Normandiefront: D-Day to Saint-Lô Through German Eyes

by Vince Milano, Bruce Conner

Based on first-hand testimony, this story of how one German division changed the course of the invasion, and almost the war, features previously unpublished photographs from participants In the cold morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of German soldiers were in position from Port en Bessin eastwards past Colleville on the Normandy coast, aware that a massive invasion force was heading straight for them, although according to Allied Intelligence, they shouldn't have been there. The presence of 352 Division meant that the number of defenders was literally double the number expected—and on the best fortified of all the invasion beaches. This infantry division would ensure the invaders would pay a massive price to take Omaha Beach. There were veterans from the Russian front among them and they were well trained and equipped. What makes this account of the bloody struggle unique is that it is told from the German standpoint, using firsthand testimony of German combatants. There are not many of them left and these accounts have been painstakingly collected by the authors over many years.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Military History, Military Fiction, War, Germany

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Boudewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid description of the battle that the grenadiers of the German 352nd Infantry Division fought against the soldiers of the American 29th division who landed on Omaha beach. Heavily relying on eye witness accounts, you get a good grip on how the Germans perceived the fighting and their experiences. Outnumbered, underfed and under extreme pressure, this book offers a good insight into how the Germand managed to withstand the Allied onslaught for 43 days.

[Paul Ataua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected. I was drawn into it by misreading the blurb and thinking I was going to read an account of the Normandy landings seen from the perspective of the German troops, and the focus would be on their suffering and their feelings about the war and their defeat. Instead it was, for the most part, about strategies and actions rather than thoughts and feelings, though, of course, those did surface from time to time. Surprisingly, I was quite taken by it and actually enjoyed it . I do, however, feel the experience would have been enhanced with a few maps of the battle areas. Make sure you bring your own map!

[Charles m smith jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sit down and enjoy yourself for this is awesome.

Being on the other side on June 6th 1944. First hand account and reaction to one of the great battles in the world. First hand use from those who live to tell thier story

[Nathan Trachta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the years I've read a few German unit histories of WWII including The Lions of Carentan (6th FJR), From Normandy to the Ruhr (116th Pz Div)and Victory was Beyond Their Grasp (272nd VGD Div) and have appreciated reading history from the other side. Something Normandiefront brought that was a little different was voices from the American/GI's side (a little more on that later).
I'm going to open saying I rated this one 4 stars and the drag downs were lack of maps (please, maps help so much with the story telling), some translation/publisher issues, and lack of photos. Writing style I gave a minor hit to (a little reparative at times).
After that I'm calling this one a winner. Mr. Milano does a good job stepping from standing up of the 352nd, to preparing for invasionkarl Wegner, and then fighting the invasion and the battle for Saint Lo. Mr. Milano does a good job stepping from the situation to veteran accounts/experience. A particular high light was reading the veteran's perspective of the battle and what they thought of the Americans and their approach to battle (as opposed to the Russian approach). In particular I enjoyed Gefreiter Peter Simeth and Karl Wegner accounts; the honesty mixed with good recollection and something of a smile at times.
Something different in this book is Mr. Milano brought in a few voices from the opponent (the American GI in this case). While other accounts have included quick mentions from the unit's opponents, Mr, Milano at times gave good the American perspective of this, almost making be want to re-read Clay Pidgeon's of Saint Lo (will see...).
Overall, a very good book and worth the read. I greatly appreciate Mr. Milano taking the time to collect all of the veterans accounts and bringing them forward. The average grenadier/GI was sometimes lost to historians back when they were more common and their words are like gold more so than those of generals because their perspective was that of the person on the pointy end of the spear.

[Kate MacGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of D-Day plus 43

I really enjoyed this account of D-day plus 43, from the German perspective. It is honest, accurate and well-written.
Many books about D-day focus on the Allied heros that braved the invasion. This book reveals that the German army ran out of ammunition at Normandy and were forced to retreat. I have never heard this before. It was disturbing to read this and imagine the carnage on the beach. War is insane when you read about the day to day loss of life over plots of land. This book is written from a factual, historical perspective and doesn't glorify the madness.

[The Bauchler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book.

An excellent counterpoint to the many allied-orientated accounts of D-Day. The day-to-day workings of the German occupation forces were hugely enthralling. It explained how the defenders responded to the invasion from Troop to Corps level and illustrates this with many vivid personal recollections.

As has been pointed out by others the radio traffic chapter offers a fascinating glimpse into the timeline of events. This part, in fairness, is a ‘dry’ read but well worth persevering with.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the way it looks in the movies

In the war movies US troops appear to fight against an evenly matched foe, but this book shows that the Germans were desperate, short on men and equipment. I will certainly look at the war movies through a different lens. This book was a revelation and I highly recommend it.

[Robert Sissons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book from German eyes

Awesome account from a German infantry of the battles that raged after D day.
Had Germany not wasted men and material in Russia the war might have turned out different.

[Andrew Nelson]

An interesting account

I had often wondered about the 352nd division and now I know. This book had excellent detail and was surprisingly well balanced.. I enjoyed it.

[Ernesto Oporto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The View of the II WW from the German side

The history after D-Day presented from the point of view of German and American soldiers. For the German soldiers caught in a dictatorship there were no choices, only orders.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair account

I have read a lot of books about D Day all through the eyes of Allies I am now starting to look through the Axis eyes. This book will give you a good account.

[Michael D. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the Normandy Campaign. I learned a lot from it and gained many insights into this major event of World War 2.

[Lora Elizabeth Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good read.

Discuss more about Ost troops and the captured equipment pressed into service. However, a good German view of D Day.

[THOMAS OGDEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

A fast read. Full of good historical info from the soldiers point of view. I would have liked to see some maps though in the e book version.

[Marcia Hess Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Perspective

I enjoyed reading this book and understanding the struggle and humanity demonstrated by those in the thick of such an important battle.

[Jorge3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different perspective

Author gave a good, different perspective of the battle for Normandy. Good read for someone who has read several versions from the Allied view.

[Valerie Perham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I helped with its process. Great book and completely different perspective on Invasion of Normandie

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different perspective is obligatory for anyone interested in history, especially warfare, because the victors are the ones who get to write the history books.

[Bill Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for students of Normandy 6/44

I will be using it for future reference/research...the radio traffic section is a terrific glimpse into the timeline of events

[Steve Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

different perspective

Discusses the German strategy and their goals. One thing could change the outcome of a battle or war. All sides were determined to win.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vince Milanon ja Bruce Connerin "Taistelu Normandiasta: maihinnousu saksalaisin silmin" (Koala, 2013) käsittelee Normandian maihinnousua ja sitä seurannutta puoltatoista kuukautta lähinnä taistelussa edukseen esiintyneen saksalaisen 352. jalkaväkidivisioonan miesten näkökulmasta, joskin myös amerikkalaiset veteraanit saavat oman sanansa sanottavaksi. Suuria linjoja käsitellään niitäkin, mutta mikrotason historia on esillä näkyvämmin muun muassa saksalaisten veteraanien muisteluitten kautta. Lukija tutustuu muutamiin sotilaisiin rintamalinjojen molemmilla puolilla ja seuraa heidän vaiheitaan aina heinäkuussa tapahtuneeseen Saint Lo'n kaupungin valtaamiseen saakka.

"Taistelu Normandiasta" käsittelee myös mielenkiintoisesti niin saksalaisten kuin liittoutuneitten sotilaitten arkipäivää hetkeä ennen maihinnousua sekä luo katsauksen molempien osapuolten käyttämiin varusteisiin.