If you are going to go get there early I had to be dragged out at closing time and I have been about 4 times! Seriously tho check the website when we are back to normal because I think its a Thursday that they have the displays on where they bring a few of the working machines out into the display area. I have been trying to get when they bring the Mark 1 tiger out but have been unsuccesful so far. Here is the website; https://tankmuseum.org
There was a question on the chase tonight.... How many Victoria Crosses were awarded on D Day? Answers were:- 1, 10 or 100. Correct answer was 1, but there was no explanation as to why. Seems low?
Wonder Stanley Hollis from Middlesbrough who was in the Yorkshire Regiment iirc was the only VC award in D Day for single handedly attacking a machine gun position and putting it out of action. After the war he became a landlord in a town centre pub in the Boro. There is a statue of him in a tiny village called Crepon which is a couple of miles inland from the beaches, we have a photo of him and I'll see if I can find it but it isn't on any of our phones or computers so might be a challenge but I'll give it a go.
The last paragraph of his citation best describes his gallantry and the impact his actions had that day. Wherever the fighting was heaviest...[he]...appeared, displaying the utmost gallantry... It was largely through his heroism and resource that the Company's objectives were gained and casualties were not heavier. ....he saved the lives of many of his men.[12] A very brave and tenacious soldier, his VC was well deserved.
Apparently each one weighed 6000 tons each!!!!!! And we towed the bloody things across the channel, hence the name 'GREAT' Britain. Very proud of all servicemen and women that fought against the axis powers. I have been across to Normandy and over to Belguim on various tours. I honestly loved them and hopefully once this Covid is over we are going to do Operation Market Garden.
Many were built on the Clyde and sailed down under tow by tugs, it's unbelievable really. We were going to do Market Garden this year for our 50 th Wedding Anniversary by train to Ahrnem but Covid put paid to that but never say never.
