After the 65th anniversary of the landings in Normandy, it was decided to enter into a rolling pilgrimage to Normandy annually culminating after the 70th anniversary. This was not going to be an easy undertaking owing to the dwindling numbers of Normandy Veterans available and able to travel. Those willing to do so have the extra problem of comprehensive travel insurance plus the need for carers or personal escorts.

Some time ago, while speaking to Trevor Beattie, he stated that if there was only 1 veteran wanting to return to Normandy both he and Eddie Iizzard would be willing to take him.

Again some time ago I personally issued a series of documents entitled “Normandy and the Normandy Veteran” in which I set out my vision for future of the Normandy Veteran in Normandy post Normandy Veterans Association. In it I stressed the importance of somewhere central to be situated in Normandy where small family groups returning on pilgrimage could find out exactly what, if anything, was happening there during their stay where they would be able to take part and more importantly where the Normandy Veteran in the group, especially if is his first return, could find assistance as to where to find the right places for him to visit; cemeteries where his comrades lay, places where he actively served etc.

In June 2010 the 66th anniversary year, travelling with the Branch party was a Normandy Veteran accompanied by a younger friend as carer. He was not only able to take part in the Branch itinerary but also to visit a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery of his choice to lay a wreath at a comrade's grave, an emotional experience for everybody there. Again, a lady travelling with the same party was able visit her father's grave for the first time. In 2011 the Norwich Branch assisted a family group where the Veteran concerned is making his first return since he landed on Sword Beach on D-Day, again wanting to visit places special to him, something this branch will always be willing to assist as and when it can.

In 2011, the 67th anniversary year a Branch party again travelled to Normandy. The party supported an NVA event at Colville Montgomery; a 3 Division UK event in the Caen Peace Museum; two Remembrance services in the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Bayeux with free time in the town afterwards; the D-Day Academy at Rots with a short service and wreath laying at the memorial to the Royal Marine Commandos with lunch supplied by the D-Day Academy; an event at Hottot les Bagues with wreath laying; an event at Tilly sur Seulles; wreath layings at both Asnelles and Arromanches with free time in the town afterwards and finally back to the Bunker at Asnelles to meet the D-Day Academy convoy and its complement of tourists for a final farewell and vin d’honneur. Although not on the itinerary, arrangements were made for small parties to visit Pegasus Bridge, Ranville Cemetery and St Mere Eglise. The visit was considered by all of the Branch party as among the best ever.

Norwich Branch’s future intention is to return to Normandy from the 4th to the 9th June 2012, the 68th anniversary year, travelling by Executive coach and the Channel Tunnel with comfort stops en route. This method of travel is considered to be the best taking into consideration the ages of most of the travellers. 20 rooms have been reserved in our usual hotel. As our Patron Dr Jean-Pierre Benamou OBE MSM has observed, “it is your legacy to come back every year and our duty to support you”.

The cost of returning to Normandy is estimated at 600 euros per. person, which together with spouse/carer/family member/friend etc plus the extortionate insurance costs adds up to at least 1200 euros per Normandy Veteran travelling making the final years leading up to the 70th anniversary difficult ones. Norwich Branch will do its utmost to cover as much of the costs as possible by both raising and appealing for funds.

Norwich Branch's vision for the future is that small family groups will return for many years, travelling on their own or as part of organized commercial holiday groups. These groups operate their own standard itineraries which don't necessarily have to be followed, but small groups wishing to “do their own thing” may most likely need information and support to do so.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of its constitution, Norwich Branch offers help and assistance to all Normandy Veterans singly or otherwise. Full and /or Associate membership is available within this Branch. It is also willing to assist any family group needing help to return to Normandy. Norwich Branch will continue to work hard to bring about its “vision for the future”. You never know; miracles sometimes happen.

This is a Norwich initiative.

If you wish for any more information concerning this document, or any other document personally issued by the Branch Secretary please contact:

Veteran Jack S Woods, 50 Aylsham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3ES.

Tel: 01603-627706 Email: secretary@normandystaronline.org.uk