Operation Bluecoat: Normandy - British 3rd Infantry Division - 27th Armoured Brigade

by Ian Daglish

After two months of bitter combat in Normandy, Operation Bluecoat transformed the campaign into a war of movement. British and German armored divisions were flung against one another. Over the rugged terrain of the 'Suisse Normande', thrust met with counter thrust in a rapidly changing mobile battle. This is the story of the breakthrough begun on 30th July by 11th Armoured Division, Guards Armoured Division, and 15th (Scottish) Division. This was initially opposed by 21. Panzer Division, and later by the Germans' most powerful divisions in the 9. SS-Panzer 'Hohenstaufen' and 10. SS-Panzer 'Frundsberg'.

The story of Bluecoat includes examples of virtually every type of Second World War armored from infantry tanks to specialized flame-throwers and minesweeping tanks; from light armored reconnaissance units to the heaviest battle tanks of the Second World War. The experiences of both sides, German as well as British, are related as the story of a swirling armored Melle is played out under the hot summer sun between Caumont and Vire.

Genres: World War II, History, Military Fiction

190 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like his books on Epsom and Goodwood, Ian Daglish takes us along to see close-up what it was like to be part of this operation. After heavy fighting the offensive finally saw the British move forward. But again at a heavy price since the Germans were, despite their heavy losses in men and equipment, still a skilled enemy. The narrative flows nicely from planning stages to the guy in the tank or the infantry in their foxholes.

The combination of maps, photo's and an engaging narrative make this book another great read. After the main story the reader receives a treat of details about the way the British and Germans fought the battles, how the British tried to apply combined arms tactics more often and how the Germans combined their sometimes shattered forces into effective roadblocks. While reading the book it also becomes clear how effective artillery fire was applied to attack German positions and how counterbattery fire was really effective. Lessons learned during the Great War were useful here, even though warfare itself had changed due to tanks, aircraft, etc.

It is a pity Ian is no longer among us, because I am sure he would have written a bunch of other titles in this 'Over the battlefield' series that would have enlightened us on British army operations in WWII.

Again highly recommended!

[Rich Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good narrative of the battle, sadly let down by the very poor map treatments.

[unknown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It helped me understand detailed operation in campaigns of normandy. And there area many photos and maps. Good book !