D-Day in Numbers: The Facts Behind Operation Overlord

by Jacob F. Field

Discover the numbers that defined D-Day and the future of Europe in 1944  D-Day, June 6, 1944: the day on which the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy with the intention of reclaiming mainland Europe from German occupation. The significance of the operation has captured the collective imagination to become the defining moment of World War II and represents the ending to the struggles of the early 20th century. This book follows the course of the war in Europe from 1939 through to the D-Day landings and their aftermath, taking in the most poignant events and looking at each through the numbers involved. Each number signifies an important moment within a larger story as they are explained in the context of the surrounding events. With the vast amount of planning that went into the execution of such an ambitious operation, the numbers involved are staggering, surprising, and often inspiring. Separate chapters discuss the war in Europe up to D-Day, the planning and preparation of D-Day, the landings, the battles, and the aftermath. Discover the numbers that promised to change the balance of power in Europe, and indeed, the world,  as Deliverance Day, 1944 got underway.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2014

About the author

Jacob F. Field is a historian and writer. He grew up in South London, completed his undergraduate degree in History at the University of Oxford, and then moved to Newcastle University for his PhD. He completed his doctoral thesis on the Great Fire of London in 2008, and has worked as a research associate at the University of Cambridge since then. Jacob has contributed to books including 1001 Historical Sites and 1001 Battles That Changed The Course Of History and published articles in journals including Economic History Review, London Journal and Urban History.

Reviews

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting look at the closing years of the war starting with the run-up to d day. Although this book deals in facts and figures it does not overlook the human side of this bloody war. With it having been holocaust memorial day reading this book has been made all the more poignant and moving.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very interesting little tidbits about the who, what, where, when and hows of Operation Overlord.
If you are interested in numbers, cubic feet, tonnage, yards, rounds, commanders, millimeters, hours and pipers this is the book for you. It is an interesting and quick read.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer for D-Day. I knew very little going in and it's a good summary.