Smithy

Found the Gendamarie on the whole very good. Was speaking to one on the 6th at Arromanches who told me they had 500 on duty in that particular area alone on that day! In all, although there was some pre-worries about the passes and what it would entail, like many others we didn't get stopped all day on the 6th when inside the zone. Thought that organisation wise the cutting of fields for car parking around most Normandy sites was a great move. Made it very easy for those both travelling by car, like ourselves, and also in a military vehicle.

Indeed it was, don't know was more surprised us or him! I'll get around to posting some soon. Scott

I only saw the one as well Richard, at Gold Beach Camp. PS - Good to meet you whilst over in Normandy. Scott

Was great to see the truck again Guy, and also yourself of course! Hope you had a good trip home. Scott

I use Instagram, scott_629, and found it really interesting during the last week with the hashtag #dday70 throwing up a number of great images people had taken not only in Normandy but throughout the world on this special week. I documented quite a bit of my travels on Instsgram and twitter this last week or so. This is where Social Media really comes into its own. Scott

Hi Jason, I believe Mr Izzard's father was a Normandy Veteran. However something I do know 100% is that he along with another gentleman each year pay for both flights and accommodation of any Normandy Veteran and a family member who wants to go back to France. I know this as a Vet from our town was able to take advantage of this generous offer this year, along with numerous others. I'm looking forward to sitting down and watching the commemorations, which I have saved on the box. Viewing in Arromanches was very much restricted this time (compared to five years ago) so hopefully will manage to see and hear what people had to say during the event.

Arrived back home around 1.30am last night after ferry was delayed in both Ouistreham, coming into Portsmouth and then it took us an hour to get off the ferry and through Border Control! Anyway less of that, we had a fantastic trip. Met up with some old friends and made some new ones along the way. Great to see so many veterans in attendance for their rightful moment. Just hope that the traditions can still carry on despite the Normandy Veterans Association soon disbanding. The Gendarme on the whole were pretty helpful, and despite some major concerns before travelling about the passes for the windscreens on 6th June - we didn't once get stopped or be asked to show it! In fact from where we were camping, just inside the control zone, you could have easily got to the beach using the back roads. Overall certainly a trip to remember, in order to thank those who made it possible 70 years ago.

Indeed, the one I believe is from near Wolverhampton so had already had a good journey before departing from Portsmouth! Credit to everyone taking their vehicles on a trip like this, certainly makes our hobby what it is.

Thanks very much for posting these up. Counting down the hours until we are over in France now! Scott

Much appreciated this is Nick. Although I've managed to find out about most major events, this helps pin down a few more. Scott

Sorry to hijack the thread a little, is there much stopping here Tom? I only ask as I'd read online that there might be a camp set-up but hadn't seen anything for sure. Could you provide more details? Not long to go now, safe trip to all making the journey.

For sure Martin will do. Scott

This is one thing that does do my nut in, why people can't get it correct I don't know. However I suppose they are thinking to Joe Public it wouldn't particularly matter. I agree with others, interesting but didn't really show anything that we already didn't know.

Top work Guy. Look forward to seeing it in Normandy.

Although we aren't taking any vehicles over Martin, we are camping at the same place so I will keep an eye out for you and come and say hello. Scott

I've had a response from a very helpful guy at the MOD similar to what you have quoted above in the first paragraph NS. I got my application in ASAP when the form came out. I'm grateful I did after what has happened in the last week as you will probably be sweating a bit with no French authority contact seemingly up and running yet. Something I can't quite understand is how strict they are being this year. I know its probably going to be the last big commemoration and there are going to be a lot more people around, however when we were there five years ago I couldn't believe how simple it was for us to move around and we did everything we wanted to. Even when the motorway was closed in order for Obama to travel direct to the American sector we still managed to navigate around it without too many problems. As stated above I can see a lot of disappointed people on the 6th June this year if they don't know about these restrictions. I suppose if you don't get accreditation and you are staying within the restriction zone then you can still try and get around by foot according to the information I've read. Scott

Just been telling my dad about this and he said he didn't know if it might be a Douglas not a Matador.

Glad you found it Ian, look forward to your further investigations! Scott

It's a Thorneycroft DP I, I think Mike. Scott

Hi Ian, More towards the A531 rather than A525 but you are in the right area. The chassis is sheeted up right by the motorway now. Scott

Yes that RL seemed to just disappear. However that was just before Junction 15 so a good five or so miles from where this one is. It has been here years, I'd say whilst that Bedford RL was still in operation. If you look closely you can see the Matador cab lying on the floor. Glad someone else has seen it though. Scott

Ha yes would have helped if I'd have said which motorway, but you guessed correct Ian in saying the M6. It's pretty visible on the right-hand-side as you head north. After Keele services and before Junction 16. Scott

There has been a Matador sitting between Junctions 15 and 16 (or the other way around dependent on which way you are travelling) in a field on the right-hand-side by a woodpile for a number of years now. The cab came off it about five or so years ago and sits on its front with a sheet over it, whilst the chassis is visible sheeted up by the fence. I wonder if anyone else has spotted it, or even visited it. Always look out for it every time we head north, hoping that some day somebody might save it! Scott

Thanks Trevor. Here is another one which has been seen on the show scene in the last couple of years in the South of England. Scott

Hello Trevor, thanks for the extra information. Is it still with the Williams family do you know or with another showman? I only ask as in the same magazine there was also a showman's caravan as being listed for sale with the same telephone number etc. Scott