright and early for breakfast and bused into Wellington for briefings, a walk around the route etc. and a lot of hanging around in the hot sunny weather. Eventually we lined up in chronological order ready for the dress rehearsal which all went fairiy well. After parking up again in the barracks we were bused back to Pirbright for curry and beer in the mess!
Tuesday and the Big Day had arrived! Again up early, breakfast and bused into London for yet more briefings and to iron out any problems that arose during the dress rehearsal, le, stollys untidy, foxes brill! Again lots more hanging around. Finally after all the waiting plus having the parade put back half an hour because of a collapsed building in central London we all lined up correctly in Bird Cage Walk, nervously waiting to be told when to do our bit in front of the Queen. Within minutes we were waved onto horse guards parade where I saw my wife waving enthusiastically from the stands! There followed an all to short-drive around horse guards parade past Her Majesty and. back out onto The Mall past Buckingham Palace and back to Wellington Barracks. Once again parked up again in Wellington Barracks and bused back to Pirbright to find the cookhouse closed, and the Sergeant's Mess shut up, so much for a celebratory drink and somewhat an anticlimax after such an exciting day!
All in all one hell of an experience with a great bunch of like minded enthusiasts. When do us our mere mortals who own military vehicles ever get the chance to drive in Bridcage Walk, around Horse Guards Parade and down The Mall let alone drive our pride and joy in front of the Queen.
Kevin Downer
Chatham Historic Dockyard Salute to the 40's 23d - 24th Sept
Another cracking display that I was lucky enough to attend this year. Very brave of them as it is late in the "Summer" season, but the sun really shone on this display with enough of a breeze on the Sunday to make the serge almost wearable.
Vehicles on display.
Very few jeeps considering how many usually show up, but plenty of Uncle Sams machines, Jimmy's and a couple of half tracks, a really stunning staff car +++ others. British vehicles were well represented, with Fordson WOT2 (not mine) Bedford MW's & QL's several Austin K 2 or 3s in various guises GS truck and fire engine, mobile NAFFI Canteen - Morris Commercial, Guys. Two 40mm Bofor guns and loads more.
Static and mobile displays
Plenty of static displays - Field Hospital, Comms. Field Kitchen, Land Army, 8th Army desert, a huge US QMS stores dump which must have taken some time to set up, Land Army display. Mobile displays were a convoy through the dockyard, AFS racing round putting out fires plenty of smoke and squirting of water hoses, also live steam with a little 1904 dockyard train pulling ww2 period rolling stock around. Unfortunately Olga wasn't with me but there were plenty of stuff available for her as well even a hairdresser doing period hair do's, the "Victory Roll" being favourite, and wartime cooking displays.
I like the vehicles on display anyway but I find it even better when they are livened up with period "stuff"
Permanent displays
The last time I was in Chatham it was still a working yard so I was pleased to see how it is now in military retirement, there would be plenty to see even on a non event day. Kent police have a permanent museum display with lots of grisly artefacts, RNLI and other small vessels are now in the boat shed, along with the usual Navy type stuff displayed. Plenty to keep you occupied.
The Show
The parade ground where the nasty man used to shout at me is now the helipad and held the "show" for the Weekend. This consisting "Viv the Spiv and Gypsy Joe with their comedy routine, two female solo singers and the "Anderson Sisters (Repro) unfortunately I am far too old to sit under the apple tree with them but the thought will keep me warm. Must have been 200 to 300 watching this show, the stage was a truck bed and it was all set up like an ENSA show and very well done. All the old wartime favourites were sung but I was sensible enough to make myself scarce before the girlies dragged you out to jitterbug at the finale.
Getting towards the end of the season now so it will be laying up time, my latest acquisition a 1940 WD push bike may well be in for a refit over the winter season.
Best regards
Barrie