Exploring Europe’s Military History

In February 2023, members of 8 Parachute Field Company embarked on a Battlefield Study to explore Europe’s military history focusing on the events of World War II. Over the course of the trip the group visited several locations. From the solemn grounds of Auschwitz to the iconic landmarks of Berlin, this tour offered a unique perspective on a defining moment in history.

Bastogne

As we arrived in the small Belgian town of Bastogne; it was impossible not to feel the weight of history in the air. This unassuming town was the site of one of the most intense and gruelling battles of World War II - the Battle of the Bulge. In December of 1944, German forces launched a surprise attack on the Ardennes Forest, hoping to divide Allied forces and cut off their supply lines. The town of Bastogne, held by American troops, stood in their way.

The Bastogne War Museum offered an incredibly engaging and informative experience, which we embarked on through a guided audio tour. The tour follows the war from the viewpoint of four different individuals, each offering their own unique perspective on the events that unfolded. We heard about the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict, as well as civilians caught in the crossfire.

I was personally struck by the vividness of the exhibits. From equipment such as tanks, trucks and an array of weapons used by soldiers to the personal effects of the period and several expertly reconstructed scenes. Everything was designed to immerse visitors in the experience.

Berlin

Our next stop was the vibrant city of Berlin where we were surrounded by the history and culture of the region. The Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of the city, was a remarkable sight. Its grandeur and beauty are a testament to the enduring spirit of the city and its people.

At Checkpoint Charlie, we were transported back in time to the tense days of the Cold War. The checkpoint, once a heavily fortified crossing between East and West Berlin, now serves as a poignant reminder of the divisions that once existed in the city. The Berlin Wall, the most iconic symbol of the Cold War, was a stark reminder of the tumultuous past of the city.

Some members of our group were set the task with delivering a short brief about each of the locations which afforded an excellent learning opportunity. Some of the teams were noticeably better than others with Jake and Kieran as the clear winners of the day. Their detailed and informative brief on the history of Checkpoint Charlie added a further level of interest and caught everyone by surprise when they started quizzing us and even throwing in some James Bond trivia.

Auschwitz

Visiting Auschwitz is a profound and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact. The enormity of the atrocities committed at this site are difficult to comprehend. Death caused by starvation and torture was common but the sheer scale of the murder that occurred here is overwhelming, with an estimated 1.1 million people (mostly Jews) losing their lives in the gas chambers and through other forms of execution.

Our tour guide Lucas has been leading tours at Auschwitz for 16 years. His Grandfather was a survivor of the camp; which gave him a deeply personal connection to the site and its history. His personal connection and emotional investment in the site added an extra layer of gravity to the tour, making it even more

No escape

impactful. His insights about the experiences of those who had been imprisoned in the camp gave us a deeper understanding of the human toll of the Holocaust.

The most staggering thing about the visit is the realisation that Auschwitz was one thing, a factory of death, a place where the Nazis carried out their genocidal plans with chilling efficiency. The horror of this reality is almost impossible to imagine and highlighted the continuing need to remember and learn from the past.

Colditz Castle

Colditz Castle, located in eastern Germany, is a Renaissance-era castle with a fascinating history. During World War II, the castle was used as a prisoner-of-war camp for Allied prisoners, many of whom were officers who had attempted to escape from other camps. Despite being heavily guarded, several prisoners managed to escape from Colditz, a testament to their resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Mike, our guide, shared with us the details of the escape attempts and painted a vivid picture of life as a POW. One of the more famous attempts was a tunnel escape where the prisoners dug under the Chapel, they had to move an enormous amount of rock which they hid in the roof. Eventually the roof collapsed under the weight which led to the discovery of the tunnel before it could be finished.

Mike’s wealth of knowledge and his ability to tell the story of Colditz Castle and its prisoners made for a memorable and thought-provoking visit. The castle now serves as a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of this remarkable building.

Omaha Beach and the Airborne Museum

Omaha Beach is in Normandy, France and was the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II: The D-Day invasion. On June 6th, 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in what was the largest amphibious invasion in history. The objective of the invasion was to establish a foothold in Europe and ultimately defeat Nazi Germany. The Airborne Museum features a wide range of exhibits and artefacts, including a comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms, and equipment used by Allied and German airborne forces.

Pegasus Bridge

As we departed for Calais, we had time for one final visit where we received a detailed briefing from WO2 ReyesContreras on the historical significance of the initial operation, Pegasus Bridge. On the night of June 5th, 1944, a group of British soldiers carried out a daring mission to capture the bridge before the German forces could destroy it. The operation was a success, and the bridge was held by Allied forces for the remainder of the war. It is the site of the first casualty of the invasion as well as the first liberated building.

Summary

The trip was an incredible experience offering a unique perspective from the viewpoint of other countries involved in World War II. From Bastogne, where American troops defended the town during the Battle of the Bulge; Auschwitz, a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, Omaha Beach, and Pegasus Bridge, which were key objectives of the D-Day landings. Each stop provided a deeper understanding of the war. Overall, the trip was a poignant reflection on life wartime Europe and the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the conflict.