Here on a summers day long ago, brave men of many nations, took part in the greatest battle of all time .... The Invasion of Normandy. Across these waters sailed the great fleet of over six thousand ships, and over these quiet beaches ... stormed the gallant soldiers of the Allied Armies.
In every town and village and farmstead there are vivid reminders of the heavy fighting. From Ouistreham to Arromanches ... and from Bayeux to St Mere Eglise, every action ... and everyone involved ... is remembered as if it were yesterday.
THIS IS GOLD BEACH ... where the bold Commandos
Among the first to land on that great day
Cleared obstacles, set markers, gave directions,
To guide the Allied Armies to the shore.
Saw great battleships and cruisers, all supporting
As landing ships and small craft crossed the bay.
Helped sturdy sailors beach their boats quite safely ...
and sent those eager soldiers on their way!
Here you saw your bright young friends frm Hampshire
Attack that gun emplacement man to man!
Praised their action ... as you gathered to move forward ...
Prepared to play your part in the great plan!
In this shell-shocked, shattered Sanatorium,
Before the dust had settled on the scene,
Sailors in khaki made their signal station.
Watching from Mulberry Harbour to Jig Green ...
Serving their Beach Master as the needs demanded;
Vigilant and efficient day by day ...
With first class ship to shore communication
To guide more guns ... and soldiers on their way!
Here the famous Fiftieth Division
Brought tanks that rolled up country to Bayeux,
And humble coasters gathered on the shoreline
With vital cargoes to support them all ...
All the while the cheerful Royal Navy
Kept good watch on beach and boats and bay
Here they lived and worked among the ruins,
In loyal service and in friendship true.
Those khaki sailors laughed away the hardships
LE HAMEL was for them a "home from home!"
Proudly those men of JIG GREEN still remember,
And treasure stories of that ... BAND OF GOLD!
James W. F. Madden
Le Hamel Normandy
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