As part of my research on Operation Bluecoat, I travelled along this road running from Villers Bocage to Vire.

It was a great ride and, just off it, I visited the British cemetery at Saint-Cahrles-de-Percy, which was quite a moving place. The American cemeteries have the stark white marble crosses and stars of David, but are bare except for name, rank, unit, home state and date of death. The British traditional headstones are made in what looks like the local Normandy stone, which resembles Cotswold stone, and had all of the basic data as well. However, the British also allowed the families to put incriptions on the stones. When I walked along reading the families' inscriptions, I welled up like I never had in the American cemeteries. I think the British stones make the visit far more personal. You feel the pain that parents, wives and children.... many of whom are still alive today... felt with the loss of huge chunks of their lives with each man's passing. I recommend this cemetery to anyone travelling in Normandy. It truly drives home the magnitude of human suffering, including those back home.

Heres a picture of the cemetery at Saint-Charles-de-Percy;

Motorcycle Ride Recommendation

Try this circular route, which takes in Villers Bocage, Vire, Montchauvet, Aunay and Saint-Charles-de-Percy.

Book Recommendation: Operation Bluecoat from AbeBooks.com or Amazon.com

Map Recommendation: Michelin Historical Map 102: Battle of Normandy from AbeBooks.com or Amazon.com

Accor Hotels in the Caen area