SWORD BEACH

A new look at D-Day from perhaps the best possible source.

Of the five Normandy beaches assaulted on June 6, 1944, Americans read mostly about Omaha and Utah because that’s where Americans fought, so readers will enjoy this account of a beach code-named Sword—not only for new information but as another work by Hastings, a master of military history. He reminds readers that the landings constituted a stupendous feat of planning, logistics, training, and air and maritime organization in which the British, for the last time in the war, played the dominant part. British Field Marshal Montgomery commanded the ground forces during and after the invasion. Supreme Commander Eisenhower, as usual, ruled with a light hand. Once ashore, plans for what to do next were sketchy, and the advance stalled. Fortunately, Hastings saves this for the final pages, instead delivering a compelling account of the preparations and landing itself. Much occurred inland from the beach as a massive nighttime drop of paratrooper and glider-borne forces aimed to destroy bridges and slow German reinforcements. The author is at his best describing this combination of brilliant strategizing, heroism, and utter stupidity. Nighttime airborne operations require superb pilots; planners knew but ignored the fact that theirs would be the worst (essentially all pilot trainees yearn to fly fighters and bombers; those who don’t make the grade fly transports). Sure enough, many pilots seemed unnerved, and most casualties occurred during the flight out, but the minority of troops who landed near their target did well. Readers who expect a superb account of the action will not complain; nothing went as planned, but none of the errors, accidents, and incompetence were vital. Casualties were heavier than at Utah or Gold Beach but less heavy than at Omaha and Juno, and the Allies succeeded in their purpose and the Germans failed in theirs. Even granted the Allies’ huge superiority of means, the landings remain a supreme achievement.

Another Hastings page-turner.