Preparations

Well, we (OC tour and his wife) are here. Despite the many reports of port blockades, Ouistreham seems unaffected and the only sign of any industrial action by fishermen was the small, peaceful group gathered at the port to check refrigerated lorries for fish.

Normandy has been very wet, but we have still managed to get the grass cut. If we (and you) are lucky, the weather will hold long enough to get the tents up this afternoon.

If you are thinking of buying a new pair of trainers for the tour - don't. Buy waterproof shoes instead. (Goretex walking boots are great - look like trainers but keep the wet out of your feet).

We are off to do some food shopping today - see you all tomorrow afternoon.

Kit list

KIT LIST

Documentation
1 Passport (please let us know as soon as possible if you are a non-UK passport holder)

1 European Health Insurance Card

Military (for the Parades)

1 Combat Jacket

1 Trousers, Lightweight*

2 Shirts, KF (green)

1 Belt

Beret & Badge

Brassard

Boots (& spare laces)

2 pairs Socks

1 pair Twists

All these military items MUST be brought on the tour. The weather in Normandy is variable and it cannot be assumed that the parades will be done in shirt-sleeve order.

Civilian

Jacket, preferably waterproof

Trousers (can be jeans)

2 Jersey/sweatshirt

2 Shirts/polo shirts/t-shirts

Underwear (sufficient for 7 days)

Socks (sufficient for 7 days)

1 pr Shoes

1 pr Trainers

Hat (to keep the sun off!)

Swim wear THIS INCLUDES A SWIMMING HAT and boys MAY NOT wear shorts or bermudas! (This is a general rule at French municipal pools).

1 Sleeping Bag - Military or civilian.

Wash Kit

1 Large towel

Boot cleaning kit

Sewing kit

Sun Block

Water bottle & holder/belt

Knife, Fork & Spoon

Mug

Note Book

Pen/pencil

Torch - plus spare batteries & bulb

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD NOT BRING MORE THAN ONE SUITCASE, HOLDALL OR EQUIVALENT FOR THE BULK OF THEIR KIT. A SMALL 'DAY SACK' WOULD ALSO BE USEFUL.

Apart from military items, this list is for guidance. Tour participants should go for comfort rather than glamour.

* Some cadets may not have been issued with lightweights. If you do not have a pair you will need to obtain some urgently, via your detachment commander, or borrow a pair. C95's are NOT worn at the parades.

Tour 2008 - Reveille

This will be the 10th time that Cadets from Oxfordshire (The Rifles) Army Cadet Force have visited Normandy to remember those who landed in Normandy in June 1944. This blog will be regularly updated over the next month or so as we prepare for the tour , and we will add commentary and photographs as the tour progresses to keep family and friends up to date with what we're doing.