Walking D Day

Well done Paul, thats the job walking and working and writing

 

My copy arrived yesterday, well done Paul it's a good read, shame i didn't have it on my last visit to Normandy. However, it looks like a another trip to Normandy to do some walking is on the cards!!

 

Paul

my copy arrived to-day having only taken four days to get here- and have already covered the first walk around Pegasus bridge - quite impressed by the detail and the actions of Geoffrey Pine- Coffin as his brother John - back in 1943 "invited' me to join him in Yugoslavia with Brig Fitzroy McClean's mission to Tito - so off to Oxford to be looked at by the boffins - happily I failed their "look" and am still here - the photo of "Windy" Gale is another reminder of the past as he was GOC occupation force in Austria and he delighted visiting Nurses in the Billiard room of the Schoenbrunn Palace by playing billiards - without a cue .....

Cheers

 

Nice to read some of you have got copies already; hope you enjoy reading it further.

I also met Windy Gale, when I heard him speak about his time in the Machine Gun Corps in WW1; a very long time ago now.

 

Really pleased to read this review on US Amazon:

Amazon.com: WALKING D-DAY (Battleground Europe) (9781848848368): Paul Reed: Books

Given the proliferation of literature on the 1944 invasion of France, presenting new material on the subject is a challenge. This is especially true when one is presenting a Normandy battlefield guidebook. To summarize the vast amount of data in a readable and comprehensive manner is a daunting task. However, author Paul Reed's battlefield walking guide covers the site of the largest amphibious invasion of all time in a manner that allows the reader to visualize the battle area and appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that took place that cold June day. Mr. Reed's writing style is engaging and enhanced by maps, source material, and photographs that present a fascinating view of the Normandy invasion area.
An introductory section provides instructions on conducting the walking tour, use of maps, travel to the beachhead area, tourist offices, accommodations, and what to wear while touring the area. There are also a number of websites shown which can be used to enhance ones command of the subject matter. Mr. Reed then divides the battlefield into twelve areas. Each area contains an historical piece and a detailed walking tour guide. The historical sections detail the objectives for a given area, then highlight unit and individual performances. The walking tour portion contains such useful advice as where to park your vehicle, GPS location, along with the location of monuments and markers. There is also an abbreviation guide with photos of basic weapons systems and tactical vehicles to aid the reader.
Reed familiarizes us with the Allied landing beaches and the Normandy countryside. The author details, for example, the training and employment of the British forces that captured the Orne River Bridge and canal system now known as Pegasus Bridge. Insightful comments are also presented on the heroic actions used to silence the powerful Merville artillery battery in the hours before the landings on Sword Beach. Details on the battle to secure the German positions at Ouistrehem by French and Canadian troops are presented in both the historic and walking tour sections of the book.
Based largely on experiences derived from the 1942 raid on the port city of Dieppe, D Day planners sought to avoid seizing these stoutly defended areas. The construction and emplacement of the complex Mulberry and Gooseberry artificial harbor systems at Arromanches and off Omaha Beach presents a fascinating insight into the Allies innovative way to sustain the forces ashore. To appreciate the magnitude of this enterprise, Reed highly recommends that a visitor take advantage of the Arromanches museum and view the detailed model of the artificial harbor system.
Regardless of how familiar one might be with the Normandy beach area, a trip to Omaha Beach is thought provoking. Given the available number of automatic weapons, the defenders could place over 100,000 rounds of machine gun fire a minute on the landing area. This fire was supplemented by an extensive minefield system, mortar fire and artillery support. How anyone survived let alone triumphed on Omaha Beach, is a tale of valor that the author brings to life.
Relying on the post war writing, the author explains the difficulties of the tasks allocated to the men of the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Pointe du Hoc. Their mission was to secure the heights that towered 80 to 100 feet above the landing point, disable the artillery pieces located atop the cliffs then retain the objective area until relieved by troops advancing from Omaha Beach. ,It was a demanding mission and one that required mental and physical stamina to accomplish. As they advanced across the area, they quickly discovered that the artillery pieces in question had been moved. Following the walking tour directions, one can understand the initiative and focus of the attacking forces as they found the weapons and disabled their use. This was an outstanding act of courage and dedication amply addressed by Mr. Reed's commentary.
Of course, no tour of the Normandy beachhead area would be complete without addressing the actions of the two American and one British airborne divisions in the early hours of D-Day. The planning, execution and employment of these highly trained divisions is given ample coverage in the historic summary and walking tour instructions for each of the airborne drop zones.
Mr. Reed concludes his work with an overview of the Normandy military cemeteries. There is no more fitting closure to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a highly recommended, well-written book that will appeal to a wide audience.

 

Not really my area of interest but well done Paul, great review. (Could you get on with the Italian campaign book now )

Lesley

 

Hi Paul, have been very excited about this for a while now.

Have noticed though that it is still out of stock/not available on Amazon. Where else can I buy it?

Thanks again

Ross

 

I have no idea what the issue is on Amazon. I raised it with the publishers and they say there is 'no problem'.

You can buy it direct from Pen & Sword and from WH Smith and various others.

 

(Could you get on with the Italian campaign book now )

Lesley

I will get there, Lesley, but that won't be for a while yet.

 

Hi Paul, have been very excited about this for a while now.

Have noticed though that it is still out of stock/not available on Amazon. Where else can I buy it?

Thanks again

Ross

It is on Abe Books at 9.99 plus p and p

Lesley

 

I will get there, Lesley, but that won't be for a while yet.


I am sure that it will be well worth the wait.

Regards
Tom

 

This would be so useful, having been and walked some of the area ‘self-guided’. Personally I prefer walks, rather than Holts type guides that involve driving and stopping.

 

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. My favourite walks were ‘The Eastern Flank’, ‘Sword Beach Walk’ and ‘Gold Beach Walk’.