We went to the Dead Man’s Corner Museum in Carentan, because Dennis found a photo of his dad’s helmet in a book which stated the helmet was in this museum. The museum had many artifacts about the 82nd and 101 Airborne, but not his helmet. We purchased a book depicting Pvt. Ernest R. Blanchard in England where he trained for the invasion. The author of both books was historian Michel de Trez,
Dennis asked the proprietor about the whereabouts of the helmet. He told us that his partner was the historian Michel de Trez and that he had the helmet in Belgium; he then called his friend to introduce us and to see if he was willing to speak with Dennis. We will go to Belgium after Luxemburg for that very purpose. Imagine the odds of finding that helmet!
Carentan is a small village with a train station. There, we bought our tickets for Luxembourg and will arrive in Luxembourg City tomorrow evening. At first we thought of catching the train to Bastogne, but decide to stay and explore the city, since I have not been there.
When I was studying French so many years ago, I read about the flying buttresses, an architectural technique that made it possible for churches to have light and height. Notre Dame in Carentan, (picture above left) I believe, is such an example.
The town hall is massive with a frontal rose and flower garden and huge window boxes full of petunias. These flowers seem to be a favored flowered in the district; they decorate many buildings. I wonder if Dennis’ father’s love for this flower developed while he was in France.–it was his favorite. Another popular flower is the hollyhock. These seem to attract the largest bumblebees I have ever seen.
Carentan has a canal to the harbor; consequently if has a marina (below, left). It was very relaxing siting under an cafe umbrella, sipping a Perrier, and watching the boats.
We returned to Sainte-Mere-Eglise, about 15 km (10 miles) away, to prepare for a day of travel. We boxed up our camping gear—no use hauling that 7 kg (almost 16 lbs) around if we are not using it. Dennis’ back pack is much lighter, and mine is smaller; both now fit in the overhead racks on trains and buses. Life is getting easier and we wind down our trip.
what a beautiful and inviting place.. you are both blessed to make the journey…Are going to Belgium to locate Ernest Blanchard’s Helmet?….Enjoy, I send my love to you both! Journey SAFE 🙂
Sandy,
Yes we are going to Belgium to see the helmet (Saturday) and to visit the museum in Bastagne, where he jumped as part of the 101st Airborne.
Dear Jane:
Where in Belgium will you be going? As you will recall, I plan to be in Antwerp the week of Sept. 22.
Speaking of coincidences, I was at the Jewish Federation this week for a lecture by a woman I know, Baila Miller, about klezmer music. She showed slides and I almost jumped out of my skin when a picture of my mother’s brother, my uncle, in Poland in the 1930s flashed on her screen. Baila got that slide mixed up with another and wrongly identified the picture as that of gypsy musicians. I straightened her out later–but neither of us could get over the coincidence.
Best,
Sonia
Sonia,
Good thing you were in the audience to catch the gaffe.
We’ll be in Belgium for only three or four days: two days in Bastogne, and then a day or two in La Gleize, where Dennis will be interviewed for a program on Belgium TV about his quest for his father’s helmet which is stored at the museum in the town.
Guess we need to buy him some clothes–the worn out hiking garb just won’t do.
OMGosh. The helmet exists!!! After 68 years!!! Somedays the infinitude of the universe seems to …. ah ….shrink. I am staggered AND pleased upon everyone’s behalf.
ALSO, What a helmet? Dad Blanchard came home alive! If I were the helmet, in that place, I would brag and brag and brag and brag.
Yes, Meigs, not only should the helmet brag, so should Dennis. His father did 5 combat jumps and was trucked into Bastogne for the Battle of the Bulge. He was an incredible man with a story to tell; but Ernest never bragged. In fact, he was the master of understatement.
Once he told me about his rabbit raising. He was commissioned by a laboratory to raise rabbits for pregnancy testing. Remember those days? He reluctant told me that one year he won third prize at the county fair for his rabbit. With a grin, he said he also took second place, and then admitted taking first. He was very proud of being the best rabbit raiser, but he never boasted about it; and that was the only time he mentioned it.
Someone up there must be guiding Dennis to where his father’s things can be found. I think it also go to prove that he was a well like and brave soldier for him to be a part of all the history he is in. His memory and deeds will be always remembered.
Meigs, what is amazing is we were just thumbing through books in a book store when Jane spotted my father’s helmet in the book. You can see the book on Amazon. The book is large, known as a coffee table book. It is also heavy. There are two pages devoted to him, 105-106. The photo of the helmet is full color and nice and large. You can see his name stenciled on the chin strap. The odds of seeing this helmet anywhere are about the same as winning the lottery. They made millions of helmets.
The pages are also full of photos of my Dad that I have never seen Amazing. We’re going to meet the author, Michel de Trez, tomorrow. He’s taking us to see the helmet in his museum. Here’s the link to the book on Amazon:
http://tinyurl.com/ofncoy5