h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Much of the discussion around D-Day is naturally about UK & US forces, and the planning and execution of Overlord.

But I wonder if we could spare a thought or two for the French Resistance, who, in the darkest hours of the war strived to spy on Hitler's defences?

The story is well told by Richard Collier, in his brilliant book, Ten Thousand Eyes. And more detail is available for those who can read French, in many autobiographical works, by Colonel Remy.

So inspired by these deeds I decided to write a full-blown 2.5 hour musical about the theft, by the French Resistance of the construction plans of the Atlantic Wall and its perilous journey to England.

Feel free to visit my website
atlanticwall.co.uk

My website is undergoing a rebuild at the moment, (I put the show on last year - so please don't try to book to see the show!!) but there are a number of useful links, which are still working.

I did quite a bit of my own research, but what I have not yet done is find out what happened to the map which was stolen and brought back to England. I'd be grateful if there's anyone out there who knows where it is, and whether it can be viewed.

Thanks,

RodrapsKnees

Dear RobrapsKnees,

Many thanks for your message and suggestions. We depend on our members to come online and add their stories and look forward to seeing stories from Resistance and SOE members. If you are able to publicise the site's call to action amongst contacts you have made during research for your show it would be hugely appreciated.

How are the performances going for the show? I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing more. Have you been in touch with BBC Birmingham to see if their local production teams could cover the show? You can find more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/

best wishes,
Katherine

Katherine,

I'd almost forgotten I'd posted my message. Thank you for finding the time to reply.

Thanks also for the tip on local BBC contacts. I work close to the Mail Box in Brum, so maybe I'll drop in if/when things get moving again for another production of the show.

I've updated my website www.atlanticwall.co.uk with some show and cast pictures of the 2003 production. Plus for the historians I've put some new links to biographies (translated from French) of some key players in BCRA. Remy, Brossollette, Touny et alia.

I have some news. I have been contacted by Colonel Remy's son, through my website. He was on the little lobster boat Les Deux Anges which made the daring escape from Brittany in 1942, when aged about eleven with his parents and brother and sister. Sadly, he is now only member his family on that trip still living, now aged 73. We have spoken on the telephone and exchanged correspondence. He is amazed and delighted that we have made a musical out of their story. I am aiming to visit him at home across the Channel next year.

Alas, we are still no further forward in locating the stolen Todt construction plans of the Atlantic Wall that they brought across from France with them in 1942.

So if there's anyone out there who knows where they are - originals or copies, please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Rodraps Knees