The Second Front

This book presents the D-Day landings using readable prose and effective photographs. Author Douglas Botting presents the horrific events of June 6, 1944 from the planning stages (both Allied and German) through to execution. Botting first examines the Dieppe raid of 1942, and the important lessons learned from that disaster. Readers see the simultaneous building of Hitler's Atlantic Wall in France and Allied troops in England, plus how the Allies misled the Nazi defenders into thinking the main attack would come at Calais rather than in Normandy. Then comes the night paratroop drops and glider landings, followed by the naval guns raking the beaches as the landing craft raced in. Botting looks first at the U.S. assualt on Utah beach (success) and Omaha (near disaster), then covers the three successful landings by the British (Gold & Sword beaches) and Canadians (Juno beach). Readers also see the reaction of the German defenders, plus how the navy, air forces, and weather all affected events. Finally, readers see why the Allied foothold was surprisingly tenuous, and the Allies success (and lighter-than-feared casualties) resulted from planning, execution, and dumb luck - bad weather had General Rommel in Germany for his wife's birthday. This is one of a series of Time/Life books on key battles and campaigns of the Second World War. I'd have liked a bit more information on the role of the navy, air forces, and the French resistance. Still, this is a very informative and well-written effort.

As you can see from the heading, the title could be confusing to some. The first front is the war in the East with Russia. Included are the usual Time-Life collection of hundreds of photographs, illustrations, artwork, and maps that supplement clear and interesting narratives. An excellent volume in a great set.