Hi I need some books/sources by Historians on the topic of whether d-day was won by the Allies or lost by the Germans and was wondering if anyone had any ideas of books I could read on this topic? Thanks Ben
I doubt that you'll find any books, which focus entirely on this subject. The reason is simple, it is generally accepted, and I have no reason to disagree, that this great day was a decisive victory for the Allies and a beginning of the end for the Germans.
I am currently reading D-Day by After The Battle. I'm sure some will agree that you will not get a better source of infomation on this subject. I've not even got to the actual invasion yet and have learned so much and as I go I cross ref it via the internet so I really take on board whats in the book. The only downside is it comes in two volumes and costs around £70! I'm sure you won't find a more concise version of the events of June 6th. As for your question of lost or won. At the moment (I'm not far into the book) I would say lost by the germans due to command and control problems of the Panzer Divisions - everyone wanted them to be their train set. Won by the Allies because they cracked Enigma and their use of Ultra. I never knew until now what a important role it played in the invasion. There are undoubtedly more reasons but reading about the above in detail has surprised me. I knew Hitler placed himself in direct command of the Panzer reserves but I never realised just how much the too many Chiefs and not enough Indians applied to the Germans in the West. Cheers Andy
Recent article on: Command and Valour: D-Day & Normandy 1944 – By Stuart Robertson REVIEWS OF COMMAND AND VALOUR ‘Command and Valour’ has already received outstanding accolades from some of the very best historians specialising in the D-Day Landings and the subsequent Battle for Normandy… Stuart Robertson’s deep knowledge of his subject oozes off every page. This is not just a gripping account of individual heroism it is also a book that contains plenty of fresh perspectives, fascinating insights and lots of very sound historical judgement. ‘Command and Valour’ is a fine book that puts right a lot of historical injustices. James Holland – historian, author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Stuart Robertson is a doyen of the Battlefield Guide Community, renowned for combining meticulous research, understanding and a rare ability to communicate. In ‘Command and Valour’, Robertson confronts issues which have previously generated much ill-informed discussion before presenting his own considered perspectives… ‘Command and Valour’ offers a powerful account which, no-matter your pre-conceptions, is a significant addition to our understanding of what happened in Normandy in June 1944. This book deserves to be read. Major General Graham Hollands – Royal Artillery (retired). ‘Command and Valour’ is a lively and accessible narrative of the 1944 Normandy campaign… Robertson makes an articulate, powerful and timely plea for renewed scholarly engagement with the complexities of Allied campaign planning and execution… Highly recommended. Dr Simon Trew – Department of War Studies, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. ‘Command and Valour’ is not only a succinct depiction of the Normandy Campaign, but, more importantly, it masterfully dispels numerous myths which have become entrenched within the popular perception of the battle. A welcome breath of fresh air. Mark Zuehlke – Best-selling author of the Canadian Battle Series. Stuart Robertson’s wonderfully insightful `Command and Valour’ provides a balanced perspective of the Normandy campaign through meticulous research and detailing of the sequence of events. Cleverly interwoven with this are accounts of the actions by the men of all Allied nations who earned their country’s highest awards for bravery. This book will certainly get people thinking. It deserves the widest circulation. Neil Barber – Author of ‘The Day the Devils Dropped in’ and ‘The Pegasus and Orne Bridges’.
I agree wholeheartedly with Drew: D Day by ATB is by far the best book on the subject, and I've read a few. The various official or semi-official histories often provide excellent coverage too. Ambrose is best forgotten, if not forgiven Michel
Another one, due out fairly soon, but already searchable (in parts) on googlebooks... Sand and Steel I saw being variously recommended recently...
Blowing my own trumpet, as the used to say! I have covered the Merchant Navy's little known contribution in Merchantmen at Normandy - published by Amazon and on Kindle.
Normandy ‘44: D-Day and the Battle for France Hardcover – 16 May 2019 by James Holland (Author) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1787631273/ Renowned World War Two historian James Holland presents an entirely new perspective on one of the most important moments in recent history. Unflinchingly examining the brutalityand violence that characterised the campaign, it's time to draw some radically different conclusions. ______________ D-Day and the 76 days of bitter fighting in Normandy that followed have come to be seen as a defining episode in the Second World War. Its story has been endlessly retold, and yet it remains a narrative burdened by both myth and assumed knowledge. In this reexamined history, James Holland presents a broader overview, one that challenges much of what we think we know about D-Day and the Normandy campaign. The sheer size and scale of the Allies’ war machine ultimately dominates the strategic, operational and tactical limitations of the German forces. This was a brutal campaign. In terms of daily casualties, the numbers were worse than for any one battle during the First World War. _________________ ·Drawing on unseen archives and testimonies from around the world ·Introducing a cast of eye-witnesses that includes foot soldiers, tank men, fighter pilots and bomber crews, sailors, civilians, resistance fighters and those directing the action ·An epic telling that will profoundly recalibrate our understanding of its true place in the tide of human history
