Driving to D-Day

[Jan Thompson]

Driving to D-Day
On May 1st 2009 an expedition of slightly eccentric historic vehicle collectors picked up 16 1940s military vehicles that had been shipped from Australia to Istanbul in Turkey and set out to drive them across Europe to the anniversary of D-Day. It was a 5,000 kms epic journey visiting many of the battlefields that form part of ANZAC history. The vehicles range from basic Willys Jeeps to massive six wheel Studebaker trucks. It was a daring adventure in sixty year old vehicles through eight countries culminating in the spectacle of the D-Day commemoration. They took with them their own video cameras and recorded the journey in their own way. This is the story of their adventure through time and place.

See the documentary Sunday 6th June at 7.30pm (AEST) on The History Channel.

[Rod Diery]

Were any MLU members on this tour?

Rod

[jim sewell]

Hi Rod

Lang
Dave
Jim

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

While at Corowa we had an accidental visit from one of the Jeep guys who went on this run.
It was 2 hours before we let him go, very interesting if improptu talk he gave us. Said it was the trip of a lifetime. Just a shame we don't have this channel.
Rich

[gary_bath_jr]

I can record this episode and save it to an FTP site for any one to download.

Gary

[Howard]

Originally Posted by gary_bath_jr

I can record this episode and save it to an FTP site for any one to download.

Gary

Sounds like the go!
Thanks for that & look forward to the viewing!

[gary_bath_jr]

Hey Guys

Sorry about not getting back to you, however it is proving very hard to find this episode. I do have a few friends on the hunt for an electronic copy and will post as soon as I get my hands on it.

Gary

[nigel ward]

Hi Guys

The web site for this event is www.drivingtod-day.com.au

I have an interest in this as my wife and I were on the trip. The photos, I am proud to say, were taken by my wife, Leisa.

They are not only of military vehicles and events but also of the sights of the wonderful countries we drove through.
It was indeed an honor to travel with such fine people in ww2 vehicles.

There is a trailer (short promo) on the main page of the web site.


Kind regards

Nigel Ward

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Department of National Defence


Department of National Defence
Jul 21, 2010 10:57 ET
Canadian Forces Members Take Time to Honour Those Who Fought at Vimy

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 21, 2010) - On July 18, 2010, a Canadian Forces (CF) contingent of 220 persons on their way to the Netherlands for the 94th annual International Four Days Marches Nijmegen stopped in France to commemorate the sacrifice of more than 66,000 Canadian service personnel who died during the First World War.

"We are honoured to be present at this sacred place that most Canadians never have the fortune to visit," said Brig.-Gen. John Madower, the CF Contingent Commander. "Vimy is a prominent milestone where we, as Canadians, distinguished ourselves on the world stage, and began to take our place amongst the nations of the world."

Brig.-Gen. Madower described a scene from Easter Morning of 1917 as "somewhere between rain and snow, darkness and light, supported by Canadian and allied forces overhead, 983 artillery pieces, and 150 heavy machine guns; what would become the first imperial victory was launched since the war began in 1914. The earth rumbled for miles around, as if there were an earthquake. The faint bombing of the guns could be heard as far away as London and Paris. After intense fighting and 10,000 Canadian casualties, ¾ of the ridge was in Canadian hands. The fighting did not slacken and two days later, the very last reserves were committed – the Nova Scotia Highlanders, secured and held the final objective."

Following a very emotional memorial service, the Canadian Contingent was hosted by a team of tour guides from Veteran's Affairs Canada. The Contingent received an exceptionally detailed tour of a place that Canadians hold sacred.

"Vimy is a pre-eminent Canadian monument representing an extremely significant event in our history that is rarely seen by the average Canadian, said MCpl Scotty Marshall, Canadian Contingent marcher. "It was an honour to visit it."

The visit to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, the largest Canadian overseas war memorial, was sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion as part of the CF contingent's Nijmegen itinerary. Brig.-Gen. Madower thanked Mr. Allan Callard the Royal Canadian Legion representative who is also marching with the Canadian Contingent. A wreath was placed at the Memorial on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion by Mr. Callard.

During the Nijmegen Marches, CF marchers will cover 160 km through the Dutch countryside and crowded streets of towns in the Nijmegen area - often walking the same terrain where many Canadians fought and died during the Second World War. Many CF members consider their visits to the memorials the most significant aspect of the Nijmegen experience.

Canadian military teams have taken part in the Nijmegen marches every year since 1952. The Nijmegen Marches are taking place this year from July 20 to July 23.

Notes to editor / news director: Media agencies can request interviews with CF personnel in Nijmegen by contacting the Media Liaison Office at 1-866-377-0811 or 613-996-2353.

Still imagery is available on the Canadian Forces Image Gallery at:

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...catalog=photos

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...catalog=photos

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...catalog=photos

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...catalog=photos

For more information, please contact
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca
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[Howard]

Originally Posted by gary_bath_jr

I can record this episode and save it to an FTP site for any one to download.
Gary

Hey Gary, did you get to record this?
I have searched a couple of FTP sites to no avail.
HH

[gary_bath_jr]

I have not found a copy yet but I am stil looking, also looking to get a copy of Storming Juno, I know you can purchase these but sometimes a free copy is nice to view before you buy. I will keep searching and if I find it I will let you know.

Gary