Operation Epsom

by Ian Daglish

Before Operation Epsom in late June 1944 there remained the chance that a German counter-stroke might seriously threaten the bridgehead. After Epsom, the Allies retained the strategic initiative through to the liberation of France and Belgium.

This was a battle in which highly trained but largely inexperienced British ‘follow-up’ divisions, newly arrived in Normandy, confronted some of the best equipped, best led and battle-hardened formations of the Third Reich.

Beginning with a set-piece British assault on the German lines in dense terrain, the battle developed into swirling armored action on the open slopes of Hills 112 and 113, before the British turned to grimly defending their gains in the face of concentric attacks by two full SS-Panzer Korps.

This entirely new study brings together previously unseen evidence to present an important Normandy battle in very great detail. The unfolding action is illustrated using aerial photography of the battlefield and period Army maps.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Epsom describes one of the first major British offensives that took place after the D-Day landings in Normandy. It does so in great detail and with many recon photos and maps. Most of the time these maps and photos allow the reader to actually get a feel for the battle as described in its pages. Additional photos, made on the spot during or after the war, further add to the immersion.

What I also like is that the author explains, when in doubt about the course of certain events, why he followed the path that he used in the book.

Add the firsthand accounts and post-war memories of the men involved and you have got a book that will keep you immersed in the events. It also shows that tank-infantry cooperation still had a long way to go, where artillery-infantry cooperation went far smoother and often saved the day.

Great book!

[Verhoeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

have read it, I loved it, but still it was not enough. How do I like this great book with it beautiful Wo2 aerial photographs describing how operation Epsom started in the bocage, evolved against determined German opposition and stopped dead its tracks to German contra-attacks. Feeling and seeing the pulse of battle. The "over the battlefield"-part of the book is great. But strangely you don't get a "feel" for the total Epsom-operation. You will love it with all it great battlefield (aerial) photographs and the dispositions of troops, but it is not enough to get a "feel" of the battle.

[Ian Willey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Bluecoat I had high expectations and was not disapointed.

The detail is good and in depth enough to add to your understanding without weighing you down with excess information.

[Jby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice use of aerial recon pics. The 1940s maps on the other hand are difficult to read and not very useful.