Two years earlier the Dieppe Raid had ended in disaster – despite their meticulous planning the Allies feared Operation Overlord might go the same way.

Instead D-Day proved an incredible success; however, what followed was marred by serious mistakes on both sides resulting in three months of bitter fighting.

Established military historian Anthony Tucker-Jones brings his expert eye to bear on the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy campaign, using first-hand accounts to dramatically place the reader in the midst of the action, and revealing how Hitler's forces successfully avoided total annihilation by managing a quite extraordinary escape across the Seine.

The unknown battle for Rouen was the key and is examined in depth for the very first time.