2nd Armored in Europe

‘C’ Company 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

‘‘Back to the Bocage’’

 Operation Cobra Liberation Tour

22^nd to 30^th July 2006

 

Friday 21st July.

Arrival of Convoy - Brittany Ferries – Port of Ouistreham – 07:30hrs
Customs clearance,

08 :30hrs Departure of convoy; D84, D514,D35
08 ;50hrs Colleville-Montgommery, D35,
09 :02hrs Douvres-la-Deliverande, D35,
09 :15hrs Reviers, D176,
09 :21hrs Villiers-le-Sec, D12,
09 :34hrs Sommervieu, D12,
09 :37hrs St Vigor-le-Grand, D572 (Circular Road Bayeux)
09 :46hrs Vaucelles D613,
09 :53hrs Tour-en-Bessin, D613,
10 :00hrs Mosles, D613, D97, D514
10 :15hrs Colleville-sur-Mer, D514,
10 :22hrs Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, D514
10 :28hrs Vierville-sur-Mer.

Establishment of Camp.

14 :30hrs Camp open to public.

Saturday 22nd July.

Vierville-sur-Mer>Neuilly-la-Forêt. 43kms

09 :25hrs Departure of transporters
09 :30hrs Departure Vierville-sur-Mer,STOP at Omaha 30 minutes,D30, D517
10 :30hrs Formigny, D30
10 :30hrs Arrival of transporters at Neuilly la Forêt
10 :35hrs Trevieres, D96
10 :45hrs Rubercy, D96
10 :50hrs Blay, D97A, V1,
10 :55hrs Breuil-en-Bessin, V1, D5
11 :00hrs Le Molay Littry, D15, D5,
11 :17hrs Bernesq, D5,
11 :23hrs Bricqueville, D5,
11 :26hrs Colombières, D5,
11 :35hrs Vouilly, D5, Lieudit La Vallée, D196, D197, Lieudit La Chapelle Saint-Roch,
12 :00hrs Neuilly la Forêt Camp.

Evening Vin d’honneur and wreath laying at memorials.
Camp open to public during afternoon.

Sunday 23rd July.

Neuilly-la-Forêt - Canisy. 40kms

09 :25hrs Departure of transporters
09 :30hrs Departure ‘le Crétis’ cross country. D195 + Pont des anciens moulins, D148, 7kms
10 :00hrs Montmartin-en-Graignes STOP 20 minutes ,D444, N174
10 :25hrs Arrival of transporters
10 :35hrs Saint-Jean-de-Daye, D445, D377,D445
10 :45hrs Saint-Fromond, D8
10 :57hrs Le Dézert,
11 :10hrs Wreath laying in Memory of Col Paddy Flint.
11 :45hrs Départ le Dezert D257, D377, N174 (north), D546, D377
12 :03hrs Cavigny, D466, D377E2, D446E5, D377, N174 (south)
12 :18hrs Pont Hébert, N174, D446,D900
12 :33hrs Hébécrevon, D446,
12 :39hrs St. Gilles, D77,
12 :48hrs Canisy.

Evening in camp and in Canisy.

Monday 24th July.

Canisy>Canisy. 51kms

09 :30hrs Departure of convoy Canisy, D77 (nord)
09 :35hrs St. Gilles, D972, D446
09 :40hrs Le Mesnil Amey, D446E1, D89, D341
09 :55hrs Cimetière Allemand de Marigny STOP 45 minutes
10 :40hrs D341, D29
10 :45hrs Marigny, D53, D341,
11 :00hrs Laying of wreaths at memorial
11 :55hrs Departure
12 :05hrs Le Lorey D341,
12 :09hrs Camprond, D341, D52, D341
12 :18hrs Cambernon, D341
12 :33hrs Coutances, D971, D7, D27,D73
14 :02hrs Montpinchon D73,
14 :07hrs Cerisy La Salle, D73, D52,
14 :17hrs Pont Brocard D38,
14 :23hrs Dangy D38
14 :29hrs Quibo. STOP
14 :45hrs Ceremony laying of wreaths at memorial
15 :30hrs Départ D38 Canisy
15 :45hrs Arrivé Canisy.

Evening in Canisy and at camp at Château.

 

Tuesday 25th July.

Canisy>St-Denis-le-Gast. 50kms

09:25hrs Departure of transporters
09 :30hrs Departure of convoy Canisy, D77, D93
09 :45hrs Saint-Martin-de-Bonfossé,D93 (direction Saint-Ebremond-de-Bonfosse), D53, D999
09 :55hrs Saint-Samson-de-Bonfossé, D999
10 :00hrs Le Mesnil Herman, D77
10 :10hrs Le Mesnil Opac, D28, D27
10 :15hrs Moyon, STOP 45 minutes
11 :00hrs Départ de Moyon D177
11 :15hrs Tessy- sur -Vire, D13 (west)
10 :30hrs Arrival of transporters
11 :30hrs Beaucoudray, D13
11 :33hrs Villebaudon, D13
11 :48hrs Maupertuis, D13
11 :57hrs Hambye, D13
12 :36hrs Arrivé St-Denis-le-Gast

Wednesday 26th July.

St Denis le Gast > Tour de « la Lande des Morts ». 43kms

09 :30hrs Departure of convoy Saint Denis le Gast D38,
09 :50hrs La Voltolaine,
10 :25hrs La Pinetière, La Pompe,
11 :00hrs Notre-Dame-de-Cenilly D93, D52
11 :40hrs Pont Brocard, D38, Notre-Dame de Cenilly, D29, D206, D76 12 :30hrs Roncey.D76, STOP 1 hour.
13 :30hrs D102 Grimesnil, D49
14:10hrs Memorial ‘la lande des Morts’ Wreath laying.
14 :50hrs Trelly, C Road,
D383, D49, D35, D35E
15 :40hrs Le Mesnil-Aubert, D7
15 :50hrs Lengronne, D13
16 :00hrs St-Denis-le-Gast .Official Ceremony
Laying of wreaths
16 :30hrs Camp open to public
18 :45hrs Camp closes

Evening in town.

Thursday 27th July.

