Two Sides of the Beach: The Invasion and Defense of Europe in 1944

by Edmund L. Blandford

This is the story of D-Day and the Invasion of Europe as seen by both the attacking and defending forces. It includes comments and descriptions from a wide range of Allied and German forces--from generals to front-line infantry soldiers. It relates the horror of combat through the eyes of the fighting men, conveying their terror, exhaustion, and often their fury.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military History, World War II, Military Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edmund Blandford's book, Two Sides of the Beach offers the reader an interesting insight into the British and German soldiers who were involved in the attack and defence of the Normandy beaches in 1944. This book is mainly a collection of first hand accounts provided by front line soldiers, officers and members of the General Staff. The accounts detail the fighting from the invasion on June 6th 1944, until the final Allied breakout during 'Operation Totalise'. The accounts are woven skillfully together by the author and present a fairly complete picture of the campaign as seen through the eyes of the British and Canadian 'Tommies' as well as soldiers of the German Army and Waffen-SS.

By no means is this a comprehensive account of the Normandy campaign, it is more of an oral history similar in style to Gerald Astor or Lyn MacDonald and just as good. This book would blend in well and complement such campaign studies as Max Hasting's Overlord (1984) or Carlo D'este's Decision in Normandy (1983) as well as many other detailed histories. The beauty of this book is in the first-hand accounts provided by the participants, they are brutally honest and refreshing. They give you a real idea of what the soldiers endured during the fighting for Normandy and the subsequent breakout.

The only problem that I found with this book was the total lack of maps, just a few of the area would have been appreciated. However a number of good black & white photographs were provided in the book that fitted in with the story. Overall this was a most interesting account and the narrative was fast paced and well researched. I am sure that anyone who enjoys a good historical account or has a passion for the Normandy campaign will appreciate this book.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started out disliking this book- thinking the author was lazy, It really consists of a ton of memoir moments taken from interviews and books. But after a while - this torrent of stuff DOES tell the story. I learned stuff i didn't know- always a good sign in a book... This is the story of the D-day Landings, and Monty's Meatgrinder... up to Falaise...

A Note to Wargamers- especially Flames of War/Bolt Action, in this book, the words "platoon' and "company' are seldom used. "A sergeant" "An officer" is about as close as it gets. The Soldiers are identified by Battalion and Division, never lower org units. Instructive...

[John Fulcoly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of details all the way through August 1944 describing battle successes and failures from D Day through the breakout. A decided British story focused on Montgomery’s wing and armies. Book describes a battle then switched to first hand accounts from both sides. Not for the front of heart. A very worthwhile read!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offense and defense of Normandy