Defending Normandy - 1940-1944
With Niels Henkemans
Part of our Build up to DDay and Operation Overlord series
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDG3XyxGI5lBlaXq7ONDh7UmxTaQ8-U5R&si=Vkjt6UpqLS9nE_rj
Also part of our German Forces series
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDG3XyxGI5lCujMWbs-LgTWe18lmGXtOS&si=RxjI0_HMLMaBJF25
Also part of our Transport, Logistics and War Finance series
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDG3XyxGI5lAkkwiMtuL-_DdmbCGf9R7p&si=fk6fSQuyNQ08wk7_

The battle for the Cotentin peninsula began on D-Day and witnessed some of the most intense fighting of the Normandy campaign, with heavy losses on both sides. The vital port of Cherbourg was liberated in late June, but the battle to clear the peninsula continued well into July.

This six-week battle of attrition set the stage for the decisive American breakout from the Bocage yet has been largely overlooked. Indeed, the German forces involved have never before been adequately studied. By analysing German records, accounts, and Allied intelligence, Niels Henkemans reconstructs the battle through the eyes of the units involved.

Defending Normandy Vol.1A looks at the role of the LXXXIV. A.K. in the evolution of the defence of Normandy, starting in 1941. It also examines infantry divisions in general and two in particular during the fighting in the summer of 1944. By focusing on formations, the series provides a deeper insight into the fighting than can be achieved by a traditional campaign approach.

Defending Normandy Vol.1B continues the study of the bloody battle for the Cotentin Peninsula and its crucial port of Cherbourg. By analysing original records and accounts, the book provides an unparalleled deep dive into four more infantry divisions. The 709. Infanterie-Division defended Utah Beach on D-Day and later played a vital role in the battle for Cherbourg. After D-Day, the 243. Infanterie-Division became heavily involved in the fighting against the U.S. VII Corps, opposing the Allies well into July. The 265. Infanterie- Division could only despatch a battlegroup, but it too saw heavy fighting and represents many of the difficulties faced by German forces in the west. The 353. Infanterie-Division was sent to Normandy after D-Day, forming the backbone of the fighting in southern Cotentin in July, while other elements fought costly battles around Saint-Lô.

Defending Normandy offers the reader unprecedented detail on the formations discussed. Every unit’s organisation, equipment, pre-invasion history, and tactical role on the Cotentin are scrutinised. Dozens of maps, photographs, and graphics accompany this unique unit-based exploration of the Cotentin campaign.

Niels Henkehams is a history writer specialized in the fighting in Normandy in 1944.

Buy Volume 1A:
https://www.panzerwrecks.com/product/defending-normandy-vol-1a/
UK https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5843/9781908032256

Pre-order Volume 1B:
https://www.panzerwrecks.com/product/defending-normandy-vol-1b/

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