Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.5421421
EAN num: 9781844155620
ISBN number: 1844155625
Label: Pen and Sword Books
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 272
Printing Date: 2007-08
Publishing house: Pen and Sword Books
Sale Popularity Level: 467019
Studio: Pen and Sword Books
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Product Description:
Before Operation Epsom in late June 1944 there remained the chance that a German counter-stroke might seriously threaten the bridgehead. After Epsom, the Allies retained the strategic initiative through to the liberation of France and Belgium. This was a battle in which highly trained but largely inexperienced British 'follow-up' divisions, newly arrived in Normandy, confronted some of the best equipped, best led and battle-hardened formations of the Third Reich. Beginning with a set-piece British assault on the German lines in dense terrain, the battle developed into swirling armored action on the open slopes of Hills 112 and 113, before the British turned to grimly defending their gains in the face of concentric attacks by two full SS-Panzer Korps. This entirely new study brings together previously unseen evidence to present an important Normandy battle in very great detail. The unfolding action is illustrated using aerial photography of the battlefield and period Army maps.
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Rated by buyers -
A thorough and enjoyable battle study of Operation Epsom in Normandy. The map, photo and narrative match-up to give the reader the ability to follow the action blow by blow, while still maintaining an overview of the campaign as events, decisions and newly arrived formations influenced the battle. I highly recommend this book for those interested in the topic.
Rated by buyers -
It's hard to get the balance right with some of these combined history and guide book type titles. Either there can be not enough maps and photos to explain the action, or there is not enough "history" amongst the maps and photos.
Here however, the author has done a great job getting the balance right. The text is easy to follow and draws from a wide-range of excellent primary source accounts and portions of many dozens of long out print regimental histories. The various actions of Epsom are explained down to Company and Troop level on an almost hour to hour basis, and both the British and German movements are clearly explained.
However it is in the use of aerial photos that the book comes into it's own. At no point in the book are you left not knowing where you are geographically speaking. You can follow the action hedgerow by hedgerow from the air, and both original and modern comparison photos show you where the actions took place. Whether you want to chart the battle from the comfort of your living room or by driving around the Norman countryside this book takes you through the battle step by step.
Rated by buyers -
Surprising enough not many books are written on Operation Epsom, and this one is certainly one of the most informative. Excellent maps, interesting witness accounts, thorough background information, some small errors, but minor and not annoying, if you want to learn something about how it was, read this book. AND best of all, superb aerial pictures, which provide the reader with great insight about what went on, and the tactics used. I'm amazed to be the very first reviewer of this excellent book. Mr. Daglish is one of the best authors on Normandy, and I hope to see many more books like this from this author. He knows the subject well, and makes you feel like being there. Well done!
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