Surviving D-Day Tanks in Normandy (Paperback)
Imprint: Key Publishing
Series: Military Vehicles and Artillery
Pages: 112
Illustrations: 150
ISBN: 9781913870232
Published: 3rd May 2022
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On 6 June 1944, D-Day, the Allied invasion of northern France began. Thousands of Allied soldiers, along with their equipment and vehicles, landed in Normandy on five main beaches. Most tanks arrived on the beaches by landing craft, and a few days later, after the construction of the temporary Mulberry harbour at Arromanches-les-Bains, tanks, along with supply lorries and more troops, started pouring from the ships into the ever-expanding beachhead. This guide book examines the surviving World War Two tanks, tank turrets and other armoured fighting vehicles currently on display in Normandy, France, most of which took part in the fighting following the D-Day landings. The background history of each vehicle is explored and location details are given. Many of the tanks are exhibited in museums, but a number are on display as war memorials, with some being located in difficult-to-find places. Also included are the fascinating, little-known stories of the allied tank attacks on two separate German beach defence fortifications at Gold Beach, both of which survived the initial Air Force bombing and Navy bombardment. They have been preserved and can be visited.
Each point of interest corresponds to the location of a tank, SPG, bunker, or some other historical artefact. The description of the object includes not just the technical specifications you are likely to find in any book on WW2 tanks, but also the story of that specific item. Some are real veterans of the D-Day landings, while other vehicles were brought and installed here after the end of the war. Directions and three colour photos of each item will help the reader find it for themselves during their trip.
Tank Archives
I can personally attest that the wealth of military history landmarks in Normandy requires careful planning in order to avoid missing any of them. Craig Moore's book would have been a great help in that regard.
A handy guide to those tanks and AFVs that are still on display in Normandy that might well encourage you to plan a trip to visit the area. As I mentioned, there are a couple of particular bunkers mentioned, but of course there are a host of others also there to see if you are thinking about combining these interests with a trip.
Military Model Scene
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"This work is a very useful guide to the visitor with an interest in the Normandy Landings and subsequent Campaign."
Martin Willoughby, The Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association
About Craig Moore
Craig Moore is an editor and author of many articles on armour for magazines including Classic Military Vehicle. He lives in south west London and regularly travels around the world visiting tank museums. He runs www.tanks-encyclopedia.com, as well as www.tank-hunter.com. His websites and social media are followed by over 11,000 military enthusiasts.