|
jwarrenw13 -> RE: OT: Seeking advice on Euro-phoning and WWII tourism (10/29/2012 3:48:29 AM)
|
Not WWII, but Waterloo. Very well preserved with the exception of Lion Hill, which was erected in the 1820s and destroyed the integrity of the center of Wellington's position. However, much of the battlefield, which is quite compact, is well preserved, including Hougoumont, La Haye Saint, La Belle Alliance. And you can walk much of the battlefield, at least the central portion where the British and French faced each other, less so where the Prussians attacked on the flank. Interesting to walk the route that the Old Guard took in its final assault on the British positions. It is the only one I can think of preserved in any way like an American National Military Park.
As noted, there are many places involving WWII to visit, but you need to research and do your homework. While stationed in Germany I went on a terrain walk with some of the 2nd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division staff back in about 1986, of some of the Huertgen Forest battlefields. With a guide and US and German veterans. There is still a lot in that area including fighting positions in the wood, bunkers, tank tread, etc. But you have to know where to go.
Cologne has remarkable places to visit itself, like the cathedral. Hope you are taking advantage of that. And visit Trier, which has extensive Roman ruins. So many places to go. Such a beautiful place. My wife and I spent a total of 5 years in Germany during my military career, all in what was then the 8th Infantry Division area, south of Mainz, in Baumholder and then Bad Kreuznach. We loved Germany and loved that area.
|
|
|
|
