Gripping, vivid account of the bitter conflict between British and
Canadian soldiers and German forces during the Battle of Normandy.
After the success of Bataille de l’Odon, Enfer sur la Cote 112 and especially Trois Jours en Enfer, with the
latter two already out of print, here is a new work by Heimdal on the Battle of
Normandy.
The battle for Caen from June to August 1944 was a battle
between Allied (British and Canadian) and German forces. Originally the Allies
aimed to take the French city of Caen, one of the
largest cities in Normandy, on D-Day. Caen was a vital objective
for several reasons. Firstly, it lay astride the Orne River
and Caen
Canal; these two water
obstacles could strengthen a German defensive position if not crossed. Secondly,
Caen was a road
hub; in German hands it would enable the enemy to shift forces rapidly. Thirdly,
the area around Caen was relatively open,
especially compared to the Bocage country in the west of Normandy. This area would
have been a viable airbase.
On D-Day, Caen was an objective for the British 3rd
Infantry Division and remained the focal point for a series of battles
throughout June, July and into August.
The old city of Caen, with many historic buildings dating back
to the Middle Ages, was largely destroyed by the conflict. Frédérick Jeanne
provides here a rich history, chronicling the intense action with revealing
images.