St Denis le Gast >Saint-Sever-Calvados 41kms

09 :00hrs Departure of transporters
09 :00hrs Departure of convoy Saint Denis le Gast D13, D102
09 :15hrs Arrival Gavray STOP 45 minutes.
09:30hrs Arrival of transporters Le Chefresne
10 :00hrs Departure Gavray D7, D9, D198 Abbaye de Hambye D258, D58 Percy, D98, D58, Le Chefresne, D208
10 :40hrs Cemetry of Le Chefresne.
11 :00hrs Official ceremony, laying of wreaths.
12 :00hrs Departure of transporters
12 :00hrs Departure of convoy, D28, Margueray, D455, D455E1 south, Montbray, D454, Morigny, C2, Sept-Frères, D304, Courson, D77
12 :30hrs Arrival of transporters St-Sever-Calvados
12 :40hrs Arrival of convoy St-Sever-Calvados

Preparation of campsite.

14 :45hrs Camp Open
16 :45hrs Camp Closed
17 :00hrs Assembly of Parade
17 :15hrs Commencement of Parade towards memorial.
17 :45hrs Arrival at memorial.
18 :00hrs Ceremony, laying of wreaths.

Following ceremony, return to campsite and evening in town.

Friday 28th JULY.

Saint-Sever-Calvados > St Georges de Rouelley 51kms

09 :30hrs Departure of tank transporters
09 :30hrs Departure de convoi Saint-Sever_Calvados D524, D218
09 :40hrs Saint-Manvieu-Bocage juste avant à droite « Lieu Dit » Lsaint-Manvieu-Bocage direction Champ-du-Boult 5kms. D185 (100 mètres) D150
09 :50hrs D302 Champ-du-Boult, D299, D80 (5kms)
09 :55hrs Gathemo D39
10 :00hrs Vengeons, D39, à droite D977
10 :05hrs Sourdeval D977
10 :25hrs Mortain (10 minutes en ville) D977 / (246), D32
10 :45hrs Arrival of transporters
10 :45hrs Bion D32
11 :00hrs Saint-Jean-du-Corail D47, D36, D907
11 :15hrs Barenton D907 ( 5 minutes en ville)
11 :30hrs St Georges de Rouelley.

Preparation of Camp.

14 :00hrs Door open to public
16 :30hrs Doors close
17 :00hrs Assembly of Parade,
17 :15hrs Start of Parade – direction- Memorial.
17 :30hrs Arrival of parade at memorial.
17 :35hrs Ceremony and laying of wreaths.

After ceremony, return to camp evening into village, camp will remain open to townsfolk.

Saturday 29th July.

St Georges de Rouelley > Argentan 66kms

09 :30hrs Departure of transporters
09 :30hrs Departure of convoy St Georges de Roulley D907
09 :50hrs Domfront (8 minutes) D907
10 :00hrs Domfront - La Ferté Macé D908
10 :45hrs Arrival of transporters at Sevrai
11 :05hrs La Ferté Macé (8 minutes) D916, D296 D916 direction Rânes
11 :40hrs Rânes D916 - Sevrai D788
12 :00hrs Sevrai D788 Lunch STOP 1 hour 30 minutes.
13 :15hrs Departure of transporters – direction Argentan
13 :30hrs Arrival of transporters at Argentan
13 :30hrs Departure Sevrai – Argentan D788, D924
13 :50hrs Argentan. Assembly of Parade 20 minutes
14 :15hrs Parade in town d’Argentan.
15 :00hrs End of parade
15 :20hrs Establishment of camp in town hall.
17 :30hrs Laying of wreaths at memorial
18 :00hrs Portes fermée. General Patton addresses the troops.
18 :45 hrs Vin d’honneur

20 :00hrs Evening in town hall – Argentan.

24hour guard on vehicles.

Sunday 30th July.
*Movements on this day on the N158 - will be under the guidance of the Gendarmerie Nationale.
Argentan > CAEN 73kms

Departure of Convoy 09:00hrs direction of FALAISE

09 :00hrs Departure of transporters in direction of Falaise in advance of convoy
09 :30hrs Arrival of transporters.

09 :00hrs Departure of military convoy on N158 direction Falaise 23kms
09 :45hrs Arrival of convoy outskirts of Falaise. Assembly of Parade.
10 :00hrs Parade in town unedr the municipal authorities. Laying of wreaths. D
11 :00hrs End of parade.
11 :15hrs Loadingof transporters and departure for Caen on N158 33kms.
12 :00hrs Arrival of transportersoutskirts of Caen and unloading.
________________________

12 :00hrs Departure from Falaise in direction of CAEN on N 158 33kms
13 :00hrs Arrival of convoy on the outskirts of CAEN.
13 :15hrs Assembly of Parade
14 :00hrs Parade in town under the direction of the municipal authorities.
15 :00hrs END of parade.
15 :05hrs Loading of transporters
15 :30hrs Departure of transporters for the Port of Ouistreham. 13kms.D515
15 :50hrs Arrival of transporters at the port of Ouistreham.
_________________________

15 :15hrs Departure of military convoy for the port of Ouistreham D515
15 :45hrs Arrivan of military convoy at port of Ouistreham.

END OF OPERATIONS

Foreword

2nd Armored in Europe is by far and large an unrivalled group of re-enactors who takes its name in memory of the 2nd Armored Division of WWII.  This division (known in France  as  la 2ème Division Blindée) is not to be confused with the 2ème DB de Général (de Hautecloque) Leclerc, although the latter being a one time part of the 3^rd US Army under General George S Patton jnr., it is an entirely different unit both with an unrivalled track record. Both Leclerc and Patton having once studied at the French cavalry college of Saumur. General Patton spoke fluent French and had a great empathy with General Leclerc.

Whilst General Patton held the 2ème DB of General Leclerc in high regard, the 2^nd US Armored Division was in fact his own “baby”. For it was he that trained them and gave them their strategic ideology back in the days of Fort Benning during their initial training period. One of the greatest regrets of General Patton in WWII was  that 2^nd Armored never actually came under his personal command whilst he was operational in the European Theatre of Operations.  “Hell on Wheels”  (as appropriately named by General George S Patton jnr) was the blight of every Axis unit that ever came into contact with it. It is therefore indeed fitting that it should be remembered by a re-enactment group of this “calibre” and it remains to be  an unfortunate circumstance that General Patton never actually commanded this remarkable division that had a destiny with history.

Its exploits are well documented and its remarkable feat of arms is an exceptional testimony to the brave young men whose sacrifice we can never hope to repay. However, by remembering them in an authentic and fitting way, we do at least hope to keep their memory alive so that future generations too, may remember the real price of freedom.

