D-Day Normandy

JB,

I agree, it's a very well done series (I have the entire DVD set). However, keep in mind that it mostly depicts only the 101st and none of the others that participated in the invasion.

The Longest Day is definitely a "classic" and well worth watching. It is more comprehensive in that it covers not only the American portion of the landings, but also the British Glider landings at Pegasus Bridge, the Polish and Free French Forces, etc. (unfortunately, I don't recall if they showed anything of the Canadian landings?). I've watched it dozens of times, and have it on DVD.

Having watched The Longest Day it was interesting to visit St. Mere Eglise and see Pvt. Steele still hanging on the Bell Tower. I also visited the Gun Batteries at Longues sur Mer (just outside Bayeux) which were used in the filming of the movie.

Saving Pvt. Ryan was very well done, but not as comprehensive as it told the story of only one of the units that participated in the landings. The attention to detail in the movie was incredible, especially the beach portion!

Molly,

As your BF is a WW-II history buff, I'd highly recommend taking at least one BattleBus Tour when in Normandy. While they're a bit pricey, you'll learn far more and have a much more rewarding travel experience with their Guides than on your own. You'll need to stay in Bayeux and pre-booking would be a really good idea. I've taken both the U.S. and Canadian tours with them, and both were outstanding! The BattleBus Guides often travel with WW-II veterans, and as a result they have a LOT of very interesting details. If you decide to take a tour, ask if they can stop at the small Church at Angoville au Plain, where two Medics from the 101st Airborne / 501 PIR performed so admirably.

Yes. I also bought the series and watched it several times before going on the Battle Bus American Highlites tour. Not sure if they had the Band of Brothers tour then.

The Longest Day is an oldie but still well worth watching. When we last visited Normandy in 2004, we stayed near Port-en-Bessin; our host was 14 in Juine'44 and he was so surprised and pleased that we knew the history. He would wait for us to get back from dinner and then we'd share Calvados or another liqueur. One night The Longest Day was playing (French dubbed in), and he was so excited for us to see it. He had many comments to share about what those first weeks were like for French civilians.

We watched the Longest Day too. It was Very good and spells out a lot of the events in an understandable way. We're going in September - my boyfriend is a WWII history buff, and already knows everything that happened, but I don't. We also watched Saving Private Ryan - good, but I thought the Longest Day was more comprehensive.

Excellent movies noted above. There are some movies that would be good to watch. A Bridge Too Far and The Bridge at Remagen. Also, 13 Rue Madeleine.

My Father and his brothers were all translators in France during and after D-Day. I was barely old enough to remember but I remember it well.

Being female, I have always watched everything I could on WW2.

One of my father's brother was also in the Battle of the Bulge. He was in his 90's when he died 2-3 years ago. His mind was very clear. I questioned him for a couple of hours and he remembered minute details. At his funeral the military revealed all the metals her received: Bronze Star, 2 Silver Stars and a Purple Heart. His family was unaware of these medals as he never discussed them or the war very often.

Wonderful story about your uncle, JB. I have read so many stories over the years about families of WWII veterans who never knew about the medals they won until they were very old or until after they died. What wonderful men, they were.

Band of Brothers is the best thing I have ever watched on TV. I've seen it 5 times now. Loved it the first time and had to rewatch it because it took me practically the whole series to get all the characters down. Then I decided to watch it a 3rd time after I read the book. Last summer I decided to watch it before our trip to Normandy in the fall. We took the Battlebus Band of Brothers Tour, so of course I had to watch it again after we got home. I have read just about all the books written by the Easy Company soliders. I am currently reading David Webster's book, which Michael just recommended on another thread. I liked Don Malarkey's the best, with Dick Winter's a close second.

We are now planning a trip to Belgium to see where the Battle of the Bulge took place.

I read David Webster and Don Malarkey's books. Both were excellent. Malarkey's was very blunt about certain people and situations.