Hello everybody,, I am a Deputy Headteacher at Haig School, Mansergh Barracks, Gutersloh, Germany. I have had a long interest in military history and have taken the opportunity whilst living in Europe to visit the battlefields of history as often as I can. I am lucky to be only a couple of hours from Arnhem and have enjoyed many trips to First World War sites. Three years ago I decided to finally achieve an ambition and visit Normandy. That first trip only added to my interest and I have since made several more. I am now lucky enough to own a house in Le Coquerie just outside Ste Mare Eglise - I have a very understanding wife! We get there as often as we can and although a lot of my time is now spent with hammer and paint brush I am still fascinated and exploring when ever I can. And this is why I was so interested to find your forum. I am very aware about how little I actually know and being on the ground I have become very excited about detail. I read as much as I can but I have really enjoyed the expertise and incredible knowledge of the members of your forum. Every new bit of knowledge I gain just interests me more and generates more questions that I am determined to find out about. Clearly, I am no expert and I will be able to contribute little but I have joined your forum so that I may continue to learn and develop my detailed understanding of what went on in Normandy (and elsewhere!) When you are there it all seems so real, I guess because in many ways so little has changed and this is the strength of your forum and the knowledge it represents. I look forward to learning more! Thank you, Jonathan Davies
Welcome John, and you are indeed very fortunate living in that area ! Not only from the history perspective, but Normandy is a great place in terms of culture and landscape as well
Hi Jon, You are very welcome to the Forum. I read somewhere that the definition of an 'expert' is someone who has "attained the highest grade that can be achieved" - what a depressing thought There are no 'experts' here; only like minded enthusiasts who share a common interest in the Normandy campaign - that makes you one of us Regards, Pat