In writing this foreword to one of the most exciting events being planned in my lifetime, I am aware of the enormous amount of material that has been written and indeed the material and information that is still to this day coming to light concerning 2^nd Armored. I have never been involved which such a dedicated group of re-enactors who must surely be the worlds best, just like their counterparts during WWII.  Their outstanding attention to detail and the “raison d’être” of the “group” is a great credit to all of the members and they should be justly proud of their remarkable achievements.

2004 was in many respects an exceptional year in which we saw so many veterans returning on their respective pilgrimages to the places where they served during WWII. I will never forget the events at which I was present and in particular the great honour that I had in being allowed to participate with the one and only “2nd Armored in Europe” group.  In my view, those that didn’t finally make the “trip” were missing out on a “once in a  lifetime” experience. It was a great pleasure to see this group of dedicated enthusiasts working together as one team under difficulties which were at times seen as being very “trying” and to the “untrained eye” as impossible.  Mechanical problems were taken within their stride and overcome, the convoy literally carried on, no matter what! Those “ghosts from the past” kept on running, knowing that they too had their “own” destiny in reaching Genk in Belgium. The fact that all those vehicles finally arrived at their destination on time and all together is a testimony to the character and stamina of every individual in the group. I have a high regard for the girls that took part, they were often expected to put up with it, come what may. They did this and more! I mean that with all sincerity. The whole tour was remarkable, in fact on one occasion, I even had the “audacity” to commandeer a Mayor’s office in one town and use his computer, telephone, fax and photocopying facilities. Anything,  can be achieved if one is polite (I kept muttering to myself)! A positive attitude is everything in Army parlance!

In another town, the American Consul arrived with the military attaché from the American Embassy in Paris unannounced, when I questioned the Consul as to why he had decided to visit, he said quite simply; “Oh, I heard that 2^nd Armored were in town!” That said it all!

The whole convoy was so remarkable that this “feat” did not go  unrecognised by veterans and enthusiasts alike who marvelled at the sight of this “real-time” convoy travelling through history onto the roads that it took some 60 years earlier! The highlight must surely of been the final parade in Genk, where again, 2^nd stole the “show”.  I personally believed that when some collectors saw what they were “up against” that they seriously considered throwing in the proverbial towel. In fact in one particular case, one gentleman did just that! A memory that will live with those that saw it,  for the rest of their lives, I am sure.

What then of the “tour” set for 2006? The route for 2006 has been difficult to put together, in that whilst we have tried to cater for all tastes, it has been a prerequisite to try and adhere as much as possible to the routes that covered ground that is mentioned in publications and existing film footage. Trying to cover too much mileage in one day was not on, as we quite liked the idea of having the time to enjoy this trip or perhaps savour it a little more than we were able to in 2004’s, when the convoy became a real war time convoy racing against time trying to meet deadlines. Although we did it, it was a gruelling pace, which in my view was possibly only matched by General Patton himself when he raced to get supplies into Bastogne in the Ardennes during the closing stages of WWII.

Not only have the organizers had to contend with the inevitable road changes during the progress of time, the location of sites etc. but they have  also had to conform with modern day road traffic laws, laws pertaining to firearms, armoured vehicles, due respect  to other road users and of course the townsfolk.

The organizers are indeed indebted to the Prefectures in Calvados, La Manche, L’Orne but also to the many Mayors and landowners who have given their wholehearted support to this enormous undertaking. The Gendarmerie Nationale and Anciens Combattans (ONAC) in France have also kindly lent their support to this event thus making it a truly international celebration of peace and remembrance.

We should add that the American Embassy in Paris also had a few words to say with regard to 2^nd’s activities, two of which were ‘thank you’! This sentiment was also reiterated by the families of the veterans back in the USA!

__________________________________________

Dear Sir,

Thank you for including me in your e- mail listing. I appreciate knowing that there are people in the world who still remember the men who lost their lives so many years ago. My father would be happy to know that your group has not forgotten!

We are working on placing the route of your scheduled convoy on the web site. *(2^nd Armored Veterans web site)

Thank you again, and God bless,

Ron Swonger

(Mr Ron Swonger is the son of Mr. Howard Swonger late of  82^nd Reconnaissance Bn. of 2^nd Armored Division.

____________________________________________________

Finally and by no means least, the French customs (Douanes Française) have been very helpful, without whose help and indeed encouragement this would clearly not of been possible, they have assisted in a commendable way and it is due to their understanding that we have been  permitted to run this  “our tour” in “la belle France”.

Gerald D Przenislawski

Directeur d'Opérations Française

February 2006

Proposed Itinerary

For those of you that have crossed “the pond” to take this pilgrimage with us- 2nd Armored in Europe, bids you all a warm welcome! For those that are joining from the rest of Europe we also bid you a warm welcome. Your participation in this “adventure” is very much appreciated and we sincerely hope that it will be both a memorable “tour of duty” and a pleasure for you to visit those places (which for some of you it may the first time round), so often heard about, but never seen in reality. It is you and your  participation that will lead to ‘its’ success and we sincerely hope that you will both enjoy it and help contribute to ‘its unique authenticity’ and atmosphere. We bid you all welcome both to old friends and new alike. The “old boys” will of course need no introduction to the “ropes” and we hope that you will all enjoy “this current edition”.

While you cross the “English Channel” spare a thought for the greatest armada of all time as it crossed the stretch of waterway between “Blighty” and Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, all those years ago. 

Those young men who had an average age of 19 years or so - what were their thoughts at the time, what were their hopes and expectations, who did they leave behind at home, would they ever see them again? So many questions, so many young people,  many of which were going on a one way voyage…………………..

2^nd Armored troops attending a briefing at a marshalling area in Dorset, UK,  prior to embarking for France, in late May 1944

Your arrival in France will be at the port of OUISTREHAM which is one of the main sea gateways to Lower Normandy (Bas Normandie in French) commonly know as Calvados (after which the apple brandy was named). This apple brandy coming from the bocage (hedgerow) country apple orchards where 2^nd Armored “slug it out” in 1944.

From the port we will make our way to the Assembly Camp above the Omaha landing beach where we will spend the first night in ‘liberated France’.  Opposite you will see the small Château of Vierville-sur-Mer which was used by US officers shortly after the landings were established in the area.

Participants from Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France will be joining us during the day and evening in preparation for the Tour, during the day all crews and kit can be assigned to their correct vehicle, radio communications fitted and tested and vehicles given a last check over. During the afternoon there will be time to visit the Omaha Museum, Cemetery and Beach.  Meanwhile the kitchen crew will have their first chance to prepare a meal in the field,  a briefing will follow to outline the organisation of the Tour, covering convoy driving, radio procedures, MP duty, uniform and conduct.

