Attractions of Normandy
#21
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is also where Hollywood tried to claim the invasion as an American only success>
Yes most here think it was only Americans who invaded and gave supreme sacrifice whereas British and Empire like Canada were just as involved. Americans want to go to Omaha Beach and see American military cemetery and Americans won WW 2 in Europe all by ourselves when in fact Brits and Empire and especially Soviets were instrumental in liberating Europe. without Soviets on Easter Front no invasion of Continent would have been successful many historians say. Great point.
Yes most here think it was only Americans who invaded and gave supreme sacrifice whereas British and Empire like Canada were just as involved. Americans want to go to Omaha Beach and see American military cemetery and Americans won WW 2 in Europe all by ourselves when in fact Brits and Empire and especially Soviets were instrumental in liberating Europe. without Soviets on Easter Front no invasion of Continent would have been successful many historians say. Great point.
#22
We enjoyed seeing the Canadian and Beitish D Day beaches and museums too. The British story of the invasion is incredible with rhe building of tneir artificial port. It would be a shame to miss these beaches.
#23
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, without the diversion of the German Army to Russia, it would have been a very differrent result for England and much of Europe. The artificial port was amazing to see with so much still visible.. I like your comment about de Gaule Bilbo. funny. Holes in beach lady.
#24
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,453
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are feeling energetic I can recommend this: Normandy Hills Rail Bike - Normandy Tourism, France
You really can't go wrong in Normandy, it is beautiful, with lovely walks, delightful villages, half timbered houses, hills, coast, cider makers to visit, and a ton of history.
You really can't go wrong in Normandy, it is beautiful, with lovely walks, delightful villages, half timbered houses, hills, coast, cider makers to visit, and a ton of history.
#25
I noted my error from above sorry
one an AmericanGerman general was demoted while Charles de Gaule kept his job as there was no one able to demote him, it is fair to say his hatred for the English came from the reprimand he received after that faux-pas.
Thanks to Sue for getting me to reread it
one an American
Thanks to Sue for getting me to reread it
#26
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Strange they let DeGaulle become the liberator or Paris or at least enter the city that had been formally liberated the day before as a hero even though like bilbo says he was a nothing and a bother during the war in London.
#27
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For more information on de Gaulle and his interaction with a number of other important figures during WWII, read "Lat Hope Island." It's an excellent account of the various heads of states who had to flee their own countries during WWII and ended up in England. I learned that de Gaulle had a disabled child and that he was thoroughly disliked by most of the others.
#28
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 30,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I saw the Bayeux tapestry in 2016. I believe it had "lived" in the now empty Cathedral. It shows the Battle of Hastings that was fought in 1066 in stitchery. I don't recall if "they" know when it was completed. It is approximately 230 feet long. If you all are interested in history and fabrics, I recco it.
Have a super trip.
Have a super trip.
#29
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The cathedral of Bayeux is not empty!
My understanding is that the tapestry (which is actually, as noted above, an embroidered work) began as a decoration within the cathedral and then, as fashion changed, it was taken down, stored there, used for various and sundry purposes, and even cut up. It is now housed nearby, in a building that didn’t seem to me at all like a church / cathedral, but I'll let others make their own decision.
My understanding is that the tapestry (which is actually, as noted above, an embroidered work) began as a decoration within the cathedral and then, as fashion changed, it was taken down, stored there, used for various and sundry purposes, and even cut up. It is now housed nearby, in a building that didn’t seem to me at all like a church / cathedral, but I'll let others make their own decision.
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The cathédrale is still a working cathedral, as far as I know. The Church doesn't normally retire its cathedrals or its bishoprics.
Here's an interesting article about the upcoming "loan" of the tapestry to Great Britain:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-...ly-meanspestry to Great Britain:
Here's an interesting article about the upcoming "loan" of the tapestry to Great Britain:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-...ly-meanspestry to Great Britain:
#33
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#34
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,478
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is also where Hollywood tried to claim the invasion as an American only success>
Yes most here think it was only Americans who invaded and gave supreme sacrifice whereas British and Empire like Canada were just as involved. Americans want to go to Omaha Beach and see American military cemetery and Americans won WW 2 in Europe all by ourselves when in fact Brits and Empire and especially Soviets were instrumental in liberating Europe. without Soviets on Easter Front no invasion of Continent would have been successful many historians say. Great point.
Yes most here think it was only Americans who invaded and gave supreme sacrifice whereas British and Empire like Canada were just as involved. Americans want to go to Omaha Beach and see American military cemetery and Americans won WW 2 in Europe all by ourselves when in fact Brits and Empire and especially Soviets were instrumental in liberating Europe. without Soviets on Easter Front no invasion of Continent would have been successful many historians say. Great point.
I don't seem to recall many Pinewood studios films that glorified either Russian involvement, or American involvement for that matter. You'd think that Winston Churchill was the only leader involved if you watch movies coming out of Pinewood.
#35
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, if you want to get a British perspective of WW II, and the build up to the Normandy invasion i would recommend The Last Lion, by William Manchester. Chock full of info on this period and not just England, about Winston Churchill.
#36
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 30,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, kja and all re the Cathedral. Not sure why I thought it was not in use.
"Of course the cathedral is still around and in use - like any larger regional city would be."....DH and I encountered 2 unconsecrated churches in Italy, Pal. Your 'Of course' hurt my little feelings.
"Of course the cathedral is still around and in use - like any larger regional city would be."....DH and I encountered 2 unconsecrated churches in Italy, Pal. Your 'Of course' hurt my little feelings.