This epic account of D-Day truly portrays the scope and also the significance of this fateful day. Ryan starts by describing the situation of both Allied and Nazi troops and defenses leading up to the attacks. He follows the preparations, and also the difficult decision by Eisenhower to proceed with the attack despite less than ideal conditions. In impressive detail, Ryan both follows the large movements of troops from paratrooper drops to soldiers on the beach, while also weaving in personal details that reflect extensive research and that give a truly human element to the story.
It was especially fascinating to learn how weak the Nazi response to the attacks truly was. One wonders if things might have turned out differently if the Nazi generals hadn't been so scattered (a war game was about to be under way, and many important commanders had left their posts to take part; Rommel, the renouned General, was in Berlin instead of overseeing operatios on the coast, and Hitler wasn't even made aware of the attacks until many hours after they had commenced). Ryan takes us into the action, and helps us to appreciate the amazing scope of the operation, telling of seas filled with landing boats and skies dark with planes. It's hard to even imagine the sheer scope of the operation. A good read, and an insightful look at this most fateful day in the history of the twentieth century.
No comments:
Post a Comment