Enjoy the atmosphere, visit the bars below along the seaside and muse over the incredible landings that took place at this now peaceful beach.

Head Chef at work in Elbeuf, France

Sept 2004

Today will see the convoy moving off after briefing. The route has been chosen to pass localities which were mentioned in Marc Bando’s book – ‘Breakout at Normandy’. After breaking camp the convoy will form up along the Omaha landing beach, take a look to the right and up towards the cliffs that overlook the beach. It is from these cliffs that the defending German army stood and fought to defend Hitler’s Atlantic Wall with wave after wave of deadly machine gun fire. Such was the difficulty of getting the forward troops established on this beach that the waves of sea water eventually rolled in red with blood. It is here that many good men were lost and it is indeed perhaps the most fitting place to have established the US Military Cemetery on the heights overlooking Omaha beach. Before we move off we will visit the rarely visited memorial to 2^nd Armored Division at the eastern end of the beach.

 The Tour will leave the beach area up the route of the original track that 2^nd Armored used in 1944 and onward in the direction of Formigny, this route was used considerably both by 2nd and numerous other units whilst travelling inland from the beachhead. The convoy will cross over the new dual carriageway which is a current modern day enlargement of the old wartime road.

Then the convoy will travel to Trevières. In the area of this Normandy village some of the first skirmishes involving elements of 2^nd Armored took place. Indeed during the 40^th Anniversary of liberation I actually found pieces of vehicles in the hedgerow surrounding this village, you can imagine my surprise when I realised that possibly these were pieces of vehicles from 2^nd Armored.  We will then travel southwards towards the village of Blay,  here again this village is mentioned in Breakout at Normandy and is within the one time British operational area during the summer of 1944.  We will then travel onto Le Molay-Littry where at La Mine was 2^nd Armoured’s, 2^nd Operational HQ. This market town is an important crossroad town and was of paramount importance during the Normandy campaign. This is why 2^nd Armored had their HQ here.

It should be noted that when later counter attacks took place by the Germans, then the HQ was moved back again towards the beachhead, only shortly after coming back to La Mine. Operations from 2^nd often went down to Balleroy and were operating in conjunction with their British counterparts in this area. In fact one month was spent in this area training and in support of the British 7^th Armoured Division commonly know as the ‘Desert Rats’.   The remaining route to be taken on this day will head more inland Northwards back towards the hinterland of Carentan. En route you will be passing through Bernesq, Bricqueville, Colombières, Vouilly, Les Oubeaux and finally reaching Camp 2, which is ideally situated 5kms South of Isigny sur Mer. Our camp will be on the site of an old château which was demolished during the French Revolution, the chapel for which is still in existence just opposite the lane.  This is a remote area and it is at this point where night patrols would be likely to take place.  The open countryside would also be suitable for those wishing to play baseball. We will be very close to Carentan where 2^nd Armored  reinforced the 101^st Airborne and finally managed to stop the Germans units trying to force a wedge between the two US landing zones, Utah beach and Omaha beach. In between the latter of course was the infamous Pointe du Hoc, where the very difficult task of scaling the sheer cliffs had been undertaken.

Enjoy then your second night in Normandy and remember, your are in a remote area where fighting actually took place just outside of Isigny sur Mer. It is at this point where Johnnie will propose to take those that want to into Carentan and explain what took place at this famous town, which was the scene of bitter fighting. It should be remembered of course that Carentan was a major rail depot in Normandy and was bombed heavily as the lead up to D Day. The atmosphere on this night promises to be electric, in the heart of the Normandy countryside, just inland from the landing beaches.

 Good Morning and welcome to rough terrain, after briefing in the morning, the convoy will assemble and wind its way cross country for some 5 kms.  Most of the routing will be undertaken on farm tracks, but at one point, the convoy  will have to cross the river utilising  an old ford into a village called Montmartin-en-Graignes. After our crossing we will head on towards Saint-Jean-de-Daye as the convoy “ploughs onward to Saint-Fromond and then Le Dézert, here we are heading into “bandit country”. It is at this point where German resistance was particularly stubborn and this of course included the Panzer Lehr, in fact it was from this area where 2^nd started to move forward and take up its position behind the bombardment area that was to precede the breakout or breakthrough to launch “Operation Cobra”. The route which will include the passing of the convoy near the Château de la Mare de Cavigny (where the 2^nd SS Engineer Battalion were active) and then on to Pont Hébert and thus getting closer to the concentrated bombing area just West of St Lô on the southern side of the St Lô – Periers road. As we enter Hébécrevon, it should be noted that we are now in the bombing zone of 25^th July 1944 during which an area of 7kms by 2.4kms deep between the River Lozon and Hébécrevon was hit. This had a devastating effect on the Axis forces in the area and so too it also hit some US units but the desired effect was obtained and this enabled the US forces to punch a hole through the German lines and thus exploit the breakthrough.

2nd Armored was by and large a fast driving force that exploited this tactic and then found themselves operating behind enemy lines in a now fragmented German front.  The bombing is best described by a quote from an official report by Chrstopher Pugsley in his book

“Operation Cobra” in which he refers to the following ;

“From H-80 minutes to H-60 minutes seven groups of fighter-bombers were to work on the enemy positions immediately south of the Periers – St. Lô road, followed by 1,800 “Liberators” and “Flying Fortresses” from H-60 to H-hour with a clearly defined bombing area south of the enemy’s forward positions just below the Periers-St. Lô road; then the fighter-bombers were to return to the strip right along the road….. and from H-30 to H+5 minutes the 390 medium bombers were to hit the same area as the ‘Heavies’ and then be available on turn-around for additional request”.

                               The attack lasted one and one half hours!

The main bombardment had been preceded by seven waves of P47’s which dived repeatedly strafing and dropping incendiary bombs on any German anti-aircraft positions  that could be seen from the air. Then came the main wave of bombers and this included the dropping of some 3,431 tons of explosives, then the P38 fighters followed for some  20 minutes with further incendiaries. Lastly came the 400 medium bombers who finally shattered any remaining hope that the inferno was over. Subsequent reports from the German angle had said that up to half of the Panzer Lehr Division had been destroyed in the raid and a vast amount of supplies and fuel had also been devastated.

