A D-Day Commemoration

Today, immerse in stories from London’s wartime era. During World War II, London faced a period of relentless bombing raids, with over 30,000 civilians losing their lives during the Blitz from 1940 to 1941. The city’s spirit was tested as residents huddled in backyard bomb shelters and London Underground stations during air raids, while the introduction of V-1 and V-2 rockets in 1944 and 1945 brought further destruction and fear. Amid these hardships, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother chose to remain in London, embodying steadfast resolve and solidarity with their people. Winston Churchill, the country’s indomitable prime minister, also stayed, leading and inspiring resilience through his speeches. Daily life was marked by hardship, including food shortages and rationing, constant alerts and the strain of living under siege conditions. Despite these challenges, Londoners’ spirits remained unbroken, embodying an enduring resolve and unity.

Your day is spent at two poignant memorials dedicated to those who lived through the war: the Imperial War Museum, and the Churchill War Rooms. Founded in 1917, the Imperial War Museum commemorates the sacrifices and experiences of those involved in conflicts from World War I to present day. Originally housed at Crystal Palace, it moved to its current location in Lambeth, London, in 1936 to better accommodate its extensive collections of military artifacts, exhibitions and personal stories.

A stand-out feature of the Imperial War Museum is its D-Day section, which offers an in-depth look at the critical Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Through personal testimonies, artifacts donated by veterans and their families, and immersive displays, this exhibition explores the intricacies of Operation Overlord. Visitors can engage with multimedia presentations and reconstructed scenes that illustrate the strategic planning, the valor of the troops, and the profound impact on civilians. This section is a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifices of those who participated, preserving their stories for future generations to remember and honor.

Your journey continues this afternoon while touring one of London’s most authentic World War II locations. Few sites capture the essence of World War II like London’s Churchill War Rooms, the nerve center of the Allied offensive. This underground labyrinth housed Winston Churchill and much of Britain’s wartime cabinet, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the D-Day invasion and the overall Allied victory. On 10 May 1940, Britain’s new Prime Minister strode purposefully down to the basement of an anonymous government building and declared, ‘This is the room from which I will run the war.’ Deep beneath Whitehall, these secretive chambers, with their offices, map rooms‒and even bedrooms‒preserved in their wartime state, were where the war was strategically fought. Churchill famously said, ‘The War Rooms were the headquarters of the Allied Command. They were the center of the action. Today, the Churchill War Rooms, including the acclaimed Churchill Museum, offer a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world where critical decisions were made, and are one of London’s most compelling attractions.

Tonight, embrace the spirit of VE Day cockney-style with your own ‘knees-up’ at a one-of-a-kind London venue. The days of rationing are over and it’s time to celebrate with some 1940s music and traditional pub grub.

Leave London and head to your first stop for the day. Just north of Portsmouth, Southwick House played a pivotal role in World War II as the forward base for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). From 2 June 1944, this elegant Georgian mansion became the nerve center for the D-Day invasion.

It was at Southwick House that General Dwight D Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, made the historic decision to commit 3,000,000 men and 2,727 ships to the operation that would turn the tide of the war. Initially planned for 5 June, D-Day was delayed due to poor weather conditions predicted for the English Channel. Eisenhower and his team, including Admiral Bertram Ramsay and General Bernard Montgomery, gathered in the mansion’s library to review the latest weather report. Following Captain James Martin Stagg’s forecast of improving conditions, Eisenhower made the decisive call, ‘Ok, let’s go!’ allowing the campaign to proceed on 6 June. The map room at Southwick House was crucial for tracking the invasion and the Battle of Normandy. Hope to visit the map room and small museum here to start your D-Day journey. (Southwick House is currently used by the Royal Navy. Access will be confirmed closer to your travel date. If a visit is not possible, then hope to visit The Red Lion at Southwick which has its own war time story to tell.)

On reaching Portsmouth, visit the D-Day Story. This popular exhibition offers a compelling insight into the pivotal role this historic port city played in the Allied invasion of Normandy. The museum opens with Landing Craft Tank 7074 (LCT), the last surviving LCT from D-Day, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the operation.

Portsmouth, being one of the main embarkation ports, was central to the planning and execution of the invasion. The city was a bustling hub of activity, with thousands of troops, vehicles and supplies being organized for Operation Overlord.

