A D Day Commemoration

Welcome to London. On arrival at London airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet a representative fromVantage Explorations, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby tomeet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about yourtime in London. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name andyour cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in London’tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurantsshould you wish to try some local cuisine.Accommodation: London Hotel (or similar)

Today we immerse ourselves in stories from London’s wartime era. During World War II, London faced a period ofrelentless bombing raids, with over 30,000 civilians losing their lives during the Blitz from 1940 to 1941. The city’sspirit was tested as residents huddled in backyard bomb shelters and London Underground stations during air raids,while the introduction of V-1 and V-2 rockets in 1944 and 1945 brought further destruction and fear. Amid thesehardships, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother chose to remain in London, embodying steadfastresolve and solidarity with their people. Winston Churchill, the country’s indomitable prime minister, also stayed,leading and inspiring resilience through his speeches. Daily life was marked by hardship, including food shortagesand rationing, constant alerts and the strain of living under siege conditions. Despite these challenges, Londoners’spirits remained unbroken, embodying an enduring resolve and unity.Our day is spent at two poignant memorials dedicated to those who lived through the war: the Imperial WarMuseum, and the Churchill War Rooms. Founded in 1917, the Imperial War Museum commemorates the sacrificesand experiences of those involved in conflicts from World War I to present day. Originally housed at Crystal Palace, itmoved to its current location in Lambeth, London, in 1936 to better accommodate its extensive collections ofmilitary artefacts, exhibitions and personal stories.A stand-out feature of the Imperial War Museum is its D-Day section, which offers an in-depth look at the criticalAllied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Through personal testimonies, artefacts donated by veterans and theirfamilies, and immersive displays, this exhibition explores the intricacies of Operation Overlord. Visitors can engagewith multimedia presentations and reconstructed scenes that illustrate the strategic planning, the valour of thetroops, and the profound impact on civilians. This section is a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifices of thosewho participated, preserving their stories for future generations to remember and honour.Our journey continues this afternoon when we tour one of London’s most authentic World War II locations. Fewsites capture the essence of World War II like London’s Churchill War Rooms, the nerve centre of the Alliedoffensive. This underground labyrinth housed Winston Churchill and much of Britain’s wartime cabinet, playing apivotal role in orchestrating the D-Day invasion and the overall Allied victory. On 10 May 1940, Britain’s new PrimeMinister strode purposefully down to the basement of an anonymous government building and declared, ‘This is theroom from which I will run the war.’ Deep beneath Whitehall, these secretive chambers, with their offices, maprooms ‒ and even bedrooms ‒ preserved in their wartime state, were where the war was strategically ‘fought’.Churchill famously said, ‘The War Rooms were the headquarters of the Allied Command. They were the centre of theaction.’ Today, the Churchill War Rooms, including the acclaimed Churchill Museum, offer a fascinating glimpse intothe hidden world where critical decisions were made, and are one of London’s most compelling attractions.Tonight, we embrace the spirit of VE Day cockney-style with our own ‘knees-up’ at a one-of-a-kind London venue.The days of rationing are over and it’s time to celebrate with some 1940s music and traditional ‘pub grub’.Accommodation: London HotelMeals: Breakfast, canapes and drinks at our Welcome Event

We leave London and head to our first stop for the day. Just north of Portsmouth, Southwick House played a pivotalrole in World War II as the forward base for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). From 2June 1944, this elegant Georgian mansion became the nerve centre for the D-Day invasion.It was at Southwick House that General Dwight D Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied ExpeditionaryForce, made the historic decision to commit 3,000,000 men and 2,727 ships to the operation that would turn thetide of the war. Initially planned for 5 June, D-Day was delayed due to poor weather conditions predicted for theEnglish Channel. Eisenhower and his team, including Admiral Bertram Ramsay and General Bernard Montgomery,gathered in the mansion’s library to review the latest weather report. Following Captain James Martin Stagg’sforecast of improving conditions, Eisenhower made the decisive call, ‘Ok, let’s go!’ allowing the campaign to proceedon 6 June. The map room at Southwick House was crucial for tracking the invasion and the