June 2024. Portsmouth.
Two things were recommended for our Pompey trip. The Spinnaker Tower, and the D-Day museum. Wot ! no green tiled pubs ?
Father-in-law had chosen to have his birthday the week of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, which on the one hand made parking in Southsea an operation on a par with Overlord itself, but did mean the visit to the D-Day museum was quite something. Press PLAY below;
I’m no fan of war museums, but the displays on HM LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft,
the displays like the dummy paratrooper,
and the astonishing Overlord tapestry are highlights of a hard-hitting collection.
I was touched by the presence of so many visitors from nations who fought with us to defeat evil, including the immaculately behaved Canadian youngsters of the Burlington Teen Tour Band, each of whom visiting the grave of a fallen soldier they’d researched.
The teens popped up all over Gunwharf Quay, where Mrs RM took my in-laws to the top of the Spinnaker.
while I nipped in Guide perennial the Old Customs House for a quick pint of Pride.
Impressive outside, but like that Chester Brunning and Price a bit dull within.
Just as well, then, that the sun shines on the righteous,
and especially on a Pride that started sensationally chewy (NBSS 3.5/4) and only faded a bit towards the end, as all flesh and Fullers beers must.
Outside, gentlefolk filled the tables, the power of the grey pound drawn to the waterside.
retiredmartin 