2009 is D-Day + 65yrs
Join Normandy Safaris for a Week-End break (2 Nights) to include the anniversary of the Battle of the Falaise Gap & the 'Polish Battlefield.'
Fri 21st Aug. - Sun 23rd Aug. inclusive
Your eyes survey a killing field. An area where 10,000 German soldiers perished. This is where the German 7th Army was effectively destroyed and where the Battle of Normandy was brought to a conclusion.
Beyond the hills of the Gouffern Forrest the Americans were sweeping south, south-east and finally north-east their track forming a large east facing crescent. To the north east the British and Canadians were forming a complimentary west facing crescent and pushing southwards, enclosing within the pocket formed by these two crescents, the retreating Germans forces.
The only means of escape from this 'Pocket' was via a couple of small bridges at St Lambert sur Dives and Chambois, each enabling the crossing of the river Dives. The bridge at Chambois was taken by the allies leaving just the bridge at St Lambert sur Dives. And so escape became only possible via the tracks and lanes leading over Hill 262. This escape route, about 2Km wide, earned the title "the Corridor of Death" and was at the south east extreme of the pocket.
The 'Gap' was finally plugged by General Maczek's 1st Polish Armoured Division, part of the Canadian Corps. The Poles took and held Hill 262 despite formidable counter attacks by the Germans now desperate to escape. Thanks to the superhuman efforts of the Canadians and the Poles the surrender of approx. 40,000 Germans was ensured thus bringing to an end the Battle of Normandy. Three days later the allies entered Paris.
Spend the week-end with Normandy Safaris. You will stay barely two miles from Hill 262. We shall visit the site and its associated museum. We shall follow the Corridor of Death and attend the memorial service to the combatants.
Montormel (Hill 262), 21st or 22nd August
Commemorations of the Normandy Campaign: the end of the Battle "the Falaise Pocket" at Montormel and Coudehard
Fri. 21st Aug
Sat. 22nd Aug
Sun. 23rd Aug
This tour will be flexible, and vary according to the programme of events celebrating D-Day and the liberation of Normandy.
Prices Include:
Collection from railway stations:- Lisieux (approx 16.09hrs).
Collection from continental ferry port:- Le Havre (18.30hrs)
Drop-off at railway stations:- Lisieux (17.00hrs), Le Havre (15.50hrs)
Drop-off at continental ferry port:- Le Havre (16.00hrs)
Half-board accommodation ( Bed, Breakfast and 2 Evening Meals ) for 2 nights in Normandy.
All daily guided touring in Normandy, spanning 3 days, to sites of natural and historic interest.