Battle of Normandy. Wehope to visit the map room and small museum here to start our D-Day journey. (Southwick House is currently used bythe Royal Navy. Access will be confirmed closer to our travel date. If a visit is not possible, we hope to visit The RedLion at Southwick which has its own “war time’ story to tell.)On reaching Portsmouth we visit the D-Day Story. This popular exhibition offers a compelling insight into the pivotalrole this historic port city played in the Allied invasion of Normandy. The museum opens with Landing Craft Tank7074 (LCT), the last surviving LCT from D-Day, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the operation.Portsmouth, being one of the main embarkation ports, was central to the planning and execution of the invasion.The city was a bustling hub of activity, with thousands of troops, vehicles and supplies being organised for OperationOverlord.The museum’s preparation galleries delve into the strategic planning that began in Portsmouth, showcasing theextensive logistical efforts that were critical to the success of the operation. As you move through the D-Day andBattle of Normandy sections, you’re transported back to 6 June 1944, experiencing the intensity of the landings. TheLegacy gallery and Overlord Embroidery conclude your visit with a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice ofthose involved.

Sailing up the Orne River in the early hours of 5 June, we dock at the port of Caen, where we remain for two days,giving us time to explore the region’s D-Day sites and memorials.It is well documented that the taking of Caen played a pivotal role in the World War II D-Day campaign. On 6 June1944, as the Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the aim was to secure a foothold on the Normandy coast,but Caen, situated strategically inland, became a crucial objective due to its location and extensive infrastructure.The Battle of Caen, which unfolded between June and August 1944, was one of the longest and most intense battlesof the Normandy campaign. The city was a primary target for the British and Canadian forces, who aimed to captureit quickly. However, German forces, well-entrenched and heavily fortified, put-up fierce resistance, resulting inprolonged and brutal fighting. Caen endured extensive bombing and artillery shelling, leading to significantdestruction and civilian casualties, with the city almost entirely reduced to rubble by the battle’s end. Despite thesechallenges, the Allies persisted, gradually encircling and breaking through the German defences. The eventualliberation of Caen on 20 July 1944, was a turning point in the Normandy campaign, allowing the Allies to pushfurther into occupied France.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Full-day experience: Caen Memorial Museum and the D-Day BeachesBuilt above the former command post of German General Wilhelm Richter, a critical site during the early weeks ofthe battle, the Caen Memorial Museum is considered one of the best D-Day museums in France. Offering animmersive exploration of the 6 June landings and their broader impact on the Battle of Normandy, the D-Day exhibitplaces this pivotal event within the context of the wider campaign, essential to the liberation of France and Europe.Through documents, artefacts, and personal accounts, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the invasion’ssignificance. We return to the ship for lunch, before driving west to tour the D-Day beaches and memorials.Option 2 – Full-day experience: Pegasus Bridge and the D-Day BeachesVisiting Pegasus Bridge immerses you in a crucial chapter of D-Day history. In the early hours of 6 June 1944, MajorJohn Howard led 181 men from D Company of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in a daringairborne operation. Their gliders, towed across the Channel by Halifax bombers, landed with remarkable precisionnear the Orne River and Caen Canal.‘Our job was to clear the ground for our gliders to land near Pegasus Bridge,’ Howard recalled. By 12.26am, thebridge was captured in a fierce 10-minute firefight, securing a vital crossing for the Allied advance. Tragically,Lieutenant Den Brotheridge fell as the first British soldier killed in the Normandy Invasion. The bridge was laterrenamed Pegasus Bridge in honour of the Parachute Regiment’s emblem. Today, a museum and memorial on MajorHoward Road commemorate this historic battle. The original bridge, now replaced by a larger replica, remains aprominent display. The soldiers who fell are buried in the nearby Ranville Cemetery, marking their sacrifice.We return to the ship for lunch, before driving west to tour the D-Day beaches of Normandy and memorials.Option 3 – Full-day experience: Airborne Sainte-Mère-Eglise Museum and the D-Day BeachesA few miles from the Normandy landing beaches, the Airborne Museum stands as Europe's largest tribute to the82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who fought in the Normandy campaign. Originating from World War I, the 82ndInfantry Division, known as the "All American" division, was composed of men from every state in the U.S. By mid-February 1944, the 82nd AB was stationed in Nottingham, England, preparing