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D-Day: Piercing the Atlantic Wall
This brilliant collection of German and Allied eyewitness accounts presents useful insights into the failures and successes of both sides and shows why the battle for Normandy developed into such a long and bitter struggle.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 23, 1993
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About the author
Robert Kershaw
23 books70 followersBorn in 1950 and a graduate of Reading University, Robert Kershaw joined the Parachute Regiment in 1973.
He served numerous regimental appointments until selected to command the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA). He attended the German Staff College (Fuhrungsakademie) spending a further two years with the Bundeswehr as an infantry, airborne and arctic warfare instructor. He speaks fluent German and has extensive experience with NATO, multinational operations and all aspects of operations and training.
His active service includes several tours in Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War and Bosnia. He has exercised in many parts of the world and served in the Middle East and Africa. His final army appointment was with the Intelligence Division at HQ NATO in Brussels Belgium.
On leaving the Army in 2006 he became a full-time author of military history as well as a consultant military analyst. He has written a paper on the military impact of HIV AIDS for Cranfield University and more recently was the historical editor for ParaData, an on-line archive for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.
He served numerous regimental appointments until selected to command the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA). He attended the German Staff College (Fuhrungsakademie) spending a further two years with the Bundeswehr as an infantry, airborne and arctic warfare instructor. He speaks fluent German and has extensive experience with NATO, multinational operations and all aspects of operations and training.
His active service includes several tours in Northern Ireland, the First Gulf War and Bosnia. He has exercised in many parts of the world and served in the Middle East and Africa. His final army appointment was with the Intelligence Division at HQ NATO in Brussels Belgium.
On leaving the Army in 2006 he became a full-time author of military history as well as a consultant military analyst. He has written a paper on the military impact of HIV AIDS for Cranfield University and more recently was the historical editor for ParaData, an on-line archive for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 27, 2015
One of the best D-Day books out there. Interesting enough to keep you reading until the last page; factually accurate yet told with the emotive humility of those who were unlucky enough to experience -- but lucky enough to survive -- one of the greatest and most devastating conflicts of modern times.
A great insight into the events that occurred not only during, but in the years preceding the largest invasion of the last century.
I recommend this for anyone with an interest in WWII or military history.
A great insight into the events that occurred not only during, but in the years preceding the largest invasion of the last century.
I recommend this for anyone with an interest in WWII or military history.
July 12, 2025
A narrative history focussed on D-Day, with some reference to the days either side. Kershaw provides an overview of the invasion covering both allied and axis side of the battle, including frequent use of quotes from across both sides.
A somewhat dated perspective now, and lacks real analysis as to why the allies succeeded. The author subscribes to the view that the German army and command were steeped in blitzkrieg and the allies were generally cautious and slow.
That said, it’s a detailed study of the day, and worth reading. This particular edition is in newspaper column style, which some readers may find jarring to read.
A somewhat dated perspective now, and lacks real analysis as to why the allies succeeded. The author subscribes to the view that the German army and command were steeped in blitzkrieg and the allies were generally cautious and slow.
That said, it’s a detailed study of the day, and worth reading. This particular edition is in newspaper column style, which some readers may find jarring to read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews