Unusually for a household which includes family under the age of twenty-five, we have no game consoles. My son had a play station when he was younger but preferred the great outdoors and often played by himself while his friends were attached to a handset. I feel the affectionate use of the term Sofa Loafer when alluding to him may well have given some people the impression that all he does is lounge around watching Top Gear repeats on television. While he does do a fair bit of this, once he comes in from work, he is also multi-tasking. His laptop is constantly open so he’s either writing, researching, communicating or networking. Or eating, come to think of it, sometimes all at once: impressive, eh?
Well, as I’ve been allowed to see some of the results of his research, I have to say that I think it probably is fairly impressive and it’s why I’m giving him a bit of free publicity.
With a passionate interest in WW2 history, his ultimate goal is to become a battlefield tour guide, but for now he has been working towards producing a book, containing anecdotes, historical facts and old photographs related to the American 101st Airborne division’s time in England, when they were billeted in Wiltshire before the D Day jump into Normandy on 6th June, 1944. His manuscript is almost ready for editing and he has sourced a publisher. He has created a Facebook page where you can keep up to date with his progress, but his personal D Day is for it to be ready in 2014, in time for the 70th anniversary.
This year he’ll be escorting a very important person to Normandy for the celebrations – an American veteran who he met during his trip to America two years ago and who is now retracing his steps in Europe during a two and a half week stay on this side of the pond. He and his travelling companion will be staying with us and revisiting his billet site (as well as Stonehenge, at his request), before the ferry journey across to France, from where he will travel on to Belgium and Holland, meeting up with other friends there.
While I am delighted at the prospect of this visit, my main concern at the moment is locating some Anglo-American bunting. This is most definitely an occasion for putting out the flags.
I’ll leave you with a few pictures from Normandy, a place now of tranquillity and historical interest, but whose inhabitants and the landscape saw some of the fiercest fighting of World War Two.
Utah Beach, late afternoon, now a peaceful place for a stroll
The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer where over 9,000 graves face west, towards home
Stained glass window at a delightful little church in Angoville au Plain commemorating the Airborne
charactersfromthekitchen 
Tell your son that someone across the Atlantic sees clearly why you are so very proud of him.
Here’s a beautiful song inspired by those same pictures:
Ah, Maurice, that song is truly beautiful and very moving – thanks for sharing – it’s a fitting addition to this post.
I will of course pass on your message – thanks for that too. Can I also say that you suggest he put the bins out occasionally? :->
lol
That Normandy area is quite strange and spooky. We travelled through there some years ago. Well done on your son’s achievement. Good luck with the book and I’m sure he’ll get to be a tour guide.
Thank you for the encouragement – I’ll pass it on!
I know what you mean about spooky. We’ve visited various memorials, cemeteries and museums there over the years but nothing brings it home more than standing on the bluffs over-looking Omaha beach, the wind whistling in your ears: the only sound the screaming of the gulls. Super-impose on this tranquil scene the opening 45 minutes of Saving Private Ryan- it sends shivers…
This is wonderful, Jenny! I hope you’ll also blog about your son and his time guiding the veteran–what a story that would be.
Some of the routes will be eerie. As my grandfather, a poor Missouri country boy who fought in France in WWI, once said: “The spirits of the young comrades (and by then he saw the young men from both sides as comrades) left their hopes and dreams too soon, and still wander, searching for remnants.”
Thank you, Marylin. I hope to post updates on here about the trip as and when I have the information and my son will be posting photographs on his facebook page. I’m looking forward to the visit very much. My son is working on the English part of the itinerary now – it sounds as if it will be quite a trip!
Yes there’s a certain chill about Normandy even on the warmest day. Marylin’s grandfather (above) was quite right. The airbase project sounds intriguing and I’ll follow its progress.
Thank you for your interest, Roy. There is definitely something about Normandy that calls you back. Lots to see, lots to do…so much history there.
I shall follow your son’s progress with interest. I think it is fascinating. As you know I am intrigued by the Americans on Slapton Sands in WWII. I also taught some American boys whose father was posted near Peterborough in the 70s. I think this is all worth recording as it is so fascinating.
Ah yes, Operation Tiger. We were down at Slapton recently. Lots of history here, too.
Well done to your son, he really is dedicated. It seems writing runs in the family, like mother like son! Have a great time in Nice and Menton, hopefully there will be a post on here about your escapades.
Really wonderful blog you have here. Your son’s 2014 goal sounds great. It will be a very big celebration. We have a home in Bayeux and I blog about it here: http://www.rockrosewine.com. I really like your stories about Normandy and will link to them in the future. Cheers!
Welcome, Rose, thanks for the follow and the encouragement. How lovely to live in Bayeux – I’m envious!
Oh Jenny, this is fascinating. I haven’t read your post from Friday yet but came right over to this link. Both my boys and Hubby are huge WW2 buffs so I can’t wait to tell them about your son’s book. All have been to the war graves, a place I would love to see one day. What an incredible experience for your son to escort the American veteran in such a way too. I love the photo of the stained glass window, it is very moving as are the other photos too. Right, now to your post…
Sherri you are so kind! Our son had a fantastic experience with the veteran last year both here and in Normandy – there is another post about this remarkable man here, if you are interested:
https://charactersfromthekitchen.wordpress.com/category/wartime-memoriesnormandy/
If you click through to the video, be sure to have a tissue handy!
We felt very privileged to have met Jim and Son will meet up with him and a few other veteran friends when he goes back to Normandy this June for the 70th Anniversary.