for D-Day. Reinforced by the 507thand 508th Parachute Infantry Regiments, the division faced heavy combat in Normandy, losing over 2,000 men andsustaining nearly 8,000 wounded and 350 prisoners before returning to England on July 13, 1944. The museumfeatures historic Waco gliders and C-47 planes, used during the campaign. In the new Operation Neptune exhibit,you can experience a simulated parachute jump on June 6, 1944, embark on a C-47 in England, and drop into Sainte-Mère-Église amid the fighting. We continue to tour the D-Day beaches and memorials. (Note: Due to the museum’slocation, passengers joining this tour will be offered a boxed lunch)Each of the above tours will visit the D-Day Normandy beaches and memorials with a local guide.On the night of 5 June and into the early hours of 6 June, airborne troops parachuted into action while heavybombers targeted key coastal artillery. An armada of 5,000 ships, including a thousand battleships, crossed theEnglish Channel under cover of darkness and storm, their approach shielded by damaged German radar stations. At5.45am, battleships began their bombardment, paving the way for landing craft and the first assault waves. Thenames Sword, Juno, Utah, Gold, and Omaha have become legendary as the sites where tens of thousands of troopsstormed ashore.In the afternoon, we explore these historic beaches and their memorials dedicated to the brave men who landed onD-Day and in the days that followed. Our local guides provide a vivid account of the events, bringing the stories ofcourage and sacrifice to life.Utah beach – At 6.30am, the US 4th Infantry Division, led by General Barton and supported by amphibious tanks,arrived at the La Madeleine dunes on Sainte-Marie-du-Mont Beach. Coastal currents had pushed their landing crafttwo kilometres south of the intended site, making the landings considerably more perilous. However, diminished byintense air and sea bombardment, German resistance was relatively weak. The US faced only minor losses, withapproximately 50 dead and around 150 wounded. By early afternoon, they had linked up with the 101st AirborneDivision.Sword Beach – To the west of the Orne, between Langrune-sur-Mer and Ouistreham, the sector was heavilyfortified. General Rennie’s 3rd British Division, bolstered by two special commando brigades, landed at Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer. Intense fighting was needed to capture Ouistreham. In the afternoon, Lord Lovat’s1st Special Service Brigade successfully reached the Ranville and Bénouville bridges (Pegasus Bridge), linking up withthe paratroopers. Meanwhile, the 4th Brigade faced difficulties in capturing Lion-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer, leaving agap between Sword and Juno beaches. This breach allowed a detachment from the German 21st Panzer Division toinfiltrate and briefly reach the sea before retreating. The 3rd British Division’s main force, delayed by Germanfortifications, was unable to capture Caen as intended.Gold Beach – The British 50th Infantry Division, led by General Graham, landed at Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer around7.25am. Despite fierce German resistance at both ends of their landing zone, the enemy was pushed back towardsthe centre, allowing the British to advance inland. By the evening of 6 June, the 50th Division’s vanguard was at theoutskirts of Bayeux, which they entered without conflict the following day. Meanwhile, in the late afternoon, the 1stHampshire Regiment advanced along the coast and captured Arromanches, the site designated for one of theartificial ports.Juno Beach – The sector between Courseulles-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin was assigned to General Rodney Keller’s 3rdCanadian Infantry Division, with support from the No. 48 (Royal Marine) Commando. Navigation challenges causedby coastal reefs delayed the arrival of landing craft, which reached the shore at high tide and encountered theformidable obstacles set by Rommel. This led to heavy casualties and significant beach obstruction. After intensecombat and the loss of around 1,000 men, including 300 killed, the Canadians succeeded in linking up with Britishforces at Gold Beach and securing a solid bridgehead about twelve kilometres deep, the deepest of the day.Omaha Beach – a seven-kilometre stretch nestled between Vierville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer and flanked bysteep cliffs. This strategic location was heavily fortified with field guns, mortars and machine guns, creating aformidable defence. Despite knowing the risks, the Allies had no alternative but to proceed with the assault.Inaccurate bombing had failed to disable the German defences, which were further bolstered by the unexpectedarrival of the 352nd Infantry Division. On the morning of 6 June, soldiers from the US 1st and 29th Divisions,commanded by Generals Huebner and Gerhardt, faced devastating losses. Trapped on the beach amid a scene ofchaos – bodies and burning equipment – it took them nearly six hours to overcome the obstacles, scale theembankment and reach the plateau. By evening, their advance had barely extended two kilometres inland.

