Operation Bluecoat: Breakout from Normandy

by Ian Daglish

After seven weeks of bitter fighting there was a desperate need to break out of the Normandy bridgehead. In late July 1944 Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Dempsey’s Second Army moved two entire corps from the Caen sector to the relatively quiet countryside around Caumont. Here, the British XXX Corps prepared to give battle, with VII Corps advancing in support on the right flank between XXX Corps and the American first Army. The offensive did not go to plan. While the XXX Corps attack stalled, VIII Corps surged ahead. With the experienced 11th Armoured and 15th Scottish Divisions in the lead and Guards Armoured close behind, a deep penetration was made, threatening to take the pivotal city of Vire and unhinge General Hausser’s German Seventh Army.

The main narrative of this book will span the initial break-in from Caumont on 30 July, through the armored battles of the following days, to the desperate German counter-attacks of 4 – 6 August, the no less desperate German defense of Estry up to the middle of the month, and the final withdrawal from Normandy. The book also examines Monty’s refusal to seize Vire, the disputed Anglo-American border and the Operation’s impact on the German Mortain offensive.

Genres: World War II, History, Military Fiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like his books on Epsom and Goodwood, Ian Daglish takes us along to see close-up what it was like to be part of this operation. After heavy fighting the offensive finally saw the British move forward. But again at a heavy price since the Germans were, despite their heavy losses in men and equipment, still a skilled enemy. The narrative flows nicely from planning stages to the guy in the tank or the infantry in their foxholes.

The combination of maps, photo's and an engaging narrative make this book another great read. After the main story the reader receives a treat of details about the way the British and Germans fought the battles, how the British tried to apply combined arms tactics more often and how the Germans combined their sometimes shattered forces into effective roadblocks. While reading the book it also becomes clear how effective artillery fire was applied to attack German positions and how counterbattery fire was really effective. Lessons learned during the Great War were useful here, even though warfare itself had changed due to tanks, aircraft, etc.

It is a pity Ian is no longer among us, because I am sure he would have written a bunch of other titles in this 'Over the battlefield' series that would have enlightened us on British army operations in WWII.

Again highly recommended!

[Rich Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good narrative of the battle, sadly let down by the very poor map treatments.

[unknown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It helped me understand detailed operation in campaigns of normandy. And there area many photos and maps. Good book !