So started the breakout in Normandy. It should be understood that the ferocity of this bombardment was unsurpassed in aerial warfare at that time and it was a desperate measure to ensure that “Operation Cobra” had an effective start. Montgomery’s own attempt at breakout at   Caen had become a virtual stalemate and the whole success of the Normandy campaign now rested on this VII corps plan. In the thick of this vital plan was 2^nd Armored and it should never be forgotten what an essential role they played in ensuring this breakthrough of the enemy lines, now fragmented.   2^nd now finding themselves operating behind enemy lines in places with the “tenacity” of a “raging bull” running riot in a ‘Spanish village’, this then, was Patton’s ideology in 2^nd Armored going about its ‘business’.

From Hébécrevon we move on to Saint-Gilles and 2^nd Armored’s classic push forward!

Whilst the Germans were trying everything in their power to stop any Allied unit coming through, 2^nd proved to be particularly “evasive”. This is best described in the following quote again from Christopher Pugsley’s book “Operation Cobra”;

“Roadblocks were sited down the road. Brigadier General Rose’s CC A, 2^nd Armored Division drove out in   single column along the D77 heading from St. Gilles and beyond. Rose planned to attack with two battalions, 2/66^th Armor on the right and 3/66^th Armor on the left, each accompanied by a company of 22^nd Armored Infantry Regiment”.

 

What ensued, can only be described as being “sensational”, instead of ploughing on down the “bocage” road as the Germans expected (the Germans being dug in behind the high hedgerows in ambush), the armoured units ably supported by their accompanying infantry, swung off the road and into the fields and then literally behind the Germans (who were facing the roadway) picked them off and forced them out of their fox-holes. The result of the armoured units forming a ‘defensive square’ was such that it resulted in the “blasting through” of the column. In this way, the hedgerow “hopping” was developed by 2^nd which was so successful that it would soon become a thing of the past for them, meanwhile, the thrust southwards continued.  Subsequently nearly 200 bombers attacked the town of St. Gilles whilst the Germans hung on desperately to curb the advance. This was needless to say futile and 2^nd continued on its way to CANISSY.

It should be noted at this point that 2^nds “raison d’être” in Cobra was effectively to provide a security fence around it, 2^nd was so successful in exploiting the breakthrough that they now became the main thrust in VII corps. German communications and thus the command structure had been so damaged by the sudden “punch” through of their lines that they were now in a state of disarray. Major General Collins had realised this fact, unlike his troops and thus ordered the armoured divisions forward without further delay. It should be realised that most of the towns and villages in the area at this time had a 70% damage rate inflicted upon them as a direct consequence of the bombing. Shortages on domestic supplies were now prevalent as the number of cattle that had been killed in the fighting precluded many farms from

providing any milk etc at all. Apple orchards were completely wiped out, the roads now took on the appearance of a lunar landscape and for vehicles moving around due to debris from buildings and of course destroyed vehicles etc., the going was tough. In one particular village according to the current day Mayor, there were three survivors! Please do not forget that it is this area in Normandy that knows only too well  the meaning of suffering. I also heard tell of a family that hid under the kitchen table absolutely petrified during the bombing and that they spent the night under it in fear of their lives even though the bombing had ceased.

Pvt. Joseph De Freitos from Jonkers, New York of the 41^st AIR, heats up cans of rations on his  small individual stove, in Pont-Brocard, France, July 1944

As we reach CANISY, this will conclude our “run” for the day. We will make camp at the Château at Canisy which was damaged during WWII by the allied bombing and was subsequently restored by its owners in recent times. Our sincere thanks go to Monsieur le Comte de  Kergorlay and his family for their hospitality. Please treat the grounds of the Château with respect and please do no drop any litter etc. 2nd Armored is honoured to have an invitation such as this! We hope that you will enjoy your stay here and take the opportunity to delve into the history of the Château and its family.

This will be our base camp for two nights. In this town are several bars and it hoped to march into town and then disperse for the evening after briefing, firstly having established camp.

M8 from 2^nd Platoon, 82^nd Recon,

2^nd Armored Division entering Canis, France 29^th July 1944

Today, whilst the day has been planned loosely around the ‘breakout’, we will include the visit of some of the towns that were virtually wiped out due to the bombing which took part as the “opening” to “Operation Cobra”. We will set off in the morning after briefing and travel some 3kms north back to St Gilles, turn left and then take the road to Le Mesnil- Amey and then into Marigny, here we will visit the German cemetery which was originally a temporary site in which there were also American servicemen interred, the Americans later being exhumed and re-interred   at Omaha after the war.  Then, the cemetery which included German war  dead  from fields and other smaller cemeteries from around the area were gathered together and then the official German cemetery was established.  Here you will see the grave of Lt. Col. Christian Tychsen the colourful commander of the SS Panzer Division of Das Reich.  His death was attributed to the actions undertaken by 2^nd Armored Division in July 1944. After the stop at the cemetery we will enter into Marigny itself which was in the thick of it during July. It was in a nearby hamlet that I spoke of a family that spent the night after the bombing under the table. Well nearby them, their relatives had taken in and hid four paratroopers that had got lost. Two were British and two were American,  the ensuing search by the SS for these four resulted in the paratroopers being protected by the locals and then as a consequence four of the young boys (15 years old) who were considered to be elements of the local resistance were shot outside the Mairie in the hamlet concerned. 

M3A1Halftrack ‘Daring’ from D Co., 1^st Bn., 41^st Armored Infantry Regiment passing through Cantigny, France, 31^st August 1944

During 2003 the writer was invited to a ceremony to commemorate this event and two of the paratroopers returned. The whole village came out in number. The atmosphere was emotive and a sombre church service took place, the church was filled to capacity and then a subsequent reception at the town hall was something to be believed. Here I heard tales of the families that were caught in the midst of the fighting, I visited farms that were as they were some 60 years earlier. Met the father of two of the boys that were shot and the whole thing became very emotional, a whole village in mourning, as though it had happened yesterday!

Generally in this area, the war years are remembered in a more emotive way.  Families that were there during the war still have their roots there, unlike many other villages in Normandy, here they have stayed, families that have been there for hundreds of years are still making their cider and tilling the land. This is ‘Bocage’ country the hedgerow country here it all happened and where 2^nd Armored were “un-leashed”.  Major General Collins described 2nds exploits in this area as “some of the wildest mêlées of the war”.  So then was the reputation of “Hell on Wheels” born! As we move further west on this day, we will in fact be moving more into the area covered by 3^rd Armored for a while, but its an essential area to cover as the breakthrough was a partnership mainly between these  Divisions not to forget of course, the infantry units who were a very necessary equation in this problematic “bocage” zone.

