Goodwood: The British Offensive in Normandy, July 1944

by Ian Daglish

Comprehensive retelling of the controversial British and Canadian operation near Caen Told from both the British and German perspectives Heavily illustrated with maps and photos, including detailed aerial reconnaissance photos taken during the battle While American infantry slogged its way through the hedgerows of western Normandy in July 1944, the British were waging a largely armored campaign to the east near Caen. Planned to have been seized on D-Day, Caen remained contested on July 18, when Bernard Montgomery launched Operation Goodwood, whose exact purpose is still debated--either to draw Germans away from the American sector or to break out to Falaise. In one of the largest armored battles in their history, the British lost almost one-third of their tank strength in Normandy in exchange for a gain of only seven miles.

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

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Hans]

Like his book on Operation Epsom, this book takes the reader into the action and does so in an engaging way. Using maps and aerial photographs you, as the reader can get an idea of what the terrain looked like, what happend where and why. Obviously within the restriction that you do not have a 3D view of the terrain.

The eyewitness accounts really tell the story of those fateful days, both from the British and the German side. This is a plus, since it makes it easier to understand certain actions. The author also tries to dispel many myths and misunderstandings that have been around over the years. When in doubt, he does explain quite clearly what led him to certain conclusions.

Goodwood is one of the better known British offensives of the Normandy campaign and it has been studied for years. Operation Goodwood by mister Daglish, who unfortunately is no longer among us, is a must read for any serious student of the Normandy campaign, yet is highly readable due to the way it is written.

Another great book!

[Dan]

This is one of the best military histories I have read in a long time. It's not the most well-written, although the writing is not bad. But it combines just the right amount of detail with decent maps and outstanding aerial photos and ground level photos to really help visualize the battlefield. Daglish also sprinkles in a lot of great first-person accounts and puts them into context. He also challenges assumptions about the battle and corrects misconceptions. It's a great shame that Daglish passed away in 2011.

[Jeff]

A nicely detailed description of Operation Goodwood. It is unique in that the author makes extensive use of aerial photographs taken by a Spitfire recon plane during the height of the attack. There are also several good appendices addressing some specific details. The only thing I think it could use is more maps showing the flow of the attack. Highly recommended.

[Milton Soong]

Excellent hard military history. Aided greatly by the copious amount of aerial photos detailing troop movement and such. Must read for western front

[Cheryl Sinclair]

If you are into the fine details of WW II, then this book is for you.

[Edward]

A good level of detail and you can work out some good battlefield tours from it. However, Daglish is perhaps excessively in awe of the German Army at points and I am not sure if more modern scholarship does not challenge him on certain issues.

[Scott Gallagher]

Good at tactical level. Good maps and photos. Little judgment or interpretation.