The museum’s preparation galleries delve into the strategic planning that began in Portsmouth, showcasing the extensive logistical efforts that were critical to the success of the operation. As you move through the D-Day and Battle of Normandy sections, you’re transported back to 6 June 1944, experiencing the intensity of the landings. The Legacy gallery and Overlord Embroidery conclude your visit with a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved.

Sailing up the Orne River in the early hours of 5 June, dock at the port of Caen, where you’ll remain for 2 days, giving you time to explore the region’s D-Day sites and memorials.

It is well documented that the taking of Caen played a pivotal role in the World War II D-Day campaign. On 6 June 1944, as the Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the aim was to secure a foothold on the Normandy coast, but Caen, situated strategically inland, became a crucial objective due to its location and extensive infrastructure.

The Battle of Caen, which unfolded between June and August 1944, was one of the longest and most intense battles of the Normandy campaign. The city was a primary target for the British and Canadian forces, who aimed to capture it quickly. However, German forces, well-entrenched and heavily fortified, put-up fierce resistance, resulting in prolonged and brutal fighting. Caen endured extensive bombing and artillery shelling, leading to significant destruction and civilian casualties, with the city almost entirely reduced to rubble by the battle’s end. Despite these challenges, the Allies persisted, gradually encircling and breaking through the German defenses. The eventual liberation of Caen on 20 July 1944, was a turning point in the Normandy campaign, allowing the Allies to push further into occupied France.

You can choose from a selection of full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Each tour will visit the D-Day Normandy beaches and memorials with a local guide. First option is the Caen Memorial Museum & D-Day Beaches, for one of the best D-Day museums in France with documents, artifacts and personal accounts providing a wider framework for the overall liberation campaign. Second option is the Pegasus Bridge & D-Day Beaches to immerse in the early morning airborne operation of gliders landing near the bridge, securing a vital crossing for the Allies, via a modern-day museum, memorial and replica bridge. Third option is the Airborne Sainte-Mère-Eglise Museum & D-Day Beaches, to take in Europe’s largest tribute to the 82nd & 101st Airborne Divisions, including historic Waco gliders and C-47 planes, plus the opportunity to make a simulated parachute jump, embark a C-47 and drop into Sainte-Mère-Église amid the fighting (note: this tour offers a boxed lunch).

On the night of 5 June and into the early hours of 6 June, airborne troops parachuted into action while heavy bombers targeted key coastal artillery. An armada of 5,000 ships, including a thousand battleships, crossed the English Channel under cover of darkness and storm, their approach shielded by damaged German radar stations. At 5:45am, battleships began their bombardment, paving the way for landing craft and the first assault waves. The names Sword, Juno, Utah, Gold and Omaha have become legendary as the sites where tens of thousands of troops stormed ashore.

In the afternoon, explore these historic beaches and their memorials dedicated to the brave men who landed on D-Day and in the days that followed. Local guides provide a vivid account of the events, bringing the stories of courage and sacrifice to life.

Utah beach – At 6:30am, the US 4th Infantry Division, led by General Barton and supported by amphibious tanks, arrived at the La Madeleine dunes on Sainte-Marie-du-Mont Beach. Coastal currents had pushed their landing craft 1.25 miles (2km) south of the intended site, making the landings considerably more perilous. However, diminished by intense air and sea bombardment, German resistance was relatively weak. The U.S. faced only minor losses, with approximately 50 dead and around 150 wounded. By early afternoon, they had linked up with the 101st Airborne Division.

Sword Beach – To the west of the Orne, between Langrune-sur-Mer and Ouistreham, the sector was heavily fortified. General Rennie’s 3rd British Division, bolstered by two special commando brigades, landed at Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer. Intense fighting was needed to capture Ouistreham. In the afternoon, Lord Lovat’s 1st Special Service Brigade successfully reached the Ranville and Bénouville bridges (Pegasus Bridge), linking up with the paratroopers. Meanwhile, the 4th Brigade faced difficulties in capturing Lion-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer, leaving a gap between Sword and Juno beaches. This breach allowed a detachment from the German 21st Panzer Division to infiltrate and briefly reach the sea before retreating. The 3rd British Division’s main force, delayed by German fortifications, was unable to capture Caen as intended.

