Understanding Normandy

[Rona]

“Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book.” George C. Scott utters those words in a scene from the 1970 film Patton. With that gloating comment, the general reveals to the audience how he defeated the infamous Wehrmacht field marshal. He read his book.

I would venture the same goes for almost anything in life including learning about D-Day and the battles waged in Normandy or enhancing a visit to the Omaha or Utah beaches, or any other of the nearby World War II battlefields. Read the book. While, I have not counted, there are hundreds if not thousands of books on the topic, perhaps more than for any other World War II battle. Whittling the list down to a manageable number is a daunting task, but below are ten books I suggest followed by comments from John C. McManus, noted historian, author, and professor of military history who has visited Normandy and guided tours of the battlefields for decades.

The list includes, as I believe it should, a wide array of perspectives from the broad sweep of history to the very intimate eyewitness accounts and a work of fiction. The list does not however include a proper travel guide—something you might not need if you absorb even a fraction of the contents of the ten named books. Besides, most well-traveled souls have their own preferences, whether Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, Eyewitness, or one from Rick Steeves.

Read the full post on DODReads.com and my blog: https://wordpress.com/view/goneforaso...

World War II Map by Map
Normandy '44: D-Day and the Epic 77-Day Battle for FranceD-Day, June 6, 1944: The Battle for the Normandy BeachesOmaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944
The Dead and Those About to Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach
Brothers, Rivals, Victors: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley and the Partnership that Drove the Allied Conquest in Europe
Normandiefront: D-Day to Saint-Lô Through German Eyes
The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II
Eye of the Needle
The Normandy Battlefields: D-Day and the Bridgehead

[Tony]

Rona,

my wife and I have always loved history, and we are planning to take the Normandy trip when this pandemic ends. I will have to check out these out.

Thanks,


Tony Brunal

[Rona]

You will love it. There is so much to see so you need to prioritize. Guided tours make it easy, but they can limit you in time and at fewer spots than you might see on your own.
Yes, I can't wait for travel afar to resume

[Jme]

My job duties may allow me to visit some of the cemeteries across the world operated by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Hoping to make it to Normandy and Manila this year.