Synopsis
As 1943 came to a close, Field Marshall Erwin Rommel was given his most challenging and important assignment to date--to repel the impending Allied invasion. The German high command anticipated that 1944 would be the year for the long-awaited amphibious cross-channel invasion. This invasion could be a critical strategic opportunity if the Germans successfully repelled it, but a failure to do so would severely hinder their ability to reestablish military superiority in Europe. Covering the Battle of Normandy from the German point of view, this book examines the impact that the "Desert Fox" had on the strengthening of German defenses in Normandy and elsewhere. Dubbed by the Propaganda Ministry as "The Atlantic Wall," Rommel realized how deceptive this term was upon his inspection of German defenses in 1943. Convinced that the Allies knew more about the actual state of German readiness than many of his officers did, the Desert Fox set out to fortify German positions.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
"A suitable companion to Stephen E. Ambrose's Citizen Soldiers... The book gives readers an appreciation of the tenacity of the German soldier. Armor A fascinating account, from the German point of view, of what went wrong in the Normandy campaign. Associated Press An excellent account of Rommel's engineering and tactical accomplishments during the last few months of his life, from the end of 1943 to his involuntary suicide in 1944. Publishers Weekly A well-balanced examination... Mitcham shows how Rommel executed one of his most brilliant campaigns in defending France with next to no reinforcements or resupply... A worthy study that should interest all readers. Library Journal Mitcham weaves a fascinating story of heroic striving by Rommel, and by his German troops, to overcome time and German senior mismanagement. This book would be a valuable addition to any collection of works on World War II, both for its masterful coverage of Axis military organizational, operational, and tactical activities, as well as for its excellent minibiographies of important German military and naval officers. They alone are sufficient reason to acquire this book. Journal of Military History
From the Back Cover
Covering the Battle of Normandy from the German point of view, this book examines the impact the "Desert Fox" had on the build-up of German defenses in Normandy and elsewhere, dubbed by the Propaganda Ministry as the "Atlantic Wall". Rommel realized how deceptive this term was upon his inspection of German defenses in 1943. Convinced that the Allies knew more about the actual state of German readiness than many of his officers did, the Desert Fox set out to fortify German positions. In the weeks prior to D-Day, Rommel analyzed Allied bombing patterns and concluded that they were trying to make Normandy a strategic island in order to isolate the battlefield. Rommel also noticed that the Allies had mined the entire Channel coast, while the naval approaches to Normandy were clear. Realizing that Normandy would be the likely site of the invasion, he replaced the poorly-equipped 716th Infantry Division with the battle-hardened 352nd Infantry Division on the coastal sector, but his request for additional troops was denied by Hitler. Mitcham offers a remarkable theory of why Allied intelligence failed to learn of this critical troop movement, and why they were not prepared for the heavier resistance they met on Omaha Beach. Mitcham uses a number of little-known primary sources which contradict previously published accounts of Rommel, his officers, and the last days of the Third Reich. These sources provide amazing insight into the invasion of Normandy from the German perspective. They include German personnel records, unpublished papers, and the manuscripts of top German officers like General of Panzer Troops Baron Leo Geyr von Schweppenburg, the commander of Panzer Group West. The Desert Fox in Normandy also contains a thorough examination of the virtually ignored battles of the Luftwaffe in France in 1944. Rommel, a master of mobile warfare, developed a cunning defense strategy for Normandy and fought a brilliant campaign despite the tremendous odds against him - and the fact that he wasn't even there. Although his absence on D-Day significantly weakened the German reaction to the Allied landings, his preparations for the impending invasion temporarily halted, but could not repulse, the Allies and their ultimate victory.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
