Going to visit Juno Beach Centre

Reference the observation bunker at Longues sur Mer...that was actually a Fire Control position for the coastal battery.

It was in this very bunker that an actor depicting Major Werner Pluskat, first saw the Allied invasion fleet approaching. You can see that scene in the movie "The Longest Day".

So much to see/experience, so little time!
 
scott585 said:
towed is a bit of an over simplification, it was blown to pieces, the turret has been crudely welded back together as shown in your pic, the deck is mostly scrap metal, i think i even has engine vents off a king tiger iirc. the suspension is wrecked, the hull bottom is gone, that concrete block is holding the tank up.
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Blown to pieces is also totally false. Reference the magazine after the battle. It details the recovery. Most of the missing parts were harvested by scrap dealers. The turret is from another tiger though.
 


One of the most photographed (Juno) positions, even has a great story on the plaques. Which you are going to have to read when you are there. Pretty crafty of those Germans to have the Anti Tank gun facing away from the water and with the ability to traverse readily to either side to engage tanks broadside.
 
Rule 303 said:
Reference the observation bunker at Longues sur Mer...that was actually a Fire Control position for the coastal battery.

It was in this very bunker that an actor depicting Major Werner Pluskat, first saw the Allied invasion fleet approaching. You can see that scene in the movie "The Longest Day".

So much to see/experience, so little time!
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That's what I meant. Should have been more clear. For observation of fire, and redirecting. Either way the building is really neat. A storm rolled in as we were walking there and we ended up running to shelter in it. Was pretty cool.
 
Interesting I am not the only one who found the Juno Beach Centre a bit disappointing. I would recommend the Battle of Normandy museum in Bayeux, excellent exhibits focused on the Battle of Normandy. The Bunker and No. 4 Commando museums in Ouistreham are excellent. My favorite is the British Airborne Museum by Pegasus Bridge. Cafe Gondre is worth a visit too, lots of airborne militaria displayed although drink prices are steep, and no pictures allowed.
 
So much to see in Normandy and it is spread out all over the place. The beaches are a must see but something I think a lot of folks overlook is the fighting that took place inland after the landing beaches where secured. LOTS of fighting took place inland and LOTS of history was made during the Normandy Campaign till the closing of the gap.

Had a nice summerish day in Ottawa today so the wife and I went for a little drive in the 166 and took some pics, which seem to go along with this thread.

^Nice day for a little end of season drive
 
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Adding photos from visit to Beny-Sur-Mer cemetery. We should have stopped at the cemetery on way back, as we missed most of the tour at Juno in English. Did sneak into the last bunker with the tour. I enjoyed the museum, would have liked to do the full tour as well. Didn't take photos at Juno, but here are some from Beny, one with my son & his father-in-law.

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I visited Abbaye d'Ardenne some time back as part of a tour. I think it was not far if you have a car. There is also Château d'Audrieu but I am not sure if there is any access or monument there.
 
Well, all my beaking off about the Juno Beach Center in my post here on Jan 16 and now I find myself here on Monday Sept 28.

One exception, I will be passing by the JBC and right onto the beaches.

Later, down to Cintheaux and the sorronding area.

I have spent the last 10 days touring the Somme and Flanders.

Lets just say 10 days in the fields, ohhhhh, yaaah!

I was not planning to do this, but I could not stay away.

Onto Bayeaux for a short rest.
 
domus.don said:
When you're at Juno, check out the "Maison des Canadiens" . . . you'll see it. Also, take the time to go visit a cemetery or two. There are a couple in the area. They are well worth the visit. I preferred the Canadian cemeteries . . . they felt more peaceful then the American ones. To see all the names and hear the birds chirp is a feeling I can't describe. You have to be there. All that being said, if you have the time, take a day and drive on the coast (as coastal as you can be) up to Fecamp. The drive is amazing and you'll see a lot of less touristic site (but still very historical). It was both educational and pleasant . . . a lot of sites where the allies landed that I had never heard off.
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A few years ago our Globus "Great Canadian War memorial Bus Tour" stopped at the Canada House and as we were taking pictures of the outside of the house, the owner came to the porch, found out we were Canadian and invited all of us in to see the inside of the house. What an unexpected thrill and how nice of the owner.


 
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