With so many conflicts unfortunately emerging around us at the moment, it brings to mind the unwavering support, protection and dedication our Armed Forces, both past and present give to us.

Please help if you can as we raise some much needed funds for two critical organisations that support the individuals and their families of the Armed Forces in their personal hour of need - Both the Royal British Legion and The Veterans Charity rely extensively on fundraising support - we're going to be out there doing what we can and re-tracing the footsteps of those that gave so much for our freedom.

What is ‘The Overlord Challenge’?

‘The Overlord Challenge’ is a 60-mile walk along the Normandy D-Day landing beaches, carrying up to 50lbs (22.7kg) in a backpack, to raise money for the Royal British Legion and the Veteran’s Hub (Weymouth).

The walk takes place on the 2nd -5th June 2024; the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

To learn more about D-Day and Operation Overlord, click the link below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings

The challenge is the brainchild of Alex Holmes. He did the first of these walks for the 66th anniversary and has since completed the walk six times, raising thousands of pounds for these vital charities. This year will be Alex’s 7th Overlord Challenge and it promises to be the best one yet! We have thirteen walkers for 2024; the youngest being just 13 years old! We also have three support crew making the trip to Normandy to support walkers with whatever is needed en-route.

What does the challenge entail?

Day 1 (15.5miles/25km)- we start at the western edge of Utah Beach (an important logistical position for prevention of the reinforcement of the port of Cherbourg by the Germans) walking the promenade between the beach and the marshes. Assistance is then necessary to get around the inlet (no bridge across) and we will be dropped at Grandcamp-Maisy to continue the walk to Pointe Du Hoc.

Day 2 (16.1miles/26km)- we pick up the walk at Pointe Du Hoc moving along the cliffs to Vierville-Sur-Mer (the start of Omaha beach). We walk along Omaha Beach- where the American troops bravely fought for position- and climb up a steep bank (or draw) to the American Cemetery, where we will stop for a while and pay our respects. We will then continue the walk, completing the day at Port En Bessin.

Day 3 (14.4mile/ 23.2km) - back at Port En Bessin we will head along the cliff top and pass numerous gun batteries, then travelling inland to visit one of the largest at Longues-Sur-Mer. We will then head towards the Mulbry Harbour site at Arromanches back on the cliff. We continue along Gold Beach, the first of the British Beaches, before finishing at Courseulles-Sur-Mer. On D-Day at Gold, naval bombardment got underway at 05:30, and amphibious landings commenced at 07:25; we however won’t be quite so early!

Day 4 (14.3miles/ 23km)- we head out from Courseulles towards Juno Beach (taken on D-Day by the Canadians) and then on to Sword, the last of the beaches (taken by the British), before reaching the Canal de Caen a la Mer. We traverse the tow path along the canal until we reach the famous Pegasus Bridge; the final marker of the Challenge. The early capture of Pegasus Bridge ( and nearby Horsa Bridge) in the opening minutes of the invasion was vital to limit the effectiveness of any German counter-attack. Members of glider-borne British forces successfully captured the bridges and held them until they could be relieved by the main British forces.

Overlord Challenge 2024

Walkers:

Alex, Barney & George Holmes, Steve & Jacob Bailey, Tommy Downing, Steve Windsor, Josh Grant, Steve Evans, Mark Gillard, Rich Smith, Steve Heap, Geoff Heywood

Support Crew:

Phil Yeldham, Matt Hurst and Jon Hurst