CAA Saskatchewan Winter 2017 | Page 23

Normandy, France See it with CAA The war’s pivotal battle took place June 6, 1944. The D-Day invasion saw more than 150,000 Allied troops storm the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history. While Canada lost 340 troops on Juno Beach, the battle turned the tide of the war for the Allies to defeat Hitler. The Juno Beach Centre, erected on these shores in 2003, is Canada’s Second World War museum, memorial and cultural centre. Pay homage to Canadian bravery and sacrifices throughout France on a river cruise Normandy River Cruise with London & Paris WestWorld Tours President’s Collection 16 days, June 8–23 London: Start your tour by seeing the sights of this world- famous city, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower. Antwerp, Belgium Nijmegen, Netherlands In the final months of the Second World War, Canadian forces were tasked with the job of liberating Nazi-occupied Netherlands. They forged through French and Belgian countryside, battling the remaining pockets of German resist- ance, then helped free Dutch communities, from cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam to small villages including Nijmegen. To this day, village residents honour their Canadian liberators during the annual Nijmegen Marches, a renowned international military marching competition. Belgium’s largest city played a pivotal role in the war. Access to the city’s port was key to maintaining Allied supply lines. It fell upon the First Canadian Army to clear German forces from the Scheldt River leading to this vital port. While ultimately triumphant, more than 6,300 Canadian soldiers were killed, wounded or reported missing during the fighting. Visitors can pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Schoonselhof Cemetery, where 348 Canadians are buried. Dunkirk: See the French beach where Allied troops were cornered and later evacuated. Dieppe: Pay homage to the Canadian war effort at the site of the infamous raid. Normandy: Walk along Juno Beach, the stretch of now peaceful coast- line that was liberated by Canadian forces. Paris: End your tour in the City of Light and revel in the freedom won by Canadian heroes. To book: Call 1-800- 564-6222 (press 4) or westworldtours.com CAA SaSkatchewan winter 2017 23