
Command and Valour
D-Day and the Battle for Normandy
Stuart Robertson(Author)
Sabrestorm Publishing
Published on 31. March 2019
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-1-78122-011-5 (ISBN)
Description
With D-Day and the battle for Normandy being one of the most written about episodes of military history, it would be easy to assume that after 75 years had passed, that generations of historians would by now, have reached a consensus as to who were the leading protagonists in leading the way for the western Allies most famous victory during the Second World War. It is indeed amazing to consider that many of the most commonly held perceptions of what exactly happened in 1944 are nothing but deeply ingrained myths, repeated so often that they now go unchallenged. In `Command and Valour', the author addresses these myths head on, and without taking prisoners, readdresses the truth of the battle reaching conclusions which may surprise many of those who thought they already knew all there was to know on such an iconic subject. Alongside this story, the author recounts, for the very first time in a single volume, the instances of incredible valour which led to the 21 Victoria Crosses and Medals of Honor to be awarded during the Normandy campaign.
Reviews / Votes
Stuart Robertson's deep knowledge of his subject oozes off every page. This is not just a gripping account of individual heroism it is also a book that contains plenty of fresh perspectives, fascinating insights and lots of very sound historical judgement. 'Command and Valour' is a fine book that puts right a lot of historical injustices - James Holland - historian, author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; Stuart Robertson is a doyen of the Battlefield Guide Community, renowned for combining meticulous research, understanding and a rare ability to communicate. In `Command and Valour', Robertson confronts issues which have previously generated much ill-informed discussion before presenting his own considered perspectives. Also included are the stories of those who were awarded their nation's highest awards for bravery, actions which often unlock a chain reaction which determines the outcome of military engagements. Whilst some may find this book challenging, `Command and Valour' offers a powerful account which, no-matter your pre-conceptions, is a significant addition to our understanding of what happened in Normandy in June 1944. This book deserves to be read - Major General Graham Hollands - Royal Artillery (retired); `Command and Valour' is a lively and accessible narrative of the 1944 Normandy campaign. Stuart Robertson makes an articulate, powerful and timely plea for renewed scholarly engagement with the complexities of Allied campaign planning and execution. A particular strength of the book is the way in which it bridges the gap between the tactical and strategic levels of war through its description of acts of astonishing gallantry that led to the award of no fewer than 22 Medals of Honor and Victoria Crosses to Allied military personnel. This book helps readers understand not only how choices at the highest command levels affected the course of the campaign, but also how individuals' courage and self-sacrifice was so often needed to translate the generals' plans for victory into military success on the ground. Highly recommended - Dr Simon Trew - Department of War Studies, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; Stuart Robertson's Command and Valour is not only a succinct depiction of the Normandy Campaign, but, more importantly, it masterfully dispels numerous myths which have become entrenched within the popular perception of the battle. A welcome breath of fresh air - Mark Zuehlke - Best-selling author of the Canadian Battle Series; Stuart Robertson's wonderfully insightful `Command and Valour' provides a balanced perspective of the Normandy campaign through meticulous research and detailing of the sequence of events. Cleverly interwoven with this are accounts of the actions by the men of all Allied nations who earned their country's highest awards for bravery. This book will certainly get people thinking. It deserves the widest circulation - Neil Barber - Author of The Day the Devils Dropped in.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Kent
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
heavily illustrated - 106 photographs & 39 maps
ISBN-13
978-1-78122-011-5 (9781781220115)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Stuart Robertson is a history graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of York St. John. Since 2004 he has worked as a full-time historian and battlefield guide based in Normandy, France. During this time, Stuart has written numerous works focusing on D-Day and the subsequent campaign in North-West Europe and has provided consultation to and has carried out research work for national and international journals and broadcasters. In 2015, Stuart was elected to the membership of the Royal Historical Society.
Content
Preface / Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART ONE
Chapter One A History of the Medal of Honor and Victoria Cross
Chapter Two Operation Overlord
PART TWO
Chapter Three The President's Son
Chapter Four Bloody Omaha
Chapter Five The Man They Couldn't Kill
PART THREE
Chapter Six Consolidation
Chapter Seven Cutting the Peninsula
Chapter Eight Objective Cherbourg
Chapter Nine How the West was Won
Chapter Ten Colossal Cracks
PART FOUR
Chapter Eleven Breakout for Victory
Chapter Twelve Setting the Trap
Chapter Thirteen Tying the Noose
Chapter Fourteen Dante's Inferno
Chapter Fifteen Conclusion
APPENDICES
One Travelling to Normandy / Visiting the Battlefield Today
Two German Order of Battle / First Deployment
Three Bibliography / Suggested Reading
Introduction
PART ONE
Chapter One A History of the Medal of Honor and Victoria Cross
Chapter Two Operation Overlord
PART TWO
Chapter Three The President's Son
Chapter Four Bloody Omaha
Chapter Five The Man They Couldn't Kill
PART THREE
Chapter Six Consolidation
Chapter Seven Cutting the Peninsula
Chapter Eight Objective Cherbourg
Chapter Nine How the West was Won
Chapter Ten Colossal Cracks
PART FOUR
Chapter Eleven Breakout for Victory
Chapter Twelve Setting the Trap
Chapter Thirteen Tying the Noose
Chapter Fourteen Dante's Inferno
Chapter Fifteen Conclusion
APPENDICES
One Travelling to Normandy / Visiting the Battlefield Today
Two German Order of Battle / First Deployment
Three Bibliography / Suggested Reading