Merville Battery & the Dives Bridges (Battleground Normandy)

I am posting this in part to counteract the 2-star review, which I feel to be unfair. I think this book is up there with the other books in the series, with both high-level description, and also low-level. I think this book is suitable at many points as inspiration for skirmish-level games, in that it frequently references individual vehicles, and infantry positions relative to landmark buildings. Maps and illustrations are provided on most pages, and many maps are blown-up sections of contour maps. Now physical production values are modest, but stuff is legible, and they are certainly good given that these only cost about $20.00 each.

I was more interested in the action and this was not forthcoming. On my visit to Merville battery, I was taken by the defensive positions of the Germans. I wanted to know more of the attack with minute details.

Having never previously heard of Carl Shilleto, I found myself with two books from this author arriving on my desk at the same time. The first of these was "Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge" (see my review) and is mentioned here because that book is Part One and this work is Part Two of the same story. With both books published in the same style and at the same time by Pen & Sword Books Ltd, some of my comments are repeated in my reviews for both works because they both combine to give the most complete account of an important part of D-Day.I make no apology for this repetition - simply because I like these two books, the style of writing and the way in which they are presented.This work is an intricate study of the attack by 9 Para (under command of 6 Airborne Division), on that infamous German gun emplacement called Merville Battery on 6 June 1944 (D-Day). In addition, the importance of the destruction of 5 bridges and a culvert along the Dives Valley and the taking and holding of the high ground to the northeast of Caen are also explained in an easy-to-read and exciting style of writing.These were all part of the overall actions which attracted the Battle Honours of the day and the work of Canadian 1 Para, 8 Para, 12 Para and their support and engineer units in addition to the Commando Raids in this area of Normandy are all fully described. In short, they are all, part of explaining how the overall plan came together.The work itself is profusely illustrated with photographs or illustrations on almost every page and it is quite clear how considerable effort and thought went into this aspect of the book. Having formerly served with all three battalions of the Parachute Regiment and 22 SAS (post WW2!), I have read a number of accounts of the wartime actions of these regiments and was most pleased to see so many photographs published here which I had not seen before - especially the light tank leaving the Hamilcar Glider! Most importantly, each illustration is carefully selected so that the right picture is on the right page in order to reinforce the text you are reading at the time without breaking your natural flow of reading - which always happens when you have to pause to look elsewhere.Altogether, these two books are quite excellent and, therefore, works I am able to thoroughly recommend.NMBritish Army major (Retired).

Another very high standard book from Battleground just never ceases to amaze me how they cram so much into these I use these on my travels to France the amount of time they save you is well worth what you pay for them

Present

Mescola la ricostruzione storica di una battaglia o di una campagna militare con il "then and now" sui luoghi dello scontro, a beneficio degli appassionati che volessero dedicarsi al turismo "di guerra" (senza essere comunque una vera e propria "guida"). In formato kindle in offerta a meno di 4 euro.

This is an excellent book about the exploits of the 6th BritishAirborne Division, parachuted behind behind German lines onJune 5th and 6th, 1944. (their drop began at night, June 5th)It includes many photographs and maps and the book shows how to find find these places if you visit Normandy at present ( thisbook was updated in 2011).This book is very detailed in describing the units, their actions,battles and wounded. Many names of the soldiers are listed.It is somewhat difficult to keep track of all the different Companies.lf you are looking for the name of a relative, you may be disapointed, since it primarily lists the names of officers, wounded, andsoldiers who won medals.I recommend this book for people who want a detailed acount.There other books which give a simpler story.

For anyone even remotely interested in the sacrifices made for our freedom, this would be a good historical starting point. Loads of facts and a good piece on tours.