As the allied troops massed in Southern England in 1944. The year that I was born in. I have been fortunate to have visited Normandy countless times. The media is full of the 65th celebrations, and historians will go over once again the incredible advance of the Allied Armies against Herr Adolf.
The Canadians that landed on Juno beach that day. Advanced farther inland than any of the other allies.
I first went to Normandy when I was 20 years of age, a serving soldier of some 4 years, stationed in Soest Germany. Myself Jim Smith and Limey Williams left Soest in a 1956 Opel with tent sleeping bag Camp stove and ration packs. We had all seen The Longest Day and went to explore the battlefields and cemetaries of WW2.. I will never forget my first site of miltary cemetaries Row upon row of headstones or crosses with the odd star of David amongst them. Some of these cemetaries stretched as far as the eye could see. The saddest part in my memory was the ages of these soldiers early 20s and some times late teens. This has had a great effect on me over the years.When we reached Normandy we started at Utah Beach and made our way east. At pointe du hoc where the American Rangers landed and the scaled the cliffs and hills. The three of us being fit tried to scramble to the top from the beach. it was arduous to say the least and we had no packs on our backs nor the enemy firing down at us. The American Rangers scaled these cliffs with mortars and . grappling hooks and ropes. What a tremendous task.
This view of Arromanche which was the centre of the invasion. shows the mulberries used to tpt vehicles and supplies to our troops. Another feat of engineering and Naval skills to get these landing docks delivered across the English Channel.
All in all this first trip as a young soldier will stay in my memory till the day I die. I was to go many times over my lifetime so far to Normandy.
Some scenes of Canadian Veterans reflecting on their day in History.
To these survivors and to the many who perished during this invasion. My prayers, thoughts, and Thankyou's go out to them one and all. May we never Forget Them and their sacrifices for Canada, the World and Freedom.
On this day of honour to Veterans from all allied forces I also remember our heroes of Afghanistan.The current conflict that Canadians are engaged in. God Bless them One and all.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
