Page 9 - OO_2018

FEATURE
Nigel Sudborough (N 65), Jim Burton (N 84), Peter Hawksley, Jeremy Colson (Ldr 65) at the Dunkirk Memorial
Many villages within the Pocket hold stories about the various actions which took place, none less than Le Renouard, where Richard Hallwood (St A 54) and his wife have lived for many years. Richard kindly invited us to the village hall to meet some of his friends and share their stories of life in the Pocket.
We were particularly interested to meet the Mayor, who had not only developed an excellent presentation, but also listed details of both the local Resistance and collaborators alike – just fascinating!
Our final day focussed on US operations on Omaha Beach, which was a considerable challenge to secure. Our guide again drew superb map diagrams in the sand to illustrate the inch-by-inch footholds gained by the troops – it was only after two days that there was a breakout from the beach area.
We finished our tour with a visit to the US Military Cemetery above Omaha Beach, where some 11,000 are buried or described as ‘missing’, a forceful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.
Space does not permit the inclusion of all that we saw, but suffice it to say that overall this was a most enjoyable and informative tour made possible by the considerable help of the Oundle Society office and our outstanding guide. We hope that in the near future we might organise a ‘WW 2 tour’ of Poland – watch this space!
David Hooley, Jim Burton (N 84) (behind Gary Weight), Gary, Alison Arlington, Jill Waterson, Jeremy Colson (Ldr 65), Nigel Sudborough (N 65), Robin Newman, Harry Williamson (St A 55) at Omaha Beach
Gary Weight and Richard Hallwood (St A 54) at Vimoutiers
Gary Weight, Nigel Sudborough (N 65), Roger Baker (C 61), Jill Waterson, Robin Newman at Utah Beach
THE OLD OUNDELIAN 2017 –2018
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