D-Day Diary: Life on the Front Line in the Second World War

by Carol Harris

Eyewitness accounts of the experiences of those who participated in D-Day, including sailors, soldiers, airmen, and civilians from both sides Historian Carol Harris collects together remarkable tales of bravery, survival, and sacrifice from what was one of the war's most dramatic and pivotal episodes, and presents them arranged as a chronological narrative. June 6, 1944 is one of the most memorable dates of World War II. It marked the beginning of the end of the conflict as Allied forces invaded Normandy and fought their way into Nazi-occupied Europe. Operation Overlord, as the invasion was codenamed, was an incredible feat that proved to be a turning point which would eventually result in the defeat of Nazi Germany. Around 150,000 soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy on the first day in the largest amphibious operation in history, and within a month more than 1 million men had been put ashore. As memory becomes history, firsthand accounts of this incredible moment become more and more precious. 

Genres: History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2011

Reviews

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The D-Day landings on the 6th of June 1944(operation Overlord) were the biggest of their kind in history. This book contains many first-hand-accounts of those involved in this dramatic and pivotal moment in our history.

Author Carol Harris Has done a great job in putting this fine account of bravery,sacrifice and remarkable survival together. The book is well written and very informative. D-Day Diary(Life on the front line in the second world war) will make a worthy addition to any history/world war two library.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short overview of the D-Day landings supported by personal reflections from the participants. At 184 pages this is a short book, and the detail is understandably light, providing the very standard narration of the invasion.

The personal accounts included are positive, they are not the usual list of actors, and have some interesting roles that do not normally get coverage. It would have been good to have more of them.

Not likely the responsibility of the author, but the picture placement is odd and out of sync with the text. A photo of US forces landing at Omaha is included in the chapter on the British beaches, likewise the Omaha chapter includes a photo of the British landings. They are both the same size so an odd choice.

This is a brief read, and will be of most interest to someone new to the topic or with only a passing interest.