By taking part in the Scout programme, we want our young people to play their part in their community, local, national and global. Earlier this summer, a party of some ninety Scouts, Explorers, leaders and parents visited Normandy for a long weekend of cycling and taking in the historic sites of D-Day, 80 years ago.
Scouts from as diverse a group as Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Rotherfield, Farnham and Knaphill between them explored the area west of the Ouistreham (Caen) ferry port, prominent for being the location of the historic D-Day battle scenes of 80 years earlier.
Even before the camp began, the Scouts had to prepare with cycle and kit checks, practice puncture repairs, brush up on first aid, find out about the history and geography of the area, and sort out cycling and tent groups. It was not simply a matter of turning up on the day with a bike.
Throughout, the Scouts used their language skills in shops and when conversing with various locals. On some occasions, they met visitors from other countries too; Canadians, Australians and Americans spring to mind and our Scouts made very good impressions where-ever they went.
The weekend began with an overnight ferry journey from Portsmouth, which led to a very early start once it had arrived in France. All the bikes were transported on long trailers specially adapted to carry two layers of cycles, a very effective system which had been refined over a number of previous trips. With cycle unloading completed, ‘M-checks’, final adjustments, helmet and kit checks were made and the various groups were on their way.
Each group, typically 5-7 strong, developed its own itinerary based on a treasure hunt with most (but not all) questions themed on various aspects of the D-Day invasion and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. There are many battle sites, monuments and memorials, cemeteries and artifacts to visit.
Some of the places visited related to the even older villages and towns in the area, mediaeval abbeys and churches, picturesque villages and chateaux and beautiful countryside. The base campsite was at Bayeux, about 40km/25 miles from the ferry port, and but a few minutes walk from the historic town centre. Several Scouts took the opportunity to go and see the famous tapestry.
The second day had an easier, slightly later start and groups were able to visit places further West and North. Sites included the most moving American cemetery and Omaha Beach at Colleville-sur-Mer; Port-en-Bessin-Huppain; the remains of the Atlantic Wall batteries at Longues-sur-Mer; Gold Beach at Arromanches-les-Bains, where some relics survive from one of the famous Mulberry harbours.
A moving Scouts’ Own service in the evening at the camp reflected on the sacrifices made eighty years before by earlier generations.
The final day required all the cyclists to return to the ferry port in plenty of time for the afternoon sailing home. An early start gave ample time and most groups managed to visit a few more sites of historic interest before they finished and reboarded the ferry.
The event was organised and supported in the field by a small team from Rotherfield District, consisting of Stuart Withey, Matt Collins, Mark Hughes, Pam Bavage, Andy Hickman and Malcolm Leach. Plus, a small party from Rotherfield Scout Active Support was able to visit the event and gain insight into the organisation of the event and what the Scouts gained from it.
Text: Steven Osborn, Communications volunteer, and Adam Brook, Scout Leader, 3rd Alton.
