Normandy 1944: The Battle of the Hedgerows: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives

The US First Army struggled to advance through the Norman bocage country in the west, resulting in a defining episode in the Normandy campaign. Simon Forty's photographic history provides a vivid introduction to the battle, showing the conditions, terrain, and experience of the troops. The Germans mounted a tenacious defense, but the Americans adapted their tactics and brought in special equipment to force their way through. Despite appalling losses, the First Army solved their tactical problems, inflicted heavy casualties on the defenders, and ground their way to Saint-L.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

As the Anglo-Canadian forces in the east encountered significant challenges in advancing beyond Caen following D-Day, the US First Army faced arduous efforts to traverse the Norman bocage country in the west. The intense battle that unfolded in this region became a pivotal moment in the Normandy campaign, and this photographic history serves as an engaging introduction to it. Through a carefully curated selection of over 150 wartime photographs, Simon Forty meticulously traces the course of the conflict, providing the reader with a vivid portrayal of the conditions, terrain, and experiences of the troops. The German defense was resolute, with their forces engaging from fortified positions within the high hedgerows. Every cramped field and narrow lane transformed into a treacherous battleground. However, the Americans adapted their tactics and employed specialized equipment, including bulldozers and tanks equipped with hedgerow cutters, to overcome the formidable obstacles. The casualties suffered were devastating, as the Germans unleashed a barrage of snipers, mines, machine guns, and artillery. Nevertheless, unwavering determination and immense bravery propelled the First Army to overcome their tactical challenges. They inflicted severe casualties on the defenders and steadily advanced toward Saint-Léger, ultimately achieving a significant victory in the Normandy campaign.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 246 x 191 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526723710