Thursday 20 September 2012

Arrival in Le Havre.


January 24 1953 Land Mileage 0064
We docked at Le Havre, where the Land Rover was unloaded with much grunting and groaning; the vehicle was pronounced "too heavy"! 

We then proceded to Customs; this was at 05h30, and our troubles were already beginning! We were not feeling too bright at that early hour and Customs wanted to see  permits for us to travel with guns.  Mum and Dad were both carrying guns and David and I had a large sheath knife each in case of trouble.  As we had been told previously that no papers were required, we had nothing to show them! The Customs people then took us off to the Police, who in turn took us to the AA.  We were all starting to wake up by then and Dad explained that the French Consulate in London said that no papers were required, as long as the guns were declared. Finally it was decided that we definitely had to have permits.   Naturally, as Mum and Dad had spent a whole day in London visiting consulates making sure that all papers were in order, they were not amused.   The whole morning was spent in the office asking the AA to phone London, but the more we argued, the worse the matter became. 
Do you think we were a little bored!!

It was a case of the AA phoning the Police, the police phoning the Customs in Le Havre and the Customs phoning back to the AA.   What a wonderful start to our trip, no wonder the last people to do the journey were never seen or heard of again!! We had visions of the adventure ending before it started; meanwhile, our caravan was on its way to Rhodesia.   Lunch time arrived and we all refused to move anywhere, but of course it was 'time out' for everyone else concerned. Lunch is a very important meal in France and the country almost comes to a standstill for two hours.   In a final panic, the phone calls started again and the Customs agreed to sign Dad’s passport to the effect that we were carrying guns and to let us pass.   With a sigh of utter relief, but wondering in our hearts how many more setbacks were ahead of us, we set out southwards from Le Havre.   

Having crossed the Channel with near empty fuel tanks because of weight, we stopped about 14 miles out of town for petrol.   David, in his best French, asked for 90 litres of petrol and the petrol attendant thought he was a nut case.  Who ever heard of a Land Rover that could take 90 litres of fuel?   With much hand waving at the extra tank and proving that we had enough money to pay for it, we finally received our 90 litres.   The attendant took the cash and next thing  the manager was outside, peering at the pump in disbelief.   We really should have had the camera at the ready; the expressions on those two French faces were well worth a photo.   They must have thought we were very rude, as we all collapsed laughing.   How times have changed! That 90 litres cost us the equivalent of seven British pounds!

After a fairly easy, but slow drive we stopped at Senlis and found a hotel for the night.   After the early start from the ferry and the drama over the firearms, we were all totally exhausted.   Senlis is a medieval town in the department of Oise.  It has many historical monuments and a Gothic cathedral.  One day I would like to return to see Senlis, as it has masses of history.  Meanwhile if you are interested in the town take a look HERE.  I remember walking around with Mum and Dad, and David went exploring on his own; sadly we do not seem to have taken any photos.

To be continued :-) 


I have put this section of my life story on Kindle if you should be interested:-
 THE GREAT 1953 TREK
See



17 comments:

  1. When travelling on the roads of different countries, one of the things drivers remember better it is just the price of oil.
    The biggest difference, today, it is when you cross the border between Estonia and Russia. Before the price it is 1.40 Euro/litre and after it is 0.60.
    Great narration indeed!
    Take care of Yourself.
    G.

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    1. Gio Ve, I agree it is certainly worth finding out costs in different countries, they vary a huge amount! Thanks for your kind comment, you take care as well. Diane

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  2. After all the careful planning you still had problems with the French officials. (I'll say no more about French officials). I guess so close to the end of the war and rationing it is no wonder the attendants were surprised at being asked for 90 litres of petrol. It must have been an exciting time for you and David and perhaps an apprehensive time for your parents.

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    1. Diane b it is amazing that the official people cannot get some like that right but..... Ninety litres is a lot of fuel whatever for one small vehicle!! Hope you have a good weekend, Diane

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  3. Amazing! I can just imagine the faces at the sight of guns (and knives!) even "back then" and how extraordinary that the French consulate in London should think you wouldn't need permits for that sort of thing...even then!

    Diane this is getting better and better. I am hooked on what I am beginning to see as your autobiography here in blog format. X

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    1. Dolly it is the usual case of the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing!! It was very annoying though when we had gone to all the trouble of finding out what was necessary. Thanks goodness for the French lunchtime or we might still be there LOL. Glad that you are enjoying the story, did you see the post before this one? Keep well Diane

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    2. Diane I look forward to each installment I am enjoying it so much!

      By the way, I did read, and comment, on the previous post. I just had a look now, and it seems it didn't get through to you. I could never skip a chapter of such a fascinating tale!

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    3. Must be flying around in outer space somewhere :-)

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  4. I enjoyed the little sidetrip to Senlis by the way, it appears to be my sort of town! When you are ready to re-visit, I should like to join up with you, sketchbook at the ready X

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    1. Yep, Senlis looks like a lovely town to visit, I will let you know when we head that way :-)
      Diane xx

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  5. Wow, sometimes even if we are so prepared and planned everything, there are still things that could happen which we would never expected... Another exciting event of your life Diane.

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    1. No matter how hard you try to arrange things before hand, it seems that so often it does not work out as planned!!! Take care Diane

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  6. Another very interesting chapter, Diane. And funny commentary on the 'boring' photo! :-)

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    1. JM I do not think anybody was more grateful for the French loving their lunch times as we were that day :-) Diane

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  7. I just love the 2nd photo which describes the exhaustion and probably being very fed up with the situation you found yourselves into. The French and their paperwork! Saying this, it makes sense to require documentations for guns...strange that the French in London told you otherwise.

    I must admit that even today, when you contact different administrative bureau about the same request, you get different answers as they are never sure which docs are truly required.

    Anyway, your story is gripping. I cannot imagine the rest of it....and I am longing to know!

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    1. Awena I have never seen so much paperwork as there is in France and that was way back, it has not changed!! Glad you are looking forward to the rest of the story, hope it comes up to expectations :-) Take care Diane

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    2. I agree with you. Even to register my daughter at a dance class, 7 different documents are required for the application...Unbelievably crazy!

      Take care.

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