Our next stop is Pointe-du-hoc and discuss the amazing actions of the US Rangers, who had to scale the cliffs under almost impossible conditions in order to assault the German guns.

Pointe-du-Hoc was one of thousands of German strongholds that made up the defences along the coast known as the Atlantic Wall.

Omaha Beach – we then travel to Omaha Beach via the 9^th U.S. Airfield Monument, Widerstandsnest 73, 6^th Engineer Special Brigade Memorial and Plaque commemorating the Headquarters of the 11^th Port Company U.S. Army and the location of the first U.S. Cemetery (temporary) established during the initial period at the beginning of the liberation of France.

A short stop to view the monument commemorating the temporary airfield built for the 366th fighter group of the 9th US Airforce.

We find out the about the significant problems that this part of the fortifications caused for U.S. troops landing on D-Day.

We look at some of the various fortified German installations, such as Wn 73 was located on the western flank of the German defences along with Wn 72 & Wn 71.

A further short stop at the 6^th Engineer Special Brigade Memorial

Headquarters 11th Port was a part of the Provisional Engineer Special Brigade Group and were located here between 8 June - 21 July 1944.

Situated along the beach codenamed Omaha a poignant spot near the beach a monument can be seen at the site of the first American cemetery which was directly on from the beach. With most of the graves being transferred to the American cemetery in Colleville Sur Mer.

** The number and locations at which we stop are dependent on time and preference of the group. ***

Timings can be flexible dependent upon the group and length of time spent at each of the few stops on the tour, but this will be in the region of 13.25 – 14.25.

Restaurant L’Omaha

Burgers, fries, seafood and salads – Good reviews

La Sapiniere

Fish & Chips, seafood, salads and desserts – Good reviews

PLAGE d'OR Bar Brasserie

Seafood, salads, fish & chips – Good reviews

From Pointe-du-hoc we arrive at the Omaha beach area where different sectors of this landing area were designated as Charlie, Dog Green, Dog White, Dog Red, Easy Green, Easy Red, Fox Green, Fox Red.– and where the defences consisted of fortified bunkers, gun batteries along with beach, barbed wire and landmines.

Here we look at the involvement of the U.S. 1^st and 29^th Infantry Divisions and visit one or more of the following:

1. Monument of the 1st US Infantry Division

A tall grey granite obelisk with the names of all the soldiers killed during the Normandy landings in this sector.

The obelisk stands in the middle of the area of Widerstandsnest (WN62). WN62 was one of the strongest defending positions in that area.

1. National Guard Monument Memorial,

The National Guard Monument sits on the spot (WN72) where the 29th National Guard Division broke through German defences on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The monument and the original bunker which it sits atop are maintained to preserve the legacy and pay honour to all National Guardsmen who have fought in the European theatre.

iii.      Monument The Braves

A monumental work by sculptor Anilore Banon which pay tribute to the courage of Allied Forces soldiers. Les Braves Memorial Monument can be found on the centre of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The monument consists of three elements: ‘The Wings of Hope’, ‘Rise, Freedom!’ and ‘The Wings of Fraternity’.

1. 5^th Ranger Battalion Memorial

Memorial to the 5^th Ranger Battalion, where A, B & C companies landed under extreme enemy fire. The Rangers eventually making a breakthrough that allowed troops from the 29thn Infantry Division to move through and secure this sector of the landing beaches.

Omaha Beach Museum - ** Please note: This is Optional depending upon time and group preference. **

The museum is situated on Omaha Beach where the Allied landings took place.

It offers an insight into daily lives of all those involved in what has become known as “Bloody Omaha”.

Featuring different times of the period from occupation to the D-Day landings.

Entry fees:

Adults: 7,50 €
Children: 4,50€ up to 15 years of age.

Closed November, December & January

A tall grey granite obelisk with the names of all the soldiers killed during the Normandy landings in this sector.

The obelisk stands in the middle of the area of Widerstandsnest (WN62). WN62 was one of the strongest defending positions in that area.

The National Guard Monument sits on the spot (WN72) where the 29th National Guard Division broke through German defences on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The monument and the original bunker which it sits atop are maintained to preserve the legacy and pay honour to all National Guardsmen who have fought on D Day.

A monumental work by sculptor Anilore Banon which pay tribute to the courage of Allied Forces soldiers. Les Braves Memorial Monument can be found on the centre of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The monument consists of three elements: ‘The Wings of Hope’, ‘Rise, Freedom!’ and ‘The Wings of Fraternity’.

Memorial to the 5^th Ranger Battalion, where A, B & C companies landed under extreme enemy fire. The Rangers eventually making a breakthrough that allowed troops from the 29thn Infantry Division to move through and secure this sector of the landing beaches.

** Please note: This is Optional depending upon time and group preference. **

The museum is situated on Omaha Beach where the Allied landings took place.

It offers an insight into daily lives of all those involved in what has become known as “Bloody Omaha”.

Featuring different times of the period from occupation to the D-Day landings.

Entry fees:

Adults: 7,50 €
Children: 4,50€ up to 15 years of age.

Closed November, December & January

Our final stop of the tour is the American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer which overlooks Omaha Beach nearby. A beautifully maintained 180-acre site containing 9,387 perfectly aligned white crosses and a memorial chapel which adds the finishing touches to this moving scene, allowing visitors to reflect on the price of war.

This is a truly humbling experience but an appropriate way to end the tour and to have the opportunity to pay respects to so many who gave so much.