Greece to Normandy Convoy '09

[Lang]

Cliff,

We will be in Southern Italy around the end of the second week in May.

Lang

[Lang]

Here are a few photos of the Normandy convoy. As can be seen there will be a number of newly restored vehicles on the trip.

[Lang]

Another Group

The last lot at present.

Found one more

[Lang]

Mike O'sullivan just sent his Normandy Blitz photos. The vehicle has been in his family for 50 years. Smart move to put suspension seats in for the trip.

[Lang]

One more Normandy convoy member has sent a photo of his vehicle.

[Lang]

Here is the convoy tentative route. Day one is planned for 01 May 09.

[zemsi]

... that's a little bit small, Lang. I didn't bring my magnifying glasses

[Lang]

Chris,

Yes, it is on a word document which I couldn't figure out how to post so I printed and scanned it with miserable results. Will try to put up a readable document.

Lang

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lang

One more Normandy convoy member has sent a photo of his vehicle.

Which is probably the same as the one being pre-advertised on MilWeb:

Studebaker US6 6 x 6
Ground up restoration much attention to detail, photographic records available. Dual fuel LPG/petrol discreetly fitted. Vehicle will be delivered to Normandy June 2009.
£15,000.
23 September '08
Lorraine Cutajar

[Lang]

Hanno,

That indeed is one of our mob. Looks like they are getting in early.

The gas conversion would make the Studebaker much cheaper to run than a jeep in Australia. Nearly every service station here has gas, I don't know its availability or cost in Europe but it should be a big plus.

Lang

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lang

The gas conversion would make the Studebaker much cheaper to run than a jeep in Australia. Nearly every service station here has gas, I don't know its availability or cost in Europe but it should be a big plus.

In European countries like The Netherlands, France & Italy LPG-systems have a widespread use. The past decade or so the use of LPG in newly sold cars has been overshadowed by diesel, but LPG is working on a come back with all the "green" discussions going on. I have a new Citroën which runs on LPG. After the first 10.000 km the oil is as clean as on day one. And I love it running my car on what is basically a waste product.

Many of the bigger historic military vehicles like GMCs (and Dodges) here run on LPG. Keep Them Rolling even allows LPG systems in large vehicles (not Jeeps) when scrutinising for originality.

H.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

The anniversary of Vimy Ridge battle marks the day that Canada stood alone against the world and won the Battle that the then Super powers..France and England could not win..and they paid dearly for those efforts..
Canada paid dearly also but soldiered on under General Currie using ,for the first time..Canadian command control..Canadian soldiers fighting as a unit and set an example of what Canadian soldiers were...Which carries on to this day in our young men and women soldiers ..sailors and Airmen..the best fighting troops in the world..
Soldier on...

Apr 05, 2009 15:20 ET
Winnipeg Marks the 92nd Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - April 5, 2009) - Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, representing the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, joined family members of First World War Veterans who fought at Vimy Ridge, and representatives of local Veterans' and youth organizations to take part in a ceremony of remembrance at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park today to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

"Today we honour the legacy of the more than 650,000 brave Canadians who served in the First World War and all those who have served our country and helped shape our nation today," said Mr. Bruinooge. "Canadians captured Vimy Ridge 92 years ago in a struggle for peace, freedom and democracy-values that our service men and women uphold today."

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is deemed to be one of the defining moments in the development of Canada as an independent nation. It was largely due to the hard-won victory at Vimy Ridge that Canada was awarded a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles-the treaty that ended the First World War.

The annual Vimy commemorative ceremony takes place on the nearest Sunday to April 9, the actual anniversary date of the battle. "This Winnipeg ceremony was started 20 years ago by Veteran John Reilly and continues today through the assistance of Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 1 and the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, Lieutenant-General RR Crabbe Chapter," said Veteran Murdoch Jardine, event organizer and President of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, Lieutenant-General RR Crabbe Chapter.

The Government of Canada is committed to celebrating and remembering the sacrifices and achievements of all Canadians who served in times of war, armed conflict, and peace. For more information on this significant battle in Canada's military history, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll free 1-877-604-8489.

[Lang]

Alex,

We are taking the convoy to Vimy to have a look at the spectacular Canadian memorial.

Lang

[Lang]

Here is our latest updated route detail.