The historic town of St Valery en Caux was to be the last port of call of call.....
MBM Fleet Back in the Solent
The historic town of St Valery en Caux was to be the last port of call of call for the fleet before returning home to England on Saturday. A two night stop enabled crews to explore the World War Two defences and monuments, chalky cliffs and beaches and stock up with goods in the town. It was also the setting for the second gala dinner of the cruise, arranged by Neale and Claire for the Friday night before the big channel crossing.
The superb dinner was hosted by the Hotel du Casino, a new hotel development in St Valery. Awards were presented at the dinner to those who had made considerable contributions on the trip. Margaret, ‘Polkodot’ was recognised for her French speaking, she came to the aid of the MBM team on many occasions when confirming moorings for example. David Broad, ‘Lady Martina’ was commended for his organisation of the Battlefield Tours during the 6-day stay in Caen. Nigel, ‘Nymphea’ and David Steward, ‘Odyssea’ were also presented with the prizes for their stunning 3 o’clock in the morning rendition of a Status Quo record during the stay at St Vaast.
It was an early start on Saturday for the fleet on the return to England. The basin at St Valery has a lifting road bridge and is locked as the entrance channel dries at low tide. Escorted by Time Flies and Calm Voyager, the fleet moved out with the 9.00am bridge there next and last port of call being Brighton. After safely crossing the shipping lanes, many boats peeled off as they had chosen to go their separate ways toward their own home ports. But the remaining 10 boats reached Brighton at 4 o’clock local.
MBM Fleet Celebrate D-Day 60th Anniversary Caen
Emotional scenes were witnessed as veterans returned to Caen, many for the first time since the events of 1944 (7 June 2004).
MBM Fleet Back in the Solent
The historic town of St Valery en Caux was to be the last port of call of call (15 June 2004).
