Allied Warships vs the Atlantic Wall

Normandy 1944

Allied Warships vs the Atlantic Wall cover

Description

A fascinating exploration of the often-overlooked gunnery duels between the formidable artillery weapons in the Atlantic Wall defences and the mighty US and Royal Navy battleships.

Amphibious landings were an essential tool of Allied military strategy in World War II. The Royal Navy and the US Navy provided operational mobility that allowed the Allies to strike unexpectedly across the vast coastlines of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Nazi Germany did not have sufficient naval power to seriously contest this, and consequently relied heavily on the huge and costly Atlantic Wall fortification programme. By 1944, the French coast featured more than 1,900 coastal guns over 75mm in calibre.

At the heart of this fascinating book by renowned military historian Steven J. Zaloga is the clash between Batterie Hamburg (defending Cherbourg) and the Allied naval bombardment group led by the battleship USS Texas on 25 June 1944. Stunning artworks reveal details of the design, construction and ammunition of the weapons involved, and the locations of important sites are shown on maps. The author also explores the evolution of Allied naval doctrine, which was based on repeated experiences during a succession of amphibious operations, and which enabled the Allies to successfully overcome the coastal gun threat. Illustrated with over 50 period photographs, the result is a fascinating exploration of a key battle during the Allied invasion of mainland Europe.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
The Combatants
The Strategic Situation
Combat
Analysis
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Sep 28 2023
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472854162
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour illustrations throughout, including profiles, technical drawings, battlescene artworks, maps and photographs.
Series Duel
Short code DUE 128
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Steven J. Zaloga

Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in History from U…

Illustrator

Adam Hook

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his wo…

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