Richard Cole has died aged 103 Co-pilot and last survivor of the Dolittle raids on Japan dies on 09 April 2019 This is a terrific piece by Richard Goldstein of the New York Times. It really captures the courage, determination and integrity of these aviators and gives a sense of their commitment to their country and their duty. It's well worth reading. MC. From the New York Times: Richard Goldstein 09 April 2019 Richard E. [...]

Hawthorn Ridge Mine, Battle of the Somme During a visit to Flanders Fields last weekend we passed by Hawthorn Ridge.  The detonation of the Hawthorn Ridge Mine on 1st July 1916, captured on film by Geoffrey Malins, is one of the iconic moments of the First World War. The explosion also symbolises the disaster of the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme. The mine was exploded at 7.20am, 10 minutes before the attack at [...]

Bomb Demolition Number 1 The ‘Bomb, Demolition Number 1’ was fired from the Churchill AVRE’s 290mm Petard mortar and it pretty much destroyed any masonry in its path. . It’s 630mm (25in) tall and weighs 18kg (40lb). The AVRE was a specialist engineer vehicle used to overcome obstacles on the battlefield. Find out more in David Fletcher's latest Tank Chat on The Tank Museum's Youtube channel.  https://youtu.be/fwCgEn48Bn8

Thinking of a D-Day tour in 2019? Book your ferry crossing now! If you're thinking of visiting the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion or finding out more about Operation Overlord and the Normandy Campaign, Brittany Ferries' 2019 sailings went on sale on 24 July 2018. Brittany Ferries offers a range of sailings from Britain to France, including: Portsmouth to St Malo, Portsmouth to Caen, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Poole to Cherbourg, [...]

Frank Bourlet RIP. Last Veteran of the Pegasus Bridge. Another veteran leaves us. It is being reported that Frank Bourlet, from Glider No. 1, the last veteran of the Coup de Main group that spearheaded the assault on Pegasus Bridge, has passed away. May he rest in peace.

Kind words from New York's finest tour guide Alison and I had the pleasure of meeting Sheldon and Debby Lapidus from Best New York Tours in March 2018. At the time we didn't know that Sheldon was a professional tour guide as he only told us just before they left. We were all the more pleased to get such a fine endorsement from such a distinguished professional. Thanks Sheldon and Debby. It was a great [...]

Pegasus Bridge 2017 The Pegasus Bridge over the Caen Canal at Benouville is just as important today as it was on the morning of D-Day in 1944. Over the years some very large vessels have passed by.

Click the words "Last Post" in blue below to view the video. Last PostColour Sergeant Bugler Russell Piner from the Royal Marines School of Music and Staff Sergeant Bryan McKinney from West Point Military Academy have collaborated to create a Last Post video that encapsulates a shared ethos: understated excellence, mutual respect and profound appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate price serving their country. ’Lest We Forget’ Posted by The Bands of HM [...]

Glenn, Bing and Ranee, the parachuting dogs of D-Day The dogs wore their own parachutes and were trained to jump after bones/treats. It would appear that they were not distressed by the experience and after a few practice jumps they would often exit the aircraft without coaxing. During D-day and the battle for Normandy, British airborne forces used parachuting dogs. They were trained to sniff out landmines, booby [...]