We recently watched a trilogy of battlefield tours on WETA. The host was Ellwood von Seibold, and now my husband is desperate to take one of his tours. Is he as exciting as the films portray him?
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Yes, yes, yes. He is fantastic.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
Thank you. We have never seen history explained in this way, even our kids were mesmerized and that takes some doing!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
We found the website where his films can be bought. We want to get a set before planning a European trip. We would like to travel around the three battlesites, DDay, Holland and The Bulge, but it's finding the time and being able to afford the trip. I don't know if he does all three, or just DDay. www.livingbattlefield.com
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Brad - ddaybattletours.com
Posted by
Apache, OK
109 posts
We (group of 3) are planning to take the one-day tour in late September. How far in advance should we/can we book? At that time of year do you think we will have others join our tour so the cost will be a little less expensive?
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
It looks like Ellwood will arrange split tours, where he makes up a group with several families. We probably won't make it until 2013. We will just have to enjoy the films when they arrive. At least we will be familiar with the battle sites. Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
I have just discovered that Ellwood was made an honorary officer in the US army for his services to history and American visitors. Wow!!! Here is a link to a post about the award.
http://livingbattlefield.blogspot.com/2011/07/honorary-rank.html
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Wow, that is so cool! Lori, thank you for sharing.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
Received our set of Ellwoods's DVDs Saturday. He is really something else!! We had only caught part of the series while visiting friends in DC, but we spent the weekend glued to the whole three and a half hours. Can't believe how a 63 year old man can be so agile. The Bulge, WOW!! They filmed in the snow. My kids are pleading with us to make the trip this year.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Cathy - I'd book ASAP. I don't know about this particular guide, but many will combine people in a group to make it more affordable...That time of year is prime time, too. Definitely NOT off-season! EDIT: What a cool website (Ellwood's)! I saw that 'my' old BattleBus tour guide, Allan Bryson, is now with Ellwood. I just posted about Allan on another post; gotta go edit that post, too!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
Wow!! We took the plunge, found some cheap flights and headed to France at Spring break. We were very lucky to get a one-day tour with Ellwood. I can honestly say this day was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. The kids were speechless as Ellwood explained in fabulous entertaining detail how the Rangers scaled the cliffs at Point du Hoc, while under heavy fire and how soldiers from the Bid Red I were huddled along the sea wall before launching a do or die attack on the high ground. I can't find words to describe just how that day made us all feel. We will be talking about this trip for a long time to come.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Eli - I would hold out for Ellwood if you can manage your schedule.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, USA
8 posts
Eli, I don't know about Ellwood's other guides, but as he does everything to such a high standard, I can't believe that they would be anything other than excellent. We were just very lucky. He had not planned to be touring during the period of our visit, but some appointment that he had, cancelled and he changed his mind.