Gold Beach – The British 50th Infantry Division, led by General Graham, landed at Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer around 7:25am. Despite fierce German resistance at both ends of their landing zone, the enemy was pushed back towards the center, allowing the British to advance inland. By the evening of 6 June, the 50th Division’s vanguard was at the outskirts of Bayeux, which they entered without conflict the following day. Meanwhile, in the late afternoon, the 1st Hampshire Regiment advanced along the coast and captured Arromanches, the site designated for one of the artificial ports.

Juno Beach – The sector between Courseulles-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin was assigned to General Rodney Keller’s 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, with support from the No. 48 (Royal Marine) Commando. Navigation challenges caused by coastal reefs delayed the arrival of landing craft, which reached the shore at high tide and encountered the formidable obstacles set by Rommel. This led to heavy casualties and significant beach obstruction. After intense combat and the loss of around 1,000 men, including 300 killed, the Canadians succeeded in linking up with British forces at Gold Beach and securing a solid bridgehead about 7.5 miles (12km) deep, the deepest of the day.

Omaha Beach – a 4.3-mile (7km) stretch nestled between Vierville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer and flanked by steep cliffs. This strategic location was heavily fortified with field guns, mortars and machine guns, creating a formidable defense. Despite knowing the risks, the Allies had no alternative but to proceed with the assault. Inaccurate bombing had failed to disable the German defenses, which were further bolstered by the unexpected arrival of the 352nd Infantry Division. On the morning of 6 June, soldiers from the U.S. 1st and 29th Divisions, commanded by Generals Huebner and Gerhardt, faced devastating losses. Trapped on the beach amid a scene of chaos–bodies and burning equipment–it took them nearly six hours to overcome the obstacles, scale the embankment and reach the plateau. By evening, their advance had barely extended 1.25 miles (2km) inland.

Today, plan to spend your morning at the commemoration ceremony for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, along with its poignant visitor center in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on the anniversary is a deeply moving experience. Established on 8 June 1944, it became the first American cemetery on European soil during World War II. Spanning 172 acres, the cemetery is the final resting place for 9,389 military personnel, many of whom lost their lives during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations. The site includes the Walls of the Missing, where 1,557 names are inscribed, with rosettes marking those who have been identified since.

Your day includes time spent at the visitor center. One-third of the 30,000-square-foot building is dedicated to exhibits featuring personal stories, narrative text, photos, films, interactive displays and artifacts that highlight the courage and sacrifice of the U.S. forces in the Battle of Normandy. The visitor center pays tribute to the values and sacrifices of the World War II generation, making a visit to this museum a profoundly moving experience.

Today is celebrated as Liberation Day in many villages across the region, with vibrant ceremonies, towns decked out in flags, lively festivals and visits from dignitaries. Time permitting, pause to experience the welcoming atmosphere, including a stop at the historic city of Bayeux, liberated by British troops in the early hours of 7 June 1944. Your day concludes with a late afternoon sailing on the Orne as the ship re-enters the English Channel and continues towards Brittany, following the path of General George S Patton.

Perched on the border of the former kingdoms of Normandy and Brittany, the walled city of Saint-Malo boasts medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and shops filled with delicious Breton treats, truly embodying its nickname as a pirate town. Known as the City of Corsairs due to its notorious privateering past, Saint-Malo’s strategic importance carried into the 20th century. In late 1944, its role as a Nazi stronghold led to over 80% of the town being destroyed. Today, Saint-Malo honors its rich history through its museums, festivals and preserved historic sites, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into its storied past.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Experience the Pirate Town of Saint-Malo walking tour with a local guide, learning about the privateers who conducted raids on English and other enemy ships, sharing their spoils with the French kings. On the All the Light We Cannot See-WWII Saint-Malo tour, join a local guide to walk the town and learn of the relentless 2 weeks of Allied attacks on this Axis stronghold, taking inspiration from All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel (weather & tides depending) for its historic abbey and role as a brief lookout post for Axis forces.

A mere 30 miles off the Normandy coast, the self-governing British Crown Dependency, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, is one of the eight permanently inhabited strongholds of the Channel Islands. Despite being closer to France, Guernsey holds to its distinctive British character. When William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became King of England in 1066, the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, became possessions of the English Crown. They have remained British Crown Dependencies ever since.

Guernsey and the other Channel Islands were the only British territories occupied by Axis forces during World War II. The occupation began on 30 June 1940, following the fall of France, and lasted until 9 May 1945. The invading forces transformed Guernsey into a fortified defensive position, with extensive bunkers, gun emplacements and tunnels.

