Sunday 24th May - The Off - 6 miles

An early assembly at Southwick Park, now the headquarters of the Defence Police, but in 1940 a private house until it was requisitioned by the Navy. In 1944 the house became the headquarters of Naval planning for D-Day, and in the June it was the forward headquarters for Eisenhower. It was here that the Eisenhower gave the order to invade Europe on 6th June – one of the riskiest and biggest decisions ever made in militayr history. Apparently having given the order, he then drafted his letter of resignation – so high was the level of confidence!

For our departure, parts of the house and grounds had been trasformed back to June 1994, with members of the Military History Society playing the parts of members of the planning staff – down to radio operators and typists. The original map of the channel had been kept and we were briefed on the plans for the invasion.

300 of us then formed up with our cycles in front of the house, including a team of 8 from Headley Court, the rehabilitation centre for wounded servicemen, 3 who were taking part in the ride sitting on cycles powered by their arms, and several without limbs! The first addresss, by Bryn Parry, the founder of Help for Heroes told the story of his son, Tom, aged 23 having left Sandhurst only 6 months ago and who is currently in Afganistan experiencing intensive operational activity – who, 2 weeks ago, lost a member of his Platoon killed with his Platoon Sergeant being badly injured. Next was Ross Kemp – a TV personality -, then the Second Sea Lord (a senior Admiral) all of whom gave us a rousing send-off, and it really brought home to me the significance of what we were doing. Our final tak was by the Mother of one of the riders whoherself was a junior officer in Southwick House at the time of the invasion and who lost a husband and brother in the fighting – who gave us a most emotional send off. Not a dry eye amongst us!

Family and friends, including Amanda and Sophie – lined the route out of the Southwick Park – and were we were cheared off on the start of the adventure. What was remarkable was that the route to the ferry terminal 6 miles - was lined all the way with people clapping us as we went along – a tremendous support from the people of Portsmouth.

Short, 3 hour ferry crossing, in calm conditions, to Cherbourg, then into hotels to sleep and prepare for the first day.