Dear
Ian and Tony, and all members of the Normandy Recce Group 2013,
Thank you very much for planning, arranging, organising and conducting such a
helpful and informative recce of the US side of the D-Day landings and
break-out.
As one who knew next to nothing of the awe-inspiring actions that took place on
the Cotentin Peninsula, I am particularly grateful that you allowed me to take
part. The itinerary seemed to be very well chosen, and the events and stories
which you all told , added colour to the drama; it was even better than the
films. The place names on the maps and in books now mean something.
To a novice guide, your examples of how to conduct a recce and a stand were
very heplful, and the hand-outs are excellent. As if this were not
enough, the humour and pleasure of your company will be a lasting memory.
I could go on..!?.. but the Normandy countryside, cheese, and weather must get
a mention. Last, but by no means least, thank you, John, for overseeing and
providing the excellent picnic lunches.
1000 miles later we arrived home safely. On the Marne we came across an
impressive new memorial to the US 42nd [Rainbow] Division; connect the battle
of Croix Rouge Farm 25-27 July 1918, Douglas Macarthur, 167[ Alabama] Regiment.
We passed through Mourmelon and thought of Easy Company on R&R, then on to
Namur. It is no wonder Richard Holmes had so much material for his book: The Fatal Avenue.
Elke has used the word Brilliant
quite a lot when talking to her American brother-in-law, and 'good fun'. So we
both thank you all for making it so; and wish you all the very best for your
various battle-guiding plans.
Hugh & Elke Jenner
Thank you for all your efforts, both
before and during the trip. It was good to learn all I did and to see how
others work. I trust you have a good journey home and that your wife is as well
as can be expected. I enjoyed the trip more so by being in the Bad boys car!!
Thank you for all the driving you did. See you at the AGM.
John Hamill
I have learnt a lot over
the last week. How not to guide and what level of detail needs to be
included in the tours. Although 'instructing' new guides in the
art, was not the main aim of the recce, John's bit on the beach at
Utah I found very very useful. The discussion on where to stand also was
thought provoking. As a result I will be changing my whole
approach. I guess too many years looking at burial mounds and sections
through sites.
Thank you for organising this recce. I
hope you too enjoyed it and brought away as much as I did. If you are
arranging a Normandy Recce for 2014, then please let me know in advance.
Robin Burrows-Ellis
I
would just like to thank you for all your efforts organising the 2013 Normandy
battlefield recce. I can only imagine how much behind the scenes effort
went into organising the trip but I would like you to know how very much I
enjoyed the trip and how very much appreciated your efforts were.
It
was my first time away with the Guild on an event like this but I can only say
how much I enjoyed the whole experience. Good weather for most of the
time, a fascinating insight into a side of the battle I knew so little about, a
few French patisseries but, most importantly of all, a great bunch to
spend time with.
I
think the highest praise I can give is that, as a newcomer, were I asked if I
wanted to go on a Guild Recce again, I would definitely answer,
"Yes". It was not only a valuable learning experience for me
but also such a pleasure to spend time in the company of like-minded
enthusiasts.
Once again, many thanks and I look forward to
hopefully seeing you all the AGM in November
Mike Jarmain
As a newcomer allow me to say how pleased I was to be so
welcomed into the Guild. It was also so kind of you all to welcome Fiona in as
well. It seems to have awoken an interest in her too so perhaps we may have a
new member in time.
During the tour of Isgny sur Mer, a question arose over
it's use as a port. Some research indicates that indeed it was used as a port
however it was not opened until Jul 22 six days after Cherbourg was opened (13
days after the planned opening). Once fully opened Isigny handled some 1700 tons
per day but at this time some 15000 tons were being landed daily at Omaha and
8000 at Utah. All the small ports in the American sector handled an average of
5654 tons daily (over those small ports in the British sector that handled only
3133 tons daily). I hope this clarifies things!
I am looking forward to seeing you again soon, perhaps at
the AGM.
Adrian Ridley-Jones
Just wanted to say thank you to you all for making the Normandy
Recce such a pleasurable experience. Thanks also to
Ian and Tony for making all the arragements, I can appreciate that it must have
taken a heck of a lot of planning. I really enjoyed it and have learned so
much. I will get the photos to you somehow. Hope to see you at the AGM,
Nigel Dunkerley
Just
a quick (and somewhat belated) thanks to all of you for your company on the
Normandy recce. Particular thanks to Ian and Tony for all the organisation and
work to make the event happen.
As someone who is definitely not well up on the WW2 side of things, I learned a
great deal and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Hopefully see most of you at
the AGM next month!
Bob Brunsdon
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