Recently I was tasked to plan and lead a battle study of the Normandy Campaign of the Second World War for a group of senior U.S. military officers and civilian leaders. Having visited Normandy previously and being somewhat familiar with the battle was not sufficient to design a compelling operational and strategic narrative to appeal to this group. After significant research and fruitless map work, I came across Major and Mrs. Holt’s Definitive Battlefield Guide: D-Day Normandy Landing Beaches.

To say that the book was helpful is an extreme understatement.

Throughout the research phase of the project, the recommended itineraries, precise GPS coordinates and local recommendations were essential to plan the day-by-day stops and activities. These helped to frame the detailed timelines required to plan discussion points for each stop. Once I arrived in Normandy to conduct a pre-study site survey, another true value of the book stood out - it contains the names and contact information for key people across the Normandy region. These are the people who can help you better understand the battle, its effect on the people of Normandy, and who will help you find that key spot that becomes a highlight of your battle study. This touch demonstrates the Holt’s deep knowledge of and respect for both the events that occurred here and the people of this region. It is clear to me that the production of this book was a labor of love, and born from a desire to ensure future generations do not forget the story of the Great Crusade.

In short, I highly recommend this 7th Edition to anyone interested in visiting Normandy and especially to those who hope to gain a deeper understanding of the battle by visiting its sites – with Major and Mrs. Holt’s you will not miss a thing!

Col. Price USMC

As recommended by.

American War Memorials 32

This updated edition of their guide to the D-Day beaches is a first class companion for any trip.

Military Modelling

The reputation justly built for the authors' battlefield guides is such that anyone who has read any guide will immediately know that this is 'the' guide to buy for this particular battlefield. ... This is a guide that should be part of any enthusiasts library, an essential companion to family records and mementos, and an essential companion to any visit to the battlefield. It is not difficult to commend this comprehensive work most highly.

Firetrench

The guide includes all the things a modern pilgrim needs with GPS locations and a fully updated text to get you around. The photography has expanded considerably with views of many more locations to help you identify what you are looking for.

War History Online

To be honest, if you are travelling to France, specifically the Normandy landing areas, this is a must have companion. Not only does the book layout over 400 points of interest around Normandy but lodging, restaurants and various local cultural attractions. As the title defines this is the most “Definitive Battlefield Guide” there is. Tonie and Valmai Holt have done a fantastic job on this tourist guide book. Whether you are visiting the Normandy Landings or even if you are interested in the subject, places and memorials, I highly recommend Major & Mrs. Holt’s Definitive Battle Field Guide ~ D-Day Normandy Landing Beaches.

Modelling Social Club

Major and Mrs Holt have established something of a benchmark when it comes to battlefield guides, and a quick browse through this book is sufficient to demonstrate why. Complete with GPS references, maps and hundreds of photographs, it takes on the monumental task of exploring the entire breadth of the invasion area, with sections devoted to museums, monuments, and innumerable places of interest which range from the major to the obscure. Each entry comes with a concise and clear history, and the detail into which this comparatively small book manages to go is most impressive in view of the scale and complexity of the subject matter. For anyone seeking a guide for a very thorough and efficient tour of all or just selected parts of the Normandy invasion area, there is no need to look any further.

Pegasus Archive

This is a must-have book for all students of history who wish to plan and go to Normandy and honour the memory of the sacrifices made. This is a great book with much needed information that takes nothing for granted.

Paul Diggett