D-day beach of Normandy 06.05

After a bit of a panic when the bus didn't pick me up where it was meant to, I got front seat advantage of seeing the views and speaking some French. 
It was a bit scary, as we hurtled down the narrow hedgerows which had been used in the war, with Rose, the guide, turning round to speak to the other 4 passengers. 
Still, this doesn't compare with how the soldiers on both sides must have felt at Pointe du Hoc, where it's said that the war was won for Europe.

What a desolate place to be, just waiting for the next bombardment and possible death.
Pointe du Hoc, a small headland, was where 225 American Rangers scaled the 40 metre cliffs to launch a surprise attack. It didn't quite work as planned and only 90 survived, but they did destroy the canons.
here we can see the cliffs and are looking towards Omaha,  one of several landing beaches. With weather like we had and calm seas, at least more may have survived.
Omaha beach. What a beautiful  tranquil place it was. Nothing like we've seen in documentaries.  Magnificent at low tide which was not the case at the landing. Rough seas, many young inexperienced soldiers,  plans which went awry, and of course a fearsome enemy. 
How could this gorgeous place have been the scene of such a bloody and ghastly battle. We haven't learnt from it, the senseless loss of lives, not to mention the cost - money better shared among the poor 
The view from the American cemetery was awesome, with debris still visible in the water at such low tide.
Thousands of graves - those brave souls whose lives were cut short. Lots to contemplate for the many visitors. 
A sad yet interesting and educational day in this magnificent area. 

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