Product Description

Many books have been written about the Normandy landings, but Robert Kershaw brings a new perspective by drawing heavily on German and Allied sources little used in the standard accounts. The actual landings and the subsequent few days of battle often resolved themselves into a multitude of desperate small-scale struggles - for the next few yards of beach, to cross the next field, or to reach the next hedgerow. By looking at the battle at this level through the eyes of both Allied and German participants, the author is able to develop new insights into the successes and failures of both sides. He also shows why the battle for Normandy developed into the long and bitter struggle that has become so well known. The book features extracts from the German telephone log for Omaha Beach, bringing the landings to life. The author also analyses the failure by both sides to balance tank and infantry forces in the difficult Normandy terrain, and examines why the Allies, with local superiority in the early days, were unable to break out earlier or form a larger bridgehead.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43982 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

About the Author
Robert Kershaw joined the Parachute Regiment in 1972 after graduating in History at Reading University, reaching the rank of Colonel. In between Regimental service he attended the Fuhrungsakademie - the German Staff College - at Hamburg and later spent a number of years with NATO and the Bundeswehr. He has seen active service during a number of tours of Northern Ireland, with the US VII Corps during the Gulf War and in Bosnia.

Customer Reviews

In depth but very enjoyable.
I have now read 3 of Robert Kershaw's books on WW2. It is clear that he is an expert in his field and his books have always been very in depth.

This book is no different. I enjoyed the way that the German view of the batle was perceived. It allows the reader to get straight to the terror of the allied invasion and the realisation that the German war machine was going to be forever changed as a result of the landings.

If there is a slight criticism, then I would say that as per most D-Day histories it tended to centre around the landings at Omaha - with good reason due to the appalling losses suffered by both sides.

Another excellent piece of history supplied by Mr Kershaw - a true genius in the field of WW2 history, I look forward to his future work.

Best D-Day book
There are few books that come close to describing what it was like on D-day, but Kershaw is an abslolute master of his subject. As a former soldier he has that vital element of practical experience and an eye for the nub of tactical essentials. Even better than Beevor ...and that is praise indeed...if you are genuinely interested in military history anything by this author should be snapped up. Brilliant stuff....

A good factual account from both sides of the conflict
This is the first account I have read regarding the D Day Landings and did plenty research of similar titles prior to purchase.
This book is an excellent account providing eye witnes testimony from combatants on both sides.
It is technicaly just right not to complex as often similar titles can be.
An excellent read and fully recommended.