Continuing the tradition of superb battlefield guides crammed with a wealth of historical detail coupled with a great many maps, photographs and veterans accounts, this edition of the Battleground Europe series focuses on the landing of the 3rd British Infantry Division and the 27th Armoured Brigade on Sword Beach on D-Day. It first outlines the Atlantic Wall defences which awaited them and their preparations for what would be the largest amphibious assault in history, before going on to describe the landing and the difficulties they experienced in securing the beach. Much has been made of the Division's failure to capture Caen by the end of the day, but Kilvert-Jones correctly regards this as an ambitious objective even without the unexpected arrival of the 21st Panzer Division in its suburbs, and demonstrates that the 3rd Division did remarkably well to beat off the counter-attack of this formidable unit and ultimately secure a firm foothold.

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Pegasus Archive

With the multitude of books relating to the broad story of D Day, titles which focus in depth on the specific beaches - and specifically the British and Canadian beaches - are welcome. If you have an interest in the landings at Sword Beach on 6th June 1944, and are planning a visit to the area to see where the actions took place, then this book is certainly worth obtaining.

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Recollections of WWII

A fine and full account by a former soldier of the action on and around one of D-day's five invasion beaches - Sword - which culminated in the hard-fought thrust towards Caen by Britain's 3rd Infantry Division and the 27th Armoured Brigade. Indispensable for all students of the Normandy campaign

Naval & Military Press

I used this book as I accompanied veterans from the 3rd Division to Normandy. It is clearly written and easy to follow. Avery useful tool.

Amazon Reviewer

A must read if you are going to the Normandy beaches full of information of where to go and what to see a very good read for 2nd world war enthusiasts.

Amazon Reviewer

As my father landed on Sword beach on D-Day I found lots of interesting facts in a well written style,plus many good photographs

Amazon Reviewer

My father landed on sword beach on D Day, he seldom mentioned that part of his war service other than seeing his mate Ginge blow up in front of him as they went ashore in their Bren Gun Carriers. I found this book extremely interesting and informative, the route taken by the 3rd Battalion and the obstacles they overcame. It is clear to see how they didn't quite make Caan as hoped. I would urge anybody interested in D Day to read this book. It made me proud and yet humbled to read of what they endured and achieved in those early days of June.

Amazon Reviewer

Kilvert-Jones combines an intellectual grasp of the strategic, operational and tactical context of 3rd Division's assault landing at SWORD Beach on 6 June 1944 with the personal and vivid recollections of those who were there. This guide is informative and easily read as an account in its own right; carried with you on tour it is essential material. Photographs, sketches and maps provide detail and assists an individual to tour without a personal guide and discover the important detail of the ground and the actions on that day whilst retaining an overview of higher command and the actions elsewhere in Normandy and beyond. This in an authoritative work by an obvious expert written in an easy style in a most helpful format.

Amazon Reviewer

Another excellent addition to the Battleground Europe series of books. A lot of information packed into a handy size book. I recommend this series of books to anyone from the serious historian to the merely curious.

Amazon Reviewer