The Battle for Normandy 1944. . - Reviews - book review

The Battle for Normandy 1944. Robin Neillands. Cassell. [pounds sterling]20.00. 456 pages. ISBN 0-304-35837-1. Mr Neillands is a widely published writer on warfare and in this book he consulted not only the established archive sources but the memories of individual soldiers from among the more than two million who took part in the Battle of Normandy.

The author's first object was to give us 'an account of that mighty struggle aimed squarely at the general public in the United States, Britain and Canada'. He also wants to address some of the myths that surround the campaign, such as the view that Montgomery's plan was 'flawed' and, in particular, the greatest myth: that the battle was won due to the Americans. This is perpetrated especially by a chauvinistic Hollywood in turn based on an American tendency to 'hog the limelight' and on the biased memoirs of some American commanders after 1945. Whilst not attempting to underestimate the role of U.S. soldiers, he does show that it was the bravery and skill of all the armies involved that finally won victory. All armies had their faults and weaknesses. Ironically, the best army overall was the German. This is an exhaustive account based on an enormous amount of work. The author has been fair but on occasion, and when required, he can be harsh in exploding hurtful claims and falsehoods. This is a balanced history that does justice to the men involved in Normandy, whatever their uniform. (T.B.)

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