Pointe du Hoc

This is another memorial, to the U.S. rangers who attacked this German fortified point. The Rangers trained on the cliffs of Dover and brought the Fire Company of London's ladders and hooks which they planned to throw and rappel up. Unfortunately most of the ropes got wet from the gale on June 6 and so very few were able to be successfully thrown (they were too heavy when wet). The cliffs were also higher than the ladders could reach. The supply boats to support the mission sank, adding further to the delay of the assault. 

They faced fierce combat for the next few hours as they tried to scale the vertical, rain-slick cliffs and finally captured the grounds. Instead of the cannons they had expected to find when they captured the grounds, they found wooden decoy posts placed by the Germans. The Rangers found the German guns in the woods nearby and destroyed them but faced a counterattack for two days. Of the 225 who started only about 80 were still able to fight two days later. 

The holes in the ground were made in the bombings prior to the attack. They are immense and it's hard to even imagine the bombs that must have been used. There are fortified bunkers where the Germans mounted their cannons and kept watch. The pits are approximately 25 feet deep and wide. Many students enjoyed "pit running" from one end to the other. It was a good release from the emotion of the cemetery. 

On the return to the bus, Xavier and crew came across a french achool group and got into an impromptu dance off. It was quite the site to see - and alas, Xavier was bested. 

We are back on the bus now heading to Sainr Lo for hotel check in and dinner.