In the early hours of June 6; 1944; the first of over 150;000 Allied soldiers stormed five beaches in Normandy against fierce German resistance. They were specially trained and task-organized in a range of different landing teams depending on their means of transport; their tasks; and the resistance they anticipated. The first assault infantry were accompanied by tankers; combat engineers; and other specialist personnel; to breach German obstacles; knock out defensive positions; and to defend and prepare the beaches for the follow-on waves. On some beaches the plans worked; on others they were disrupted by bad weather; faulty timing; or enemy fire; with consequences that varied from survivable confusion to absolute carnage. This is an in-depth study of the uniforms; equipment; weapons; passage; landings; and tactics of US; British; and Canadian assault units; during the period from before H-Hour on June 6 to dawn on June 7.
#302229 in Books Osprey 2014-09-23 2014-09-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 249.68 x 5.71 x 7.28l; #File Name: 147280330280 pages9781472803306
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Two daring long distance raids...By HMS WarspiteThe presence of several Anglo-American forts in and around Oswego on Lake Ontario in 1756 represented a challenge to French control of the Great Lakes and an intrusion into their lucrative trade with the Indian tribes in the area. French leadership in Canada resolved to remove the threat. The daring raids that followed are the subject of this new book."Montcalm's Crushing Blow" is an Osprey Raid Series book; well authored by veteran historian Rene Chartrand; who has other titles from this period to his credit. The narrative concisely sets up the situation in 1756 in the context of the Seven Years' War/French and Indian War. The heart of the story is the daring initial raid against Fort Bull; to cut off British supplies and potential reinforcements to Oswego; followed by the raid against Oswego itself. Remarkably; a force of 3;000 French regulars; Canadian militia; and allied Indians transported themselves; their supplies; and the makings of a formal European siege from Montreal to Oswego; and achieved surprise at their objective. The actual siege seems almost anti-climactic. The narrative concludes with an excellent analysis of the raids and their aftermath. The text is nicely enhanced with a collection of period and modern illustrations; maps; and photographs. Highly recommended as a very good introduction to an often overlooked aspect of the French and Indian War.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. ) I greatly enjoyed the Fort Bull Chapter and illustrationsBy Alan TrombleyFort Bull is an important part of our local history (Rome N.Y.) I greatly enjoyed the Fort Bull Chapter and illustrations.A couple minor errors: 1. French dumped powder in Wood Creek not he Mohawk River (page 34) 2. Fort Syanwix was built in Rome; not Oswego (page 73)Alan J. Trombley - Retired History Teacher0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarBy The ChroniclerGreat book to learn about the early raids of the French Indian war in North America though as the title suggest it is about French raids on English forts.