Whilst proceeding on this route for today’s “tour” it should be borne in mind, that the failure of Operation Goodwood at Caen had been responsible for caution by VII Corps and its objectives.  As an objective, so Coutances was set, but reluctantly General Bradley was agreeable to this being the target, which hitherto far exceeded in depth anything that was previously achieved in the Normandy campaign and thus gave him cause for concern. Here, VII corps were breaking new ground. The result of the drive to Countaces is well known, in fact the Germans referred to it as the “Coutances Cauldron”. Whilst, Goodwood was not so successful, it is nevertheless significant in that it held at bay German armour which would otherwise have undoubtedly been put to use in the American sector.

Troops from the 17^th Armored Engineers, 2nd Armored Division clear a lane blocked by debris in Canisy France, 27^th July 1944

As we pass through, Le Lorey, Camprond, Cambernon and then Coutances, it should be remembered that this was a thrust to cut off this part of the Contentin peninsular and secure the route for 3^rd Army before it too was “unleashed”. The achievement of the objective by the 3^rd Armored division was remarkable for as it was moving west, so further south 2nd Armored were already moving through “Indian country” and at one point reached Bréhal where the sea could be seen. It seemed that 2^nd was indeed achieving its objectives and more, it was running off the map in terms of its objectives.  After Countances our next town en route is Nicorps and then Ouville. Here we are now back into 2^nd Armored zone, our next village is Montpinchon, here the 17^th SS Panzer Grenadier Division had their HQ.  Next is Cersiy la Salle it is from here, that on the night of 27/28^th July 1944 that a German column was fired on by Sergeant James Cermak. He fired upon half tracks and motorbikes at a range of between 50 – 100 metres. This action went on into the early hours and he literally took them out one by one.  We now move on to le Pont Brocard. It was here that the village was taken by Col Disney’s column, 41^st Armored infantry then being deployed to hold the bridge at this point. Here we go north going against the flow of the action of 1944. Our next town en route is Dangy, this again was taken by Col Disney’s column. The forward thrust used a combination of reconnaissance which then brought in air and artillery strikes on German positions. This was then followed by armour and motorized infantry. The infantry was then utilised to clear buildings and hedgerows (bocage) backed up by covering fire from tanks.  This is the area where 82^nd Recon were and whilst we are going past this point in fact the wrong way, it does perhaps give us a better perspective and understanding of the campaign. After we have arrived at Quibo, we will dismount here and visit this village which also has a memorial to 2^nd Armored. 

This is a village which suffered greatly during the taking of nearby Canissy. Canissy itself being virtually destroyed and certainly the Château at which we will be staying  again for the second night was extensively damaged by bombing. The method employed by recon units such as 82^nd did utilise back up as previously stated and it is this air power and artillery backup that virtually set Canissy ablaze and also Quibo where there were very few civilians left alive after the breakthrough by 2^nd.  We are now some 2kms from Canissy where we will return for our last night at the Château.

After briefing, the convoy will move of in the direction of Saint-Martin-de-Bonfossé this is Brigadier General Rose’s CCA route and will take us on to Saint-Samson-de-Bonfossé, le Mesnil Herman, Le Mesnil-Opac,  Moyon and then Tessy-sur-Vire. It is on this route that 2^nd CC A command became the main thrust for VII corps. We will then move on towards the west coast road via Beaucoudray and then Villebaudan where a Panzer IV was knocked out together with 6 German recon vehicles. At the time the US forces lost 3 tanks which were later recovered.  Later counterattacks by the Germans would subsequently leave this cross road littered with destroyed armour.  The road leading north and south on the cross road of the D13 at this point  later became the liberty highway now named the D999. We will then pass by the commune of Maupertuis then on to Hambye where the 15^th century ruined abbey is located.  Our final destination will be St. Denis le Gast. It is here that we will stay for two nights in the area of La lande des Morts.

It is this area where during the 100 years war the English fought the French and a significant number were killed on both sides, after this encounter throughout the centuries the area became know as the land of the dead! This happened again in 1944 in virtually the same area. You might see some ghosts, but from which century?

Whilst the “run” for the day is not long, once camp has been established, the touring party will have the opportunity to see the locality. There are several bars in St Denis le Gast and of course the restaurant/hotel which features in Marc Bando’s book. The rest of the night is likely to be interesting!

What do we understand about the land of the dead! Just what it says - its descriptive title is in fact reality. History having repeated itself in this hedgerow country twice. The first during the 100 years war and then again in WWII. It is in this area that 2^nd Armored made its presence felt in no uncertain terms. In fact what happened during 1944 was in my view comparable to that operation that took place in the Gulf War in more recent times and which was labelled as “Shock & Awe”. When I was researching the area and had read numerous  witness accounts of various actions by the US soldiers, I was left speechless. On several occasions  I re-read ‘accounts’ to try and comprehend exactly what was being experienced by both sides at the time. Whilst I could understand the American’s actions and indeed “raison d’être” I had difficulty in comprehending the German side of the actions. I can only surmise what they were in fact experiencing - “shock & awe”, for they were not expecting what was happening to them to happen. Yes they knew that the Allies had landed and they new that there was the nearby ‘saturation’ bombing and that there were skirmishes happening here and there. They would have also been aware of the operations around Caen.  They would of thought that by and large the beachheads had been “capped”. Just for one minute imagine this,  being in your unit with your vehicles moving south away from the bombed out area to regroup.  Then within the next 24 hours you are attacked from every conceivable side! Your communications are confused and at worst ‘down’ and you have no reasonable means of command in operation and then as you think you are just about beginning to make it out of the confusion and carnage you suddenly meet the determined units of 2^nd Armored, doing what they did best, creating havoc and indeed running rings around you. They are both operating on two sides of you and attacking sporadically from your rear! Then you get another attack from the front, which way do you turn? Then the “raiders” come in from the sky and you have no place to hide and no place to run to.  Sounds fantastic doesn’t it? No, it was reality, that was by and large a description of what happened in “la lande des morts”. The witness accounts are almost unbelievable and in many cases are heroic, but those that survived to tell the tale wouldn’t dare to call themselves heroes, but that is what they were. Their actions were beyond the call of duty.  I think that it is easy for us to read and try and understand what is written, but put yourself in a live combat situation up against some of the finest storm troopers in history and then try to understand the German point of view trying to operate with the hope that Panzer Lehr would come to the rescue, not knowing of course, that the ‘Lehr’ had, by and large been destroyed.  This then was the situation in this area, being virtually at the southern limit of the bocage country. Further south more open areas being prevalent and then finally reaching the Falaise area which again was mainly comprised of bocage country and which was to result in the virtual annihilation of the German VIIth Army. This of course being the result of the retreating Germans being ‘funnelled’ into a pocket. 2^nd Armored at this point being in the process of moving up towards Elbeuf where 2004’s  tour commenced. The resulting “hammerhead” being struck initially by Polish 1^st Armored Division and elements of Pattons 3^rd Army in the south coming up to the front  (after having overrun Brittany). The Battle of the Falaise pocket then being reinforced by British and Canadian elements, this however is another story, but it is important to get an overall view of the operation before being able to understand the resulting struggle for the Germans to try and escape.

