Battlebus Tours - Travel & Normandy WWII History Forum

[musgrave20]

Dear Battle Bus

I wanted to take the time to write and express my thanks to Battle Bus and in particular Stuart and Julian who were our tour guides; Stuart for the British Highlights Tour and Julian for the Band of Brothers Tour back in September. The trip across to Normandy with my father was an opportunity for us to share our mutual interest in the events that took place in Normandy, we both had a fantastic and memorable holiday. To break from everyday life and immerse myself in the history of Normandy for a few days was rare and fantastic; the team at Battle Bus contributed to this immensely. On an individual note I found the time spent with Stuart so interesting hearing about the events of D-day surrounding the British forces being told so well and with such genuine passion and enthusiasm made for a brilliant day. The following day on the Band of Brothers tour with Julian was equally fascinating. The E company story is so famous and commercial it was good to get some grounding on the events surrounding this particular company. I've read a number of the books that have been released by the veterans and had reached my own conclusion prior to coming out to Normandy that perhaps not all the events were recalled as accurately as might be, but Julian with fairness and respect to the veterans brought this to light and into check. That said standing and seeing the sites where the events took place has left me with memories that will stay with me for a long time. Maybe it wasn't E Company and maybe it didn't quite happen like the Band of Brothers series at that time or in that place, but events like those depicted in the series did happen carried out by courageous soldiers. I left Normandy with my feeling of admiration for all the soldiers that fought in WW2 enhanced no end. Each days tours finished with a moment of thought remembering what the soldiers that fought and died sacrificed; the work and thought provoking nature along this line that your company promotes I think is commendable. I still think Easy Company of the 506th and all they did should be celebrated as the story of what happened 65 years ago has got to be told and remembered about someone and if that should be encapsulated within Easy Company and their actions then so be it if it means all the many stories out there are brought to the forefront and remembered by the wider audience. From what I saw of your work as a company in Normandy I think it's excellent and I thank you all for the opportunity to experience what you do and highly recommend others to book for one of your tours, throughly enjoyable and throughly recommendable .

Perhaps I'll see you again in the future when I bring my own son out to Normandy (when he's a bit older) for him to learn about the events that took place all those years ago.

My grateful thanks for an amazing weekend.

Chris Musgrave.