SALUTING HILL
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The last time this Churchill Tank crossed the channel it waste take part in a battle that raged some 20km from Caen and the 0-Day beaches, on Hill 112 in Normandy. The battle resulted in heavy casuaftles and many hundreds of British soldiers lost their lives there in one day alone during Operation Overlord.
The vehicle was accompanied on Truckline Ferries (Brittany Ferries freight service) by battle veteran Albert Figg, who raised the money to pay for the tank to be restored. Also on this emotional journey were members of the Royal Armoured Carps, who continue with fund-raising to ensure that the area around Hill 112 and the tank are maintained for ever.
The travel arrangements were made by the 43 Wessex Division Association and were co-ordinated to coincide with a momor ml service hold on Hill 112 on the anniversary of the battle on 11 July. When the nconvoi exceptionnel' disembarked it was escorted by the French police to the memorial, where the tank was then helped into position by local farmers and their tractors.
The service was well attended and many local dignitaries turned out to pay their respects to those who helped to liberate Normandy.