We had to set off early to get to the US cemetery as soon as it opened at 9:00 as it is the most visited cemetery in Normandy with over 1 million visitors a year – so if you get there later in the morning or beyond it is packed. So up at 8:45, and after the usual breakfast – a bit quicker as we had sorted the system out now – we were off at 8:15. We arrived at the cemetery 9:10, to find is busy with gardeners but just about empty, A large cemetery on the edge of what had been Omaha beach, so views over the water from the cemetery.

Monument – US Cemetery

One grave marker in cemetery

From there on to the beach and various bunker & memorials

Omoaha – monument to ‘Big Red One’ Division – located on strongpoint W62

Omaha Beach general view

Phil on Omaha Beach

Monument on Omaha – Vierville

Bunker with gun! Vierville (Barrie couldn’t get at it)

A Bunker at Vierville on Omaha Beach

After Omaha Beach we went in the coach for lunch in St Mere Eglise – scene of US parachutist landings and ‘massacre’. Barrie and I chose to go round the museum rather than getting lunch.

Barrie and Sherman tank – too big to bring back unfortunately

Waco glider in Airborne museum – used for landing US troops

DC3 aeroplane – used to deploy parachute troops and tow gliders

After St Mere Eglise we drove to La Fiere where there was a significant battle involving US airborne troops

Monument to Airborne Troops near La Fiere bridge

Phil at La Fiere farm – now a B&B

Memorial window – Cauquigny Church

Parachute memorial Amfreville

We left the area at about 17:50 and arrived back at the hotel around 18:55.

Off we went, after wash and such, to find a different restaurant.

End of Day 2