Today, we plan to spend our morning at the commemoration ceremony for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day at theNormandy American Cemetery, along with its poignant visitor centre in Colleville-sur-Mer.Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on the anniversary is a deeply moving experience.Established on 8 June 1944, it became the first American cemetery on European soil during World War II. Spanning172 acres, the cemetery is the final resting place for 9,389 military personnel, many of whom lost their lives duringthe D-Day landings and subsequent operations. The site includes the Walls of the Missing, where 1,557 names areinscribed, with rosettes marking those who have been identified since.Our time includes time spent at the visitor centre. One-third of the 30,000-square-foot building is dedicated toexhibits featuring personal stories, narrative text, photos, films, interactive displays and artefacts that highlight thecourage and sacrifice of the US forces in the Battle of Normandy. The visitor centre pays tribute to the values andsacrifices of the World War II generation, making a visit to this museum a profoundly moving experience.Today is celebrated as Liberation Day in many villages across the region, with vibrant ceremonies, towns decked outin flags, lively festivals and visits from dignitaries. Time permitting, we will pause to experience the welcomingatmosphere, including a stop at the historic city of Bayeux, liberated by British troops in the early hours of 7 June1944. Our day concludes with a late afternoon sailing on the Orne as Douglas Mawson re-enters the English Channeland continues towards Brittany, following the path of General George S Patton.

Perched on the border of the former kingdoms of Normandy and Brittany, the walled city of Saint-Malo boastsmedieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and shops filled with delicious Breton treats, truly embodying itsnickname as a ‘pirate town.’ Known as the ‘City of Corsairs’ due to its notorious privateering past, Saint-Malo’sstrategic importance carried into the 20th century. In late 1944, its role as a Nazi stronghold led to over 80 per cent ofthe town being destroyed. Today, Saint-Malo honours its rich history through its museums, festivals and preservedhistoric sites, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into its storied past.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: The Pirate Town of Saint-MaloJoin our local guide this morning for a walking tour of Saint-Malo’s historic walled town. Standing proudly behind itsstone ramparts, Saint-Malo boasts a captivating history more closely tied to privateering than outright piracy. Fromthe 16th to the 19th centuries, Saint-Malo was renowned as a bastion for the wealthy privateers known as corsairs.These state-sanctioned sailors, authorised by the French crown, were tasked with attacking and capturing enemyships during times of war. Unlike pirates, who operated independently and unlawfully, privateers acted under officialletters of marque and reprisal, sharing their spoils with the French kings. The corsairs of Saint-Malo were highlyskilled and daring seafarers who played a crucial role in French naval warfare and overseas trade. They conductedraids on English and other enemy ships, bringing back wealth and prestige to Saint-Malo. This era of privateeringearned Saint-Malo a notorious reputation, brought to life through captivating tales of its most famous – orinfamous – pirates and their treacherous lifestyles.Option 2 – Morning experience: All the Light We Cannot See – World War II Saint-MaloJoin our locally guided World War II walking tour of Saint-Malo and immerse yourself in the dramatic events of 1944.For two relentless weeks, Allied forces bombarded this Axis stronghold, reducing 80 per cent of the city to rubbleand ultimately forcing the Nazi forces to surrender. The tour takes inspiration from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Though a work of historical fiction, the 1944 siege and the strugglefor control of Saint-Malo were very real. As we walk through the city’s narrow streets, we follow in the footsteps ofthe novel’s heroine, Marie-Laure, and explore key locations mentioned in the book, while gaining an insight into thedetermination of the French Resistance organisation, Le Maquis.Experience the tension as residents were forced to surrender their wireless receivers under threat of arrest assaboteurs. Reflect on the bravery of the Resistance fighters, many of whom were interned at Fort National. Wanderto Rue Vauborel, imagining the home where Marie-Laure and her great-uncle Etienne lived during the siege. Thispoignant tour offers a powerful reminder of the war’s impact on Saint-Malo and its resilient people, capturing theessence of their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.Option 3 – Morning* experience: