Page 236 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Reflections on the Normandy pilgrimage - 6th to 11th July 2014
For many in our group, this would be their last pilgrimage to Normandy. Seventy years on the number of veterans is diminished. John Majendie, our tour leader, died some six weeks before the journey. John’s widow, Christine, kindly led the trip. With 63 members the trip was a challenge but she pulled it off with aplomb. For many it commemorated the sacrifice and success of the Battle of Normandy. For those that experienced John Majendie’s earlier tours it also an opportunity to remember him. Our group included veterans from Normandy and Italy, wives, families and supporters. Almost all had roots in
Germans as well as soldiers from Belgium, France and Poland are also buried. Thereafter Merville Battery, two miles East of the Orne Estuary, was our next stop before taking lunch. The guns had the capability
to destroy the beach landings and so were an essential early objective for Airborne Forces. A carrier pigeon took the news of hard-earned success back to England. Sword Beach and Hillman Fort were our next objectives. General Hollands was an excellent guide, hugely appreciated by all. A group dinner with French guests followed at which Jean Hamblin gave a superb
the West Country. The Reverend Tim Daplyn, a former Light Infantry officer, accompanied the group as did Pauline a lay-preacher and Christine’s sister.
2,200 commonwealth soldiers lie at Ranville War Cemetary
reading of “I wish I was our Sammy”.
The next day we travelled to Fontaine- Etoupefour, situated at the base of Hill 112. Here we attended
the unveiling of
Major-General Hollands guided the tour on our first day. We began at Pegasus Bridge over the Caen Canal. The stories flowed: six Horsa gliders released at 5,000 feet some 8 miles from the target; the 17 year old who had just joined the German Army from school and was now on sentry duty; Mon and Mde Gondree who ran the local cafe and passed information from conversations among their customers; the landing within 200m of the bridge; and,
the meticulous preparation and training by Major John Howard. The landings had been practiced no fewer than 43 times on similar surroundings near Topsham, Devon. The successful operation prevented German divisions from breaching the Eastern flank of Allied landings.
Some 2,200 commonwealth soldiers lie at Ranville War Cemetary. Hundreds of
a bench commemorating John in the ‘Place John Majendie’. Our Standard Bearers comprising David Hamblin, John Watson, Mike Lewis and David Howells were present and a choir sang. Thereafter another ceremony in the same village saw the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Captain Paul Cash MC in the presence
of his son Sir William Cash MP. Bill Cash was aged four at the time of his father’s death. Coffee, cider and eats followed at which veterans were each presented with three half bottles of wine, vintage 1944! Then we travelled to Berjou for a service of remembrance. Our focus was Op BLACKWATER, in mid August 1944, an objective for 214 Bde (7 SOM LI, 5 DCLI & 1 Worcesters).
On 9th July, we went to St Manvieu cemetery. Here George Cantello said
Caen Ceremony
Veterans with Sir William Cash MP
Christine Majendie makes presentation to the Mayor of Mouen
234 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE RIFLES