Our tour on this day will start at “La Voltolaine”, it is here that a night time skirmish took place in the confusion of retreating Germans and the patrols of 2^nd Armored.   From here we move off towards Saint-Martin-de-Cenilly which also features in numerous reports of night time actions which took place over three nights around 26^th, 27^th and 28^th July 1944.  This area being by and large in the hands of the Germans, but being infiltrated by 2^nd as and when it found it necessary. Another action is reported on the St Denis le Gast cross road when a German column tried to push through and was severely hit, only to move off to the west in the direction of Lengronne. Both the D13 and D7 being very important to the Germans as routes of escape. However, it was these same roads that were being patrolled by “sky raiders” and any German unit moving along the latter roads ran the gauntlet of being strafed and even bombed. Our attention is now to the north of this area and in particular the D38 which from the evidence to hand suggests that the Germans were trying to keep this route open for escaping units from the bombing zone, but as 2^nd Armored were persistently pushing through the area, thus making the Germans life ‘hell’, so the legend of the land of the dead was to be re-born.

Frenchman Jules Lecouer greets members of

 B Company, 41^st AIR on the D51 just north

of  Hambye on 29^th June 1944

We will then take a look at the are known as La Pinetiere on the morning of 29^th July this action was in fact similar to that of la Voltolaine in that German armour was moving south along the D27 from the general direction of Roncey when it happened upon the cross road of La Pinetitere in fact the action actually took place at La Pompe which is by and large adjacent to La Pinetiere. This action took place in the early morning when it was virtually dark. Approximately 15 German tanks accompanied by some 200 Fallschirmjäger troops came up against the American forces. In the area of La Pompe of course were elements of CC B of 2^nd and 82^nd Recon which respectively covered the areas to the North west and North east corners on the intersection.  The nearby town of Notre Dame de Cenilly already under occupation by American 'A' battery which was engaged in shelling in the direction of Cambry some 11kms away close to the D7 road.  After the position was initially overrun, the retaliation that took place led to one individual (Robert Lohr)  receiving the Silver Star and was subsequently sent back ‘state side’ after being hospitalised in England. He subsequently appeared in Stars and Stripes.

The exact details of this action are better left to the reading of Marc Bando’s book ‘Breakout at Normandy’ in which he explains in great detail the various accounts of actions that took place in this area.

From La Pompe, we move off through Notre Dame de Cenilly and take the right hand fork to loop onto the southern end of Pont Brocard, we will then travel back to Notre Dame de Cenilly.  It is in this triangle that the Americans were counter attacked by Self propelled German artillery pieces together with infantry; In this action, all of the ‘domestic’ servicemen in the US army in the immediate area were utilised to support the M7s (Priests) as they were firing beyond sight of target toward the ‘Bois de Souelles’ 6kms to the east. The counter attack was successfully repulsed and some 150 German dead were found after the dust had settled.

From this point we move to Roncey and the so-called “Cauldron of Roncey” as it was known by the Germans. Here the fighting was bitter. The battle was a violent but short ‘affair’. It was at this point that 2^nd SS Panzer Division grouped to support the retreating Germans from Cerisy-la-Salle and Monpinchon.  It was in this town that several hundred German vehicles were spotted from the Air, a subsequent combined air and artillery attack resulted in the Germans loosing some 250 vehicles during which time, the village was devastated. Some six civilians were killed and the US army when they arrived had to literally bulldoze their way through, due to the array of destroyed vehicles and the remnants of some 46 houses. These houses after the Germans finally moved out were set fire to by the Waffen SS.  From this village we will then move on back to wards the D49 where the German convoy was completely destroyed.

On the night of 29^th July a massed German column of SS vehicles and men were in retreat from the Cauldron of Coutance and nearby Roncey.  One of the main escape route being the D58 running from Roncey towards Hambye. This road intersected the D38 which was now covered for 7 miles by 2^nd Armored. Here from Saint-Martin-de-Cenilly to St Denis le Gast it was completely blocked by US forces and indeed the vehicles and troops were spread into the bordering fields.  This meant that the SS troops trying to retreat in the direction of Percy were going head on towards the heavily occupied D38, 2^nd Armored and supporting units.  Elements of Das Reich were also in retreat in the area after their ‘treatment’ in Roncey! It should be realised of course that at this time in 1944 most of the roads in the area were in fact dirt tracks and every conceivable “roadway” was being used by the retreating Germans.  Added to the above, there were also SS Panzergrenadiers, Wehrmacht infantry and parachutists making their way through the maze of hedgerows,  lanes and fields.  It should be noted that many of theses retreating Germans were in fact hardened troops that had been baptized in Russia.  Certainly fighting their way out of entrapment was nothing new to them, many of them would succeed in getting through the armoured ring created by 2^nd Armored, but similarly many would also die trying to outwit ‘Hell on Wheels’. Here then was the scene for ‘la Voltolaine’ crossroads and later on the ‘La Pinetière’ crossroads.  This then is ‘Death Night’ and all that is associated with it.  It remains to be seen whether you will sleep sound in your sleeping bags on this night!