Mont Saint-MichelNormandy’s most recognisable silhouettes, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mont Saint-Michel, has captured theimaginations of pilgrims, artists, and travellers for centuries. Founded as a monastery in the 8th century, Mont Saint-Michel became a significant pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages. Its abbey, perched atop the island’srocky peak, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. The narrow, windingstreets of the village below the abbey are lined with buildings dating back centuries. Visitors can explore the abbey’sintricate chapels, cloisters, and panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the bay.During World War II, just four days after the occupation of Paris, Axis forces took control of Mont Saint-Michel, usingSt Aubert Church as a lookout post. The island also became a popular destination for German and Austrian touristsand soldiers, attracting around 325,000 visitors. After General Patton broke through at Avranches at the end of July,a Jeep carrying three passengers departed from nearby US positions towards the monastery on 1 August 1944.One was Private Freeman Brougher of the 72nd Public Service Battalion, a propaganda unit, accompanied by twoBritish journalists. By the time they reached the island, the Jeep was carrying several hangers-on, including afireman, two priests and three women. Brougher drove down the causeway to Mont Saint-Michel and received ahero’s welcome. Surrounded by a jubilant crowd and handed babies to kiss, Brougher was escorted to the mayor,who had him sign the Golden Book, the island’s record of visiting nobility.(Note: Mont Saint-Michel is surrounded by one of Europe’s highest tidal ranges, with waters rising and falling up to14 metres (46 feet) daily. This creates a mystical atmosphere as the island alternately appears to float on water or beconnected to the mainland by a causeway. Because our visit is subject to tidal fluctuations, access to the site can onlybe confirmed closer to our date of travel.)

A mere 30 miles off the Normandy coast, the self-governing British Crown Dependency the Balliwick of Guernsey, isone of the eight permanently inhabited strongholds of the Channel Islands. Despite being closer to France, Guernseyholds to its distinctive British character. When William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became King of England in1066, the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, became possessions of the English Crown. They have remained BritishCrown Dependencies ever since.Guernsey and the other Channel Islands were the only British territories occupied by Axis forces during World War II.The occupation began on 30 June 1940, following the fall of France, and lasted until 9 May 1945. The invaders forcestransformed Guernsey into a fortified defensive position, with extensive bunkers, gun emplacements and tunnels.Life under Nazi rule was extraordinarily difficult. Food had been rationed for several years, but by the end of the war,it became impossible to import supplies from France, leading to severe shortages. During the autumn of 1944, fueland food supplies were running critically low and medical supplies were almost non-existent. Over 1,000 of the24,000 residents not evacuated to England were deported to German prisons and labour camps, with only about 700returning. Communication with the outside world was heavily restricted, adding to the isolation and hardship.Despite these relentless challenges, the people of Guernsey exhibited remarkable resourcefulness and resilience.Their courage and determination were crucial in enduring the occupation. Liberation on 9 May 1945, is celebratedannually as Liberation Day, symbolising the end of a harrowing chapter and the beginning of recovery and rebuilding.Our guided tour of Guernsey’s World War II sites offers a poignant journey into the island’s wartime history.We visit several sites relevant to this period including the German Occupation Museum where you will find acollection of authentic artefacts generously donated by residents. These items provide a deeply personal glimpseinto the daily struggles and hardships faced by the islanders. The German Naval Signals HQ at the La Collinette Hotel,was a crucial communications centre for the Germans until the occupation ended. The La Valette UndergroundMilitary Museum, displays the vast network of secret tunnels constructed using forced labour. Originally intended asa U-Boat fuel store, these tunnels reveal the extreme fortifications imposed by the Nazis and the suffering of thosewho were forced to work on them.This tour not only uncovers the strategic significance of Guernsey during World War II, but also pays tribute to theenduring spirit of its people who lived through these harrowing times. Our evening sailing returns us to the mainlandof France at the mouth of the River Seine.

