My World War II interest started with admiration for military vehicles andd was only 16 years old when I had my first military motorcycle. After finishing High School I visited my family in California and stayed there for 6 months, bought a 1944 Willys Jeep in San Francisco and had it shipped to Holland where it was restored. My first trip to Normandy was for the 45th anniversary of D-Day in 1989. By then driving a Half-Track and started to become very knowledgeable about British and US WWII vehicles.
Overwhelmed by the amount of veterans present and with great interest I listened to their stories. From then on I really wanted to know what had happened on the Normandy beaches and surroundings and started to read books, watched documentaries and kept listening to the veterans stories. I had one family member who fought in Normandy, my uncle Nick from New Jersey. He would never talk to me about what he went through. Like many other veterans, he kept his story to himself.
I have always been involved in WWII events, vehicles, shows and businesses over the years and have gathered a large collection of WWII allied women uniforms. I have worked in Arizona and New York State, selling WWII vehicle parts and surplus. But the best part of my life and greatest value of all time is meeting and becoming friends with so many veterans.
In 2007 I attended and graduated jump school with Pathfinder Holland (now Parachute Group Holland). This made me able to jump from a C-47 on the original Drop Zone of Operation Market Garden at Ginkel Heath, Wolfheeze during the anniversary of Market Garden in 2007.
Before we moved to Sainte Mère Église, I have been visiting Normandy numerous times over the years to build my knowledge and to see first hand where and how the events happened here on the beaches. It was on one of these visits with my husband René that we met Ellwood Von Siebold. We were both enraptured by his approach to telling this interesting and life changing D-Day story here where it happened.
Ellwood was looking to a form of business alliance with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who could join him and be part of this truly remarkable event. We went on tours with Ellwood and since then I have conducted many tours of my own.
René and I are now working with Ellwood at D-Day Battle Tours and we are sharing the tours to give our clients an information and yet enjoyable experience walking the ground that those brave soldiers fought over our most precious good: Freedom!
Yours sincerely,
Monica Baan
I would like to thank all past clients who have contributed to the success of my dream and to say thank you for the many kind remarks on Trip Advisor
The objective of this tour is to provide you with a visit to the most significant area of the American military activity that took place on the 6th June These tours can be made up by single parties, individuals or groups.
The objective of this tour is to incorporate all of the most significant events of the D-Day tour into a schedule
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Private tours bring a special focus to your tour with D Day Battletours and provide the ultimate in experience and satisfaction Experience has shown that the majority of clients have chosen Private Tours.
Monica was outstanding! Cannot say enough. She accommodated my very last minute request and made the experience way beyond expectations. I never thought I would get to walk in... read more
ATLFAMGUY
It will exceed your expectations! - For most people, visiting the D-Day sites are a once in a life-time, bucket-list activity. As such, don't cut any corners and do it right. Hire Rene for... read more
Chad F
Learned so much! - Our day with Monica could not have been better (except for weather- though it made the landing days feel a bit more real...). She was passionate, knowledgeable, flexible, and charming... read more
AnneKAdventurer
Monica is a star - We were privileged to have Monica as our guide and driver for a five day tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. She is an incredible expert on WW2... read more
rick s
Three Day Private Tour - Monica was clearly very passionate about the history behind the D-Day landings. She even took us to lesser known places that give a very complete feel of all there is... read more
Killerkangaroo
This is a MUST for any American visiting France! - Our family of 4, including two 20-somethings, cited our tour with Rene as the highlight of our European vacation. His knowledge and passion for the area and the history... read more
gleguria
Had a great full day private tour with our tour guide Monica. Although the weather, cold, rain, and windy, wasn’t the best, Monica was able to adjust due to... read more
Joe F
Highlight of my Historic Trip to Normandy France - I signed up with D-Day Battle Tours in preparation for a trip to Normandy France and specifically Sainte Mere Eglise to trace the invasion parachute drops and routes from the... read more
Jeffrey S
A worthwhile experience - Outstanding knowlege, emphatic guide, awesome experience. Learn of the battles, learn of the towns. Will do this again and again.
juliorza
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