Monday, September 8, 2014

Brugge to Bastogne


Mostly the drivers here in Europe are much better than those at home, but occasionally the French truckers will do the moving roadblock thing

Jayne wants to see Calais, and perhaps stand where Queen Elizabeth did when she was annoying the French in the 1560's


The ferry to Dover

Somewhere behind us are the white cliffs of Dover
In Calais we pick up victuals for a typical French lunch, which we have in ArmentiƩres
I'm not a big Gouda fan, but vintage Gouda is fabulous

We arrive in Bastogne, where we will spend the night. Bastogne is famous as a pivotal battle site during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.


Our hotel

The 101st Airborne division and elements of the 10th Armored Division held the town for almost two weeks while surrounded by the Germans. When asked to surrender by the Germans, the American commander, General McAuliffe replied simply "Nuts", him not being a swearing man. The Germans didn't know quite what to make of this.
There is a brand new museum just outside of town which does a nice job of covering the battle from  American, British, civilian and German points of view.

M4 Sherman tank

 A Jeep somewhat older than Jayne's
 A German Hetzer tank - named afer a dog (inside joke)
 A typical American Aid Kit

The outdoor monument
This direction is the village of Foy, where E company, 1/506 PIR held ground.

Easy Company, of course was made famous by the miniseries Band of Brothers



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