Troops of 41^st AIR, 2^nd Armoured Division near Pont-Brocard, France 28^th July 1944

After briefing in the morning, the convoy will form up and move off across the cross road at St Denis le Gast and travel southwards on the D38 to Gavry.  The bridge at Gavray was an important strategic point as the bridge in this town was badly needed as the Germans needed an escape route south to Percy.  Thus establishing a line of defence to hold the Operation Cobra breakout. In reality, it was too late, 2^nd had already beaten them to it in fact it was largely due to 2nds actions that the German command had  virtually collapsed.  German high command now fleeing in the direction of Mortain. The German frontline now being very fragmented and which was now being reinforced by elements taken from the Caen area.  From Gavray we will travel in the direction of the old Abbey at Hambye dating back to the 15^th century, we will pass this area and then take the “back door” into Percy.  Here we cross the famous “liberty highway” and then onto Le Chefresne. It is just outside this town where we will visit the American cemetery and pay our respects.  This town is particularly proud of their cemetery and whilst the planning for the tour was being undertaken, they wrote back and asked if we knew about their cemetery? To my great embarrassment I had to search for it on the internet and there it was! Many such locations have come to light during the planning and we are indebted to the communes for their assistance.

M8’s of 2^nd Platoon, ‘C’ Company,  82^nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2AD, pass through St. Saver Calvados on 3^rd August 1944

After this stop we will head off to Margueray,  cross over the A84, go through Montbray, Morigny, Sept-Frerès, Courson and then finally Saint-Sever-Calvados. Here we will lay a wreath at the memorial to 2^nd Armored and will stay stop for the night. Some interesting comparisons to be made in this town with scenes from WWII featuring M8 armoured cars.

Good morning and welcome to the trail of 82^nd Recon. As we set out from our camp after the morning briefing, we will be following the trail that was lefty by 82^nd Recon.  We will zig zag our way along driving through each town and village that has a connection with this the legendary ‘82^nd Recon’.

First on our list for the day is Saint-Manvieu-Bocage followed by; Champ-du-Boult, Gathemo, Vengeons, Sourdeval, Mortain, Bion, Saint-Jean-du-Corail reaching Barenton (2^nd Armored HQ  10^th August 1944) and then St. Georges de Rouelley. This is our next overnight stop with a difference! Here we actually have a memorial to 82^nd Recon and it is in this village that we will have a wreath laying ceremony.  It is particularly significant that we should be staying in this area, as during 8th August in 1944 one half mile to the west of the village of St Georges de Rouelley an M8 was hit and destroyed by an 88mm shell. 

Those who were killed in action are thus remembered;

“Here we leave for all times a reminder that all men who fought for freedom, wherever it may be, should be recognized, and the people they fight for should know who they were and where they came from”.

 (Written by Howard Swonger, 30 August 2000 )

 Copyright © 2005 2ndarmoredhellonwheels.com

It is dedicated to:

T/5 Allen P. Robichaux, ASN: 14046298 LA.,

 2/Lt. William L. Shampnois ASN: 01013502, NY.

Pvt. James H. Shelton ASN: 35214578 WV.

All of Company ‘A’ 82^nd Reconnaissance Battalion

Also, to all other members of A Co. 82nd RECON Bn., who were Killed In Action, the ones that are now deceased and the ones that are living.

During the construction of the memorial (on August 30, 1999) from around the site about 19 pieces of the M8 that was pushed into the side area of the road where it was hit were found, ( the M-8 was hit by a enemy 88mm on 8 August 1944. ) all of those pieces were put into the foundation. The dedication took place on the 30 August 2000. Attending the formal unveiling and the dedication ceremony from the United States, were the following: Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kilpatrick, and son Bill. Mr. & Mrs. Howard Swonger, son Ronald and guest Ms. Tara Stewart. Also attending were the family of Lt. William Shampnois, Mr. & Mrs. Everette Shampnois and son Brian. (Everette was the younger brother of Lt. Shampnois) 

Good Morning to one and all, today we will be covering more miles than we have been accustomed to during the past week or so. Whilst we are en route we will still be on the trail of 2^nd Armored, but we will be travelling in convoy to reach our destination as soon as we can (this may be reminiscent of the 2004 tour). Argentan and our last night (sad) in France is beckoning.  After the morning briefing we will form up and move out the villages and town en route willinclude; Rouellé, Domfront, Saint-Michel-des-Andaines, La Ferté-Macé, Rânes, Sevrai, Fontenai-sur-Orne and finally Argentan.  Here we hope to arrive in the early afternoon, establish camp and prepare to march into town for the evening.  We anticipate an exciting evening, where the whole group can gather and where those awful speeches can get an airing. Giving a speech will not be a prerequisite, but the going is likely to be emotional. I can remember that on the 2004 the First Sergeant had at least 4 proposals of marriage and that wasn’t from the girls!

Argentan is located some 190kms from Paris and 57kms from Caen. The town has some 17,500 inhabitants. The town possesses a race course which was virtually destroyed during the battle for Normandy and subsequently restored after the war in 1947 by volunteers. It also possesses a considerable number of hotels and numerous chateaus.  There are a number of historical buildings of various ages with the earliest dating back to the 14^th century.  Some 80% of the town was virtually destroyed during the closing stages of the battle for Normandy and it has subsequently been rebuilt.  The town was known for its lace industry which dated back to the 17^th century and has limestone quarrying.  The town is also known for its leatherworking and stained glass window making facilities.  Apart from the above, it has a good night out rating and has been responsible for the writer having some 8 or 9 hangovers in the past. Thoroughly recommended (in moderation of course). Enjoy then your last night in la belle France in this historic town of Argentan.

Good Morning, how’s the head, not too “fuzzy”.  Today briefing will be very important, whilst this will be a sad day for us all, it will also be a busy day! It is important that you listen carefully to the First Sergeant and his instructions.

Convoy will move off as soon as. Direction of Falaise, some 22kms away, here we will hold outside the town waiting the Municipal Police.  It is proposed to march through this the birthplace of William the Conqueror.  It should also be noted that during WWII it was a town that suffered badly, in the thick of the fighting and at time found itself in an impossible position with advancing and retreating armies. This however was nothing new for Falaise as history has repeated itself since the days of William the Conqueror over and over and this is why this town is one of Normandy’s fortified towns.

After the procession, the troops will remount their vehicles and then drive in convoy to Caen. Upon arrival on the outskirts of Caen, the convoy will hold in a pre-designated area and await the escorts.  The convoy will then proceed to dismount its troops and they will form up for the march through Caen on a pre-designated route.  It is hopes that this will take place during the course of the afternoon, after which the troops will remount their vehicles and the convoy will leave in the direction of Ouistreham for eventual embarkation on the Ferry for the UK.

 

  

 

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February 2006