One of the prime objectives for the Allies following the D-Day landings was the capture of sufficient ports to supply their armies. The original Overlord plans assumed that ports along the Breton coast would be essential to expansion of the Normandy beach-head. This included the major ports at Brest and on Quiberon Bay. The newly arrived Third US Army (TUSA) under Lt. Gen. George S. Patton was delegated to take on the Brittany mission. In one of the most rapid mechanized advances of the war, TUSA had the ports of Avranches and Quiberon encircled by the second week of August 1944. But changing priorities meant that most of TUSA was redeployed, meaning only a single corps was left to take the Breton port cities. The fight would drag into 1945, long after German field armies had been driven from France. Using full colour maps and artwork as well as contemporary accounts and photographs, Brittany 1944 is the fascinating story of the siege of Germany's last bastions on the French Atlantic coast.

"Considered by many of the participants to have been the most intense combat in Europe, the Americans of the 2nd, 8th and 29th Infantry Divisions faced elite German paratroopers ... fight for the Brittany ports. The German defenders were under command of the renowned paratroop General Ramcke, who was ordered by Hitler to hold to the last man? The Brittany campaign became a textbook example of the value of armored units exploiting a breakthrough. For a few days in the summer of 1944, the world?s attention was on the American breakout into Brittany, then the focus shifted to the encirclement of the German Army in the Falaise pocket and the fighting in Brittany was forgotten? Official reports, interwoven with the memories of veterans, bring this important struggle to life. Long thought of as a sideshow, Gawne makes a case for a renewed study of the action, which may have had a far-reaching impact on the Allied supply situation. Heavily illustrated with period photos, uniform reconstructions, maps, and tables of organization, this book provides a long sought overview of the American involvement in this ... fight"--Page 4 of cover.

One of the prime objectives for the Allies following the D-Day landings was the capture of sufficient ports to supply their armies. The original Overlord plans assumed that ports along the Breton coast would be essential to expansion of the Normandy beach-head. This included the major ports at Brest and on Quiberon Bay. The newly arrived Third US Army (TUSA) under Lt. Gen. George S. Patton was delegated to take on the Brittany mission. In one of the most rapid mechanized advances of the war, TUSA had the ports of Avranches and Quiberon encircled by the second week of August 1944. But changing priorities meant that most of TUSA was redeployed, meaning only a single corps was left to take the Breton port cities. The fight would drag into 1945, long after German field armies had been driven from France. Using full colour maps and artwork as well as contemporary accounts and photographs, Brittany 1944 is the fascinating story of the siege of Germany's last bastions on the French Atlantic coast.

Engaging history of a controversial World War II battle. Brilliantly researched and compellingly written by a top military historian.

Continues Balkoski's acclaimed multivolume history of the U.S. 29th Infantry Division in World War II

Comprehensive account of advance through Brittany Peninsula against light to medium resistance. Daily account of fighting in various towns with figures on enemy strength.

Balkoski's acclaimed multi-volume history of the U.S. 29th Infantry Division in World War II covers the division's vital role in the U.S. Army's November offensive, which Gen. Omar Bradley hoped would get the Allies to the Rhine River by Christmas. A riveting story of heroism and tragedy.

Specially trained teams, known as Jedburghs, were inserted into France in conjunction with Operation “Overlord,” to help liberate it from German occupation. The Jedburghs were three-man allied teams, comprised of two commissioned officers, (at least one French) and a non-commissioned officer in charge of the radio (wireless telegraphy). All Jedburghs were volunteers. They received highly specialized training in guerrilla warfare. Jedburghs served in harm’s way, deep behind enemy lines. They were subordinate to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), and its commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Their covert mission in Operation “Overlord” helped pave the way for the liberation of France, and ultimately resulted in a campaign to free Europe from Nazi rule. This study explores the origins, purpose, training and missions of the Jedburghs. I will examine the actual operations of seven Jedburgh teams in Eastern Brittany. Their actions and effectiveness will be compared with operations of other Jedburgh teams.