Our Man in Normandy

Last weekend, the world took time out of its day to remember, and commemorate, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. As a self-confessed fan of military history, André Deutsch's editorial director Piers Murray Hill was already set to spend the weekend on the French beaches. We asked that he document his experience for us. These are a few of the photos he took over the course of an extraordinary weekend.

Utah Beach veterans meet for the first time at Pointe du Hoc on 7 June 2014 and swap stories of the subsequent break-out fighting at St Lo. They were 19 and 20 back in 1944.

Piers Murray Hill at the Hillman bunker complex behind Sword Beach. This fortified strongpoint prevented the British from taking Caen on June 6th.

Commemorative wreaths at the original Pegasus Bridge captured on D-Day, now situated in the museum's garden.

A vintage Citroën in Free French livery in the Pointe du Hoc visitors car park.

Amphibious DUKW (or 'Duck') at Port-en-Bessin, captured by British commandos on 7 June in Operation Aubery.

The forward observation officer's view of the Channel for the four 152mm guns at Longues sur Mer between Gold & Omaha Beaches. The battery failed to sink any Allied ships and was captured without a fight by the British on 7 June.

One of the Longues sur Mer gun emplacements.

Humber armoured car at Port-en-Bessin.

Thanks to Piers for his photos. We'll be hearing more of his experiences at the D-Day 70th events later in the week. You can also follow us on Twitter at @ADMilitary, where we've been posting updates from Pier's trip over the last few days.