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Witness history come alive as we invite you to join us in Normandy and step back in time to the D-Day landings of June 6th, 1944.
Eighty years ago, amidst the chaos of war, Second Lieutenant Gilbert Jones, grasped a handful of sand from the shores of Juno Beach. This June, Dan Searson, his grandson, will lead an expedition team to return the sand to its rightful place, honouring his grandfather and the soldiers who valiantly fought for freedom.
Together, we will then pay homage to those who served, as we visit key WW2 memorials dotted along the Normandy coastline.
The journey will culminate in an evening of reflection and camaraderie, as we join members of the core expedition team to light the Lamp Lights of Peace on all 5 beaches.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history.
EVENT ITINERARY
05 June 2024
- Attend the official Expedition Launch at Chartwell, home of Winston Churchill
- Travel to Normandy
06 June 2024
- Witness the Expedition Team walk from the water on Juno Beach at 0715hrs. Sand taken from Juno Beach in 1944 will be returned 80 years on.
- Memorial Tour of Bernieres-Sur Mer, the site of Second Lieutenant Jone's landing in 1944.
- Visit Place du Canada, the first building captured on Juno Beach.
- Pay tribute to those that served that day at various memorials dedicated to their legacy.
- Attend a beach of your choice for the lighting of the Lamp Lights of Peace.
07 June 2024
- Depart for the UK
KEY INFORMATION
Expedition Launch, Chartwell: The official Expedition Launch will be held at Winston Churchill's home Chartwell, operated by the National Trust on the morning of 5th June 2024. Following the launch, you will have a private behind the scenes tour of the home and gardens.
Travel to and from Normandy: To ensure your travel is fully protected, we recommend you use an accredited Tour Operator to book your travel to Normandy.
Accommodation in Normandy: There are numerous accommodation options in Normandy. Due to demand, we recommend this is booked as soon as possible. Most hotels provide excellent food.
Juno Beach Landing: The Expedition Team will be landing on Juno Beach at 6.30am. All guests should arrive at the Beach no later than 6.00am where they will be met by Challenge The Wild staff.
Beach Tour: Our Beach walk follows a route from Juno Beach to Gold Beach, site of the British Normandy Memorial. On route, you will visit Cosy's Pillbox and the Churchill MK1V AVIE “One Charlie” Tank. The walk is 10km in length. Appropriate clothing should be worn.
Lighting of the Lamp Lights of Peace: Challenge The Wild are honoured to have been chosen to light the Lamp Lights of Peace on each of the 5 Beaches at 9.15pm local time. You will have the opportunity to attend a beach of your choice and witness history.
D-Day 80 Dinner: The dinner will take place at the Churchill War Rooms, London, on Tuesday 11th June 2024. There are limited places available. The cost of the dinner is £300pp with all D-Day Experience participants getting first refusal.
Cost: Just £750pp. This includes event management, experienced guides, logistical support, a full D-Day experience, and a generous donation to Walking With The Wounded.