Life under Nazi rule was extraordinarily difficult. Food had been rationed for several years, but by the end of the war, it became impossible to import supplies from France, leading to severe shortages. During the autumn of 1944, fuel and food supplies were running critically low and medical supplies were almost non-existent. Over 1,000 of the 24,000 residents not evacuated to England were deported to German prisons and labor camps, with only about 700 returning. Communication with the outside world was heavily restricted, adding to the isolation and hardship.

Despite these relentless challenges, the people of Guernsey exhibited remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. Their courage and determination were crucial in enduring the occupation. Liberation on 9 May 1945 is celebrated annually as Liberation Day, symbolizing the end of a harrowing chapter and the beginning of recovery and rebuilding.

Your guided tour of Guernsey’s World War II sites offers a poignant journey into the island’s wartime history. Visit several sites relevant to this period including the German Occupation Museum where you will find a collection of authentic artifacts generously donated by residents. These items provide a deeply personal glimpse into the daily struggles and hardships faced by the islanders. The German Naval Signals HQ at the La Collinette Hotel was a crucial communications center for the Germans until the occupation ended. The La Valette Underground Military Museum displays the vast network of secret tunnels constructed using forced labor. Originally intended as a U-Boat fuel store, these tunnels reveal the extreme fortifications imposed by the Nazis and the suffering of those who were forced to work on them.

This tour not only uncovers the strategic significance of Guernsey during World War II, but also pays tribute to the enduring spirit of its people who lived through these harrowing times. Your evening sailing returns you to the mainland of France at the mouth of the River Seine.

Disembark at the riverside town of Honfleur and make your way to Paris in the wake of the Normandy freedom fighters, Free French and Allied forces.

In the unyielding summer of 1944 in Normandy, the devastation was immense. Around two million soldiers, twice the area’s peacetime population, clashed in brutal combat. Civilians suffered greatly, with over 60,000 casualties and 500,000 buildings obliterated. The local inhabitants of Normandy had few choices: remain at home and hope for the best, try to escape if they could, or hide in quarries and makeshift shelters. In the Calvados département, the final village to be liberated was Honfleur, miraculously undamaged, achieving freedom on 25 August—the same day as Paris.

Heading to Paris, hear tales of the French who fought for their country’s liberation. A two-hour drive brings you to Mont-Valérien, a poignant memorial site that served as the main execution location for the Nazi authorities in France during World War II. Mont-Valérien was designated in 1941 as the site for executing hostages, and Resistance fighters condemned by Nazi military tribunals as retaliation for attacks on soldiers. Between March 1941 and August 1944, over a thousand people were executed here. From September 1941, reprisals included executing hostages from the same social or political circles as those who committed attacks, often in the areas where the attacks occurred.

Hailed as the Savior of Paris, General der Infanterie, Dietrich von Choltitz, will forever be remembered for his decision to allegedly defy Hitler’s order to destroy the city. Surrendering to the Free French forces on 25 August 1944, he found that the French Resistance had already taken control of much of the city and he would not have been able to carry out his Fuhrer’s orders anyway. During the Allied invasion of Normandy, Parisians, led by Resistance fighters and supported by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI), began a courageous revolt against their occupiers. Street battles erupted across the city as Resistance fighters and citizens fought to reclaim their freedom, with General Patton ultimately leading the U.S. Third Army to victory.

Entering Paris, visit a vivid reminder that many Parisians never gave up on their beloved city. Situated in the pavilions at Place Denfert-Rochereau, the Musée de la Libération de Paris reveals the previously unknown Liberation of Paris command headquarters hidden beneath the West Pavilion. This site served as Colonel Rol’s (French Forces of the Interior) command post during the uprising on 19 August 1944. Explore a rich collection of artifacts, photographs and personal stories from the Liberation of Paris, showcasing the bravery and resilience of Parisians during World War II.

This evening, gather to honor and remember those who fought bravely, those who resisted oppression, and those who were innocently caught up in the chaos of war. Take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and contributions, while also celebrating the freedom they bestowed upon all in this vibrant, liberated city.

Farewell your fellow travelers this morning and transfer to the aptly named Charles de Gaulle Airport for your onward journey.

For those eager to explore more of Paris, an added-cost extension package is designed to showcase the highlights of this stunning city. Please ask your Adventure Specialist for more details.