We disembark at the riverside town of Honfleur and make our way to Paris in the wake of the Normandy freedomfighters, Free French and Allied forces.In the unyielding summer of 1944 in Normandy, the devastation was immense. Around two million soldiers, twicethe area’s peacetime population, clashed in brutal combat. Civilians suffered greatly, with over 60,000 casualties and500,000 buildings obliterated. The local inhabitants of Normandy had few choices: remain at home and hope for thebest, try to escape if they could, or hide in quarries and makeshift shelters. In the Calvados département, the finalvillage to be liberated was Honfleur, miraculously undamaged, achieving freedom on 25 August - the same day asParis.Heading to Paris we hear tales of the French who fought for their country’s liberation. A two-hour drive brings us toMont-Valérien, a poignant memorial site that served as the main execution location for the Nazi authorities inFrance during World War II. Mont-Valérien was designated in 1941 as the site for executing hostages, and Resistancefighters condemned by Nazi military tribunals as retaliation for attacks on soldiers. Between March 1941 and August1944, over a thousand people were executed here. From September 1941, reprisals included executing hostagesfrom the same social or political circles as those who committed attacks, often in the areas where the attacksoccurred.Hailed as the ‘Saviour of Paris’, General der Infanterie, Dietrich von Choltitz, will forever be remembered for hisdecision to allegedly defy Hitler’s order to destroy the city. Surrendering to the Free French forces on 25 August1944, he found that the French Resistance had already taken control of much of the city and he would not have beenable to carry out his Fuhrer’s orders anyway. During the Allied invasion of Normandy, Parisians, led by Resistancefighters and supported by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI), began a courageous revolt against their occupiers.Street battles erupted across the city as Resistance fighters and citizens fought to reclaim their freedom, withGeneral Patton ultimately leading the US Third Army to victory.Entering Paris, we visit a vivid reminder that many Parisians never gave up on their beloved city. Situated in thepavilions at Place Denfert-Rochereau, the Musée de la Libération de Paris reveals the previously unknown Liberationof Paris command headquarters hidden beneath the West Pavilion. This site served as Colonel Rol’s (French Forces ofthe Interior) command post during the uprising on 19 August 1944. We explore a rich collection of artefacts,photographs and personal stories from the Liberation of Paris, showcasing the bravery and resilience of Parisiansduring World War II.This evening, we gather to honour and remember those who fought bravely, those who resisted oppression, andthose who were innocently caught up in the chaos of war. We take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices andcontributions, while also celebrating the freedom they bestowed upon us in this vibrant, liberated city.Accommodation: Paris Hotel (or similar)Meals: Breakfast onboard, Farewell Event

Farewell your fellow travellers this morning, and transfer to the aptly named Charles de Gaulle Airport for youronward journey.For those eager to explore more of Paris, we offer an extension package designed to showcase the highlights of thisstunning city. Please ask your consultant for more details.Meals: Breakfast