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WWII History Tour

Colmar Pocket
Guided tours by Malcolm Waddell

The Colmar Pocket Experience

Explore the battlefields where your ancestors and relatives fought, in grueling conditions and merciless situations in order to protect our countries and restore civilized values. Hear their stories and see the sites where it all happened.

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Uncover the Past

WWII's Forgotten Battle for France

The Colmar Pocket

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The U.S. Third Division

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Audie Murphy Memorial

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    For Those Who Seek Meaning in History

    Who is this Tour For?

    The descendants of the WWII generation, also known as the 'greatest generation'

    Walk in the footsteps of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division and Audie Murphy at the exact sites where history was made during the Colmar Pocket campaign.
    This tour is ideal for:

    • Families tracing the paths of their WWII relatives

    • Military researchers and reenactors

    • Anyone with a personal connection to the liberation of Alsace

    Includes personal stories, period maps, and visits to monuments and memorials.

    For visitors to Breisach, Colmar area or Basel

    Are you an English speaking visitor to Breisach, cruising the Rhine river or staying in a hotel nearby?

    This private tour is a perfect half-day experience during your visit and offers

    • A very personalized and customized tour experience

    • Flexible timing tailored to your schedule

    • Pick-up arrangements possible
      (as pre-arranged)

    • Tour conducted in English by a local history expert

    Simply reach out to check availability and reserve your spot.

    For Museums, Study Groups & Educators

    We offer private, guided educational tours for:

    • Academic institutions

    • Museum study groups

    • Veteran associations and history programs

    Each tour is adapted to your group’s interests and time frame.

    What our Guests say

    Reviews

    It was as if we were transported back in time to the exact battles that took place in the Colmar region. I am not a history buff, but Malcolm moved me to tears with his storytelling abilities. It felt as if we were actually there witnessing history.

    - Cruise Critics

    This was, by far, the best excursion I have ever had, due in no small part to the guide‘s ability to bring the WWII history of the area alive for us.

    - Cruise Critics

    It was interesting to learn so much about Audie Murphy. The best thing about it was Malcolm, the tour guide, who is such a fine historian and interesting guide. Well worth the time!!!

    - Trip Advisor

    We have done many tours on many cruises, but this was the BEST tour we have ever been on…..his name was Malcolm…..he was amazing and inspiring.

    - Cruise Critics

    The guide, (Birgit), was incredibly knowledgeable and sensitive in talking about everything that happened in the entire region and how the troops and civilians were all feeling, based on many memoirs. We were even able to stand in the very spot, where Audie Murphy made his one-man stand atop a burning tank and held back the enemy for many hours until reinforcements could come. The area looks much the same today, and it was easy to put oneself in the place of a man looking out on a field full of enemy troops. We also saw some of the most beautiful countryside, we even saw a beautiful nesting pair of storks along the way!

    - Viking Facebook

      Malcolm

      Birgit

      My name is Malcolm Waddell, I was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but have lived in Breisach, Germany for 20 years. Between 2009-2011 I developed this tour and have been guiding it for 13 years, with my wife Birgit, joining me in 2015, while also supporting with the logistics and administration.

      It has been, and remains, an absolute honour and humbling experience for us to guide this tour and keep the memory of the 'greatest generation' alive.