Caen Controversy: The Battle for Sword Beach 1944 - Hardcover

Stewart, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1909982121 ISBN 13: 9781909982123

Publisher: Helion and Company, 2014

Synopsis

On 6 June 1944 British, American, Canadian and French troops landed in Normandy by air and sea. This was one of the key moments of the Second World War, a long-anticipated invasion which would, ultimately, lead to the defeat of Nazi Germany. By the day s end a lodgement had been effected and Operation OVERLORD was being hailed as a success. In reality the assault had produced mixed results and at certain points along the French coastline the position was still far from certain. The key Allied objectives had also not been captured during the first day of the fighting and this failure would have long-term consequences. Of the priority targets, the city of Caen was a vital logistical hub with its road and rail networks plus it would also act as a critical axis for launching the anticipated follow-on attacks against the German defenders. As a result an entire brigade of British troops was tasked with attempting its capture but their advance culminated a few miles short. This new book examines this significant element of the wider D-Day operation and provides a narrative account of the operations conducted by 3 British Infantry Division. It examines in some detail the planning, preparation and the landings that were made on the beaches of Sword sector. To do this it considers the previously published material and also draws upon archival sources many of which have been previously overlooked to identify key factors behind the failure to capture the city. Its publication coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Allied liberation of France.

About this title

Review:

Stewarts evaluation of the battle for Sword Beach is excellent. His Operational insight and ability to seamlessly flow into a tactical narrative make this a battlefield study of some significant worth ... Stewart is to be commended and Helion has published another quality book well worth the investment. --War History Online

This is by far the best analysis of the 3rd Division s actions of D-Day this reviewer has ever read. Most highly recommended. --Society of Friends of the National Army Museum Book Review Supplement

The book provides an extremely enjoyable and illuminating description of the events and activities of the 3 Br Inf Div which adds a significant degree of granularity to the events that occurred on Sword Beach and further inland on D-Day. By giving the reader insight into the various factors that influenced Brigadier Smiths thinking, Caen Controversy has opened up areas for further study and discussion. --Canadian Military History

From the Publisher:

Since the autumn of 2002 Andrew Stewart has been a member of the Defence Studies Department, King's College London, the academic component of the United Kingdom's Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) where he teaches military officers. Previously he completed his doctorate which examined diplomacy during the Second World War and worked in a geopolitical risk consultancy. He has since taught a range of subjects, both regional and security orientated, and currently is one of three historians supporting the Higher Command and Staff Course. In this role he gives lectures and leads seminars on conflict-related historical and contemporary issues. He has authored numerous books, chapters and academic articles and recently completed a new book on the D-Day landings which examines the controversy that surrounding the assault on the Sword sector. In September 2014 he will be appointed as a Reader in Conflict and Diplomacy within the Defence Studies Department.

About this edition

• Publisher: Helion and Company
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1909982121
• ISBN 13: 9781909982123
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 184