WartimeNI visit to Normandy 2014 [D-Day 70]

D-Day

We crossed the English Channel on the night of 5th June 2014, landing near Sword Beach early in the morning of 6th June 2014, the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Sword Beach, Ouistreham, Normandy, France

Sword Beach was one of five landing areas chosen for the Normandy invasion on D-Day 6th June 1944. It was taken by British forces who advanced towards Caen.

D-Day commemorations in Caen, Normandy

By Scott Edgar

6th June 2014

In 2014, I watched the D-Day commemorations in Ouistreham from a quiet bar in Caen as world leaders joined veterans of the campaign to remember June 1944.

A walking tour of Caen, Normandy

By Scott Edgar

6th June 2014

In June 2014, WartimeNI visited Normandy during the 70th anniversary of D-Day. A walking tour of Caen took us from Norman occupation to the Allied invasion.

Celebrating Liberty in Caen, Normandy

By Scott Edgar

6th June 2014

Locals, tourists, veterans, people young and old took to the streets of Normandy in June 2014 to celebrate liberty in Caen on the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

D-Day +1

On 7th June 2014, we took part in a tour organised by the Mémorial de Caen Museum. The guided tour took in sights around the coast including the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and a German battery at Pointe-du-Hoc.

Touring Normandy with Mémorial de Caen Museum

In June 2014, WartimeNI visited Normandy, France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Touring with Mémorial de Caen guides is a great way to see the sights.

American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France

Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy

The American Cemetery at Colleville overlooks Omaha Beach and is the largest allied burial ground in Normandy. This is where 'Saving Private Ryan' begins.

German Battery, Pointe-du-Hoc, Normandy, France

Cricqueville-en-Bessin, Normandy

Pointe-du-Hoc was taken by 2nd US Rangers. They held out against the odds for two days on the Normandy cliffs. The 1st US Rangers formed in Carrickfergus.

Omaha Beach, St-Laurent-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France

Avenue de la Libération, St-Laurent-Sur-Mer, Normandy

Omaha Beach was the code-name for one of five sectors of the Normandy coastline. It was one of the bloodiest scenes of the D-Day landings for the US Army.

The Royal Navy in Caen

WartimeNI visited Normandy during the 70th anniversary of D-Day celebrations. We found four vessels of the Royal Navy in Caen, still sailing strong in 2014.

D-Day +2

Bayeux was our destination on 8th June 2014. These streets were full of military vehicles and jubilant locals and tourists as the Calvados town celebrated 70 years since its liberation by Allied forces.

The Bypass, Bayeux, Normandy, France

Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux, Normandy

After D-Day, on 18th June 1944, work began on the Bayeux Bypass. Today's ring-road follows the same route laid down by Royal Engineers and Pioneer Corps.

Bayeux Cathedral, Bayeux, Normandy, France

Rue du Bienvenu, Bayeux, Normandy

The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Bayeux stands in the southeast of the city and was mainly undamaged by the raging Battle of Normandy in the summer of 1944.

Battle of Normandy Museum, Bayeux, Normandy, France

Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux, Normandy

The Battle of Normandy raged in northern France from 6th June to 29th August 1944. This museum in Bayeux tells the whole story through original artifacts.

Bayeux Memorial, Bayeux, Normandy, France

1945 Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux, Normandy

More than 1800 names are listed on the Bayeux Memorial. It faces the British Cemetery to the south-west of the town and is a sombre place to pay respects.

Bayeux War Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France

Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux, Normandy

The Bayeux War Cemetery is the largest of its kind in France. It is located on the south-west of Bayeux, on the bypass road built by British troops in 1944.

D-Day + 3

On 9th June 2014, we visited the Mémorial de Caen Museum. This centre for peace and reconciliation is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about D-Day or the subsequent Normandy campaign.

Mémorial de Caen Museum, Caen, Normandy

The Caen-Normandy Memorial Centre for History and Peace is better known as Mémorial de Caen. I visited as a child and was keen to return on my D-Day70 trip.

Pegasus Bridge, Benouville, Normandy, France

Benouville, Normandy

On 6th June 1944, Pegasus Bridge near Benouville was a primary objective of British Army 6th Airborne Division including 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles.