The Normandy Battles

by Simon Trew and Bob Carruthers

When the Allies reached the Normandy coast on D-Day, they began the greatest amphibious assault yet known in the history of warfare. But despite the element of surprise and their tactical advantage,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0304353965
• ISBN13: 9780304353965
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Cassell
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.6" x 11.7"

Customer Reviews

Fresh Approach to Well Known History

If I were to select one book to introduce students to the Normandy Campaign of World War II, "The Normandy Battles" by Bob Carruthers and Simon Trew would be the one. At 240 pages, including a good index and bibliography, this shining little gem isn't a weighty tome. It does, however, contain sufficient detail to have depth, and ample illustrations (including battle diagrams, and side bar explanations of tactics) to be clear and understandable.The challenge in preparing a book like this, that is relatively broad in scope, is where to draw the line at including detailed information, and where to move on. The authors have done a good job of this task. "The Normandy Battles" is a brisk read, yet full of interesting accounts, some of which are not commonly known and that add substance to the story. "Hobart's Funnies" is one example."A great many odd devices were developed and perfected for the Normandy campaign," writes Simon Trew, and a number of these were formed into a special command of the British 79th Armoured Division under Major General P. C. S. Hobart. Tanks were adapted to perform such tasks as clearing minefields (the M4 Sherman "Crab"), and crossing soft, sandy beaches (the Churchill tank carried a bobbin of canvas that was unrolled in front of the tank as it moved forward).The book begins with excellent background chapters, including discussion of the Third Reich, German forces and the allied build up. Key battles and operations are addressed, from the D-Day landings to the terrible slaughter of the Falaise pocket which is the concluding chapter in the book. Between these is discussed the difficulty of operations to sieze Caen, the tough fighting in the "bocage" countryside of Normany and much more.Don't expect a lot of analysis, or statistical data for operations research -- that's not the point here. What you will find is solid, useful information, diagrams, explanations and pictures that show the nature of war. There are several photographs profoundly young German soldiers -- children, really -- a reminder to us all that war exacts a horrific price."The Normandy Battles" is for the beginning student, but I think the old pros will find it a good companion to other works on their shelves.