US infantry in Normandy: cutting the Cotentin Peninsula TOUR

Key Points

• Private group experience limited to 5 participants ensures personalized attention
• Duration of 8 hours offers an in-depth look at the American infantry’s operations in Normandy
• Coverage of key locations such as Utah Beach, Gourbesville, and the German Cemetery at Orglandes
• Guided tours in multiple languages including English, French, Dutch, and German
• Transportation and hotel pickup included for convenience, with options from Cherbourg or Bayeux
• Not included in the fee are lunch and museum entry fees, which are discussed on the tour day

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Introduction to the Normandy US Infantry Tour

This 8-hour private battlefield tour focuses on the American Infantry’s efforts during the D-Day landings and subsequent battles in Normandy. Priced at $889 per group of up to 5 people, it offers an intimate and detailed look at the fighting that took place from Utah Beach in the east to the islands of Guernsey and Jersey in the west.

Operated by DDayYourWay, this tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive yet personal exploration of the US military operations during June 1944. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a guide fluent in English, French, Dutch, and German. While lunch is not included, the guide discusses arrangements on the day, giving travelers flexibility.

Discover Utah Beach’s Strategic Importance

Utah Beach is the first stop, notable for being the smallest of the two American landing beaches, but critically important for its role in seizing the deep sea harbor of Cherbourg. This beach is celebrated as the most successful with the least casualties among the Normandy beaches, marking a significant victory for the US forces.

Here, the tour highlights the arrival of General Teddy Roosevelt ashore, making this location a key historical site. Visitors learn about the Paratroopers of the 505th PIR who created a defensive position near Saint Mère Eglise to prevent German counterattacks from Cherbourg. The guide leads you through the area where skirmishes in Gourbesville occurred, including the story of Private James Hattrick, who killed a German commanding officer during the initial fighting.

Visiting Gourbesville’s Fierce Battlefields

Gourbesville witnessed intense combat during June 1944, with multiple assaults by the 90th Infantry Division. The village was repeatedly taken and retaken by American troops until finally falling on June 15 after nine days of fierce fighting. The tour includes visits to monuments and historic buildings that depict this tough period, giving insight into the sacrifices made by the infantry.

This battlefield remains a powerful reminder of the cost of victory, with approximately 300 American casualties recorded during the battle. The tour emphasizes the significance of the fighting around Gourbesville and explains how the US forces overcame formidable German defenses.

The German Cemetery at Orglandes

After Gourbesville, the tour moves to Orglandes, where the German military cemetery is located. The village was secured after a joint effort by regiments of the 9th and 90th Infantry Divisions. The cemetery, established in 1961, is managed by the German government and is the final resting place for more than 10,000 German soldiers who fell during the Battle for Normandy.

Visitors see the mass graves of German victims and learn about the heavy toll on both sides of the conflict. The site provides a solemn moment to reflect on the scale of the fighting and the importance of remembrance.

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The Strategic Crossroads at Pont l’Abbé

Pont l’Abbé is another key stop, focusing on the June 10 attack from Chef-du-Pont. The location features a Douve Bridge and the crossroads that were critical to the Allied advance. The guide explains the strategic importance of controlling this area to facilitate further operations inland, showcasing how the battles in this region shaped the course of the campaign.

This stop gives a clear picture of the tactical considerations faced by the infantry as they moved through the Normandy landscape, highlighting the importance of bridges and road networks in WWII battles.

The Battle at Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and Mont de Besneville

The tour continues to Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and Mont de Besneville, where additional skirmishes took place. These sites reveal how battle lines shifted and how the infantry played a crucial role in capturing and holding these positions. The guide discusses the fighting around these villages, illustrating the complexity of the Normandy campaign.

Expect to see local landmarks and hear stories of infantry tactics, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the US troops in these engagements.

The Airborne and Coastal Defenses at Barneville-Carteret

Next, the tour visits the Luftwaffe Radar Station and the Camp Patton, which were key points in the German coastal defenses. These sites provide context for the German military’s defensive preparations along the coast, and the guide explains how the American forces overcame these obstacles.

While the tour’s focus remains on the infantry operations, these stops add depth to understanding the broader strategic picture of the Normandy invasion.

Crossing the La Fière Bridge and the Iron Mike Memorial

The La Fière Bridge is a significant site, marking the fighting around the bridge during the Normandy campaign. The tour includes a visit to the La Fiere Bridge Guest House and the Bridge Chef du Pont, where key battles unfolded.

Lastly, the Iron Mike Memorial honors the paratroopers and infantry units who fought during D-Day. The guide shares stories of their bravery and sacrifice, providing a fitting conclusion to the day’s exploration of the US infantry’s efforts.

Logistics and Group Size

This private tour is designed for a group of up to 5 people, ensuring an intimate experience. The pickup and drop-off are included, with locations in or near Bayeux, Cherbourg, or other arrangements. The transportation makes it easy to visit multiple sites without the hassle of self-driving.

The timing starts around 9:00 am and concludes by 5:00 pm, giving ample time to explore each location. The tour guide speaks multiple languages, helping all participants understand the significance of each site.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Participants should bring hiking shoes for walking on uneven battlefield terrain. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, given the walking involved. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning.

While museum fees are not included, the guide discusses options for additional visits or purchases on the day, giving travelers control over their experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This battlefield tour appeals most to those interested in military history and the specific role of US infantry in Normandy. It provides detailed narratives of key battles, with visits to notable sites that shaped the campaign. The private group format ensures a personalized experience, ideal for history buffs or small groups seeking an in-depth understanding.

It’s a comprehensive and respectful look at the sacrifices of the soldiers, with practical logistics making it a convenient choice for travelers staying in Cherbourg or Bayeux.

The Sum Up: A Focused and Personal Normandy Battlefield Tour

The US Infantry in Normandy: Cutting the Cotentin Peninsula TOUR offers an up-close look at the fighting that defined the Normandy landings and the subsequent battles. Its eight-hour duration covers critical locations such as Utah Beach, Gourbesville, and the German Cemetery at Orglandes, with insights provided by a multilingual guide.

While not including lunch or museum entry fees, the tour’s personalized, private format and comprehensive itinerary make it a memorable way to explore the infantry’s role in WWII. It is especially suited for history enthusiasts and small groups seeking a detailed, respectful, and well-organized battlefield experience.

Readers should weigh the walking requirements and price point against their interest in the subject matter. Overall, it’s a thoughtful tour that brings history to life through the stories of those who fought in Normandy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a guide fluent in multiple languages, as well as bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. The guide discusses arrangements for lunch on the day of the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The 8-hour tour runs from approximately 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What locations are visited during the tour?
Stops include Utah Beach, Gourbesville, the German Cemetery at Orglandes, Pont l’Abbé, Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, Mont de Besneville, Barneville-Carteret, the Luftwaffe Radar Station, Camp Patton, La Fiere Bridge, and the Iron Mike Memorial.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking over uneven terrain.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What language options are available for the guide?
The tour is available with guides speaking English, French, Dutch, and German.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is designed for a private group of up to 5 participants, ensuring a tailored experience.

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