As reviewed in

Journal for the Pillbox Study Group

This book provides a good impression of what it was like to live in the invasion zone and how the war affected people living there. It is a good social history and gives some useful insights. It has a good overview of the defences installed but is not recommended for anybody seeking a more comprehensive view of the 1940 fortifications i.e. it does not say what type of guns were sited where, what type of pillboxes and how many were in various locations, what type of fortifications were installed where, the distribution of the defence forces, etc. The book is recommended for the general reader and the specialist alike, as all will find something of use and of interest. It is well illustrated and provides information from a multitude of sources, including some good anecdotes. It covers a wide range of topics including life in the affected areas, the home guard, the defences built, the Battle of Britain, Dunkirk, and Operation Sealion. The author reveals many deficiencies in the defences, the defenders, and their equipment but does not believe Operation Sealion could have succeeded.

Christopher Webber