Jon Diamond, MD, is a U.S.-based kidney specialist enthusiastic about World War II history. An avid collector of historical photographs, he has authored several titles in Pen and Sword's Images of War series, including Stilwell and the Chindits, War in the South Pacific, Invasion of Sicily, Invasion of the Italian Mainland: Salerno to Gustav Line, 1943–1944,Onto Rome 1944: Anzio and Victory at Cassino, and Beyond Rome to the Alps: Across the Arno and Gothic Line, 1944–1945. His works also include Op Plunder: The Rhine River Crossing.

Book Specifics

With over 220 black-and-white images, Normandy Beyond The Beaches is the latest offering from Pen and Sword, published in December 2024. This 209-page book measures 6.75 by 9.5 inches and includes an introduction, six chapters, an epilogue, and a bibliography.

Introduction

The author's introduction offers a concise one-page summary of the images he plans to present, focusing on key locations following the D-Day landings.

Chapter One: Strategic Situation and Aims of the Normandy Campaign

In the opening two pages of this chapter, the author outlines the Allied objectives, starting with the Normandy beach landings and the planned capture of key locations in France, followed by advances into Belgium and Holland. The author follows with twenty-three black-and-white images, showcasing a range of scenes, including the aftermath of Dunkirk, prominent military leaders, beach obstacles set by Rommel on the Atlantic Wall, and defensive bunkers atop the cliffs.

Chapter Two: The Allied Landings at Normandy 5-6 June 1944

This chapter begins with a series of images depicting paratroopers preparing for their behind-the-line drops in Normandy. It is followed by photographs of aircraft and gliders, including wrecked Waco and Horsa gliders resting in the hedgerow-lined fields. The fifty-five images provided by the author vividly narrate the experiences of the Allied forces on the beaches, with some capturing the harsh realities of war. The chapter includes numerous naval images and overhead views of the beaches, highlighting the obstacles the forces faced. Notably, the author provides detailed accounts of several beachheads, including Utah and Omaha.

Chapter Three: Commanders and Combatants

With fifty-nine images, this chapter stands out as the most engaging due to the variety of visuals presented. It features not only images of Allied commanders and forces but also depictions of Axis generals and individual Wehrmacht infantry soldiers. On page sixty-eight, there is an image of General Dwight Eisenhower and his staff, with General Omar Bradley and General George Patton standing to his left, accompanied by a detailed description from the author. Throughout this chapter, the author offers engaging descriptions for each image, featuring numerous armor and support vehicles.

Chapter Four: Initial Inland Movements from the Beaches

At the beginning of this chapter, the author discusses the challenges the Allied forces faced after securing the beaches, particularly because most of the intelligence focused on the beach landings, leaving them unprepared for navigating the hedgerow-lined fields of the bocage. Following this discussion, the included images illustrate the inland movements, presenting a collection of historical visuals that are especially valuable to both historians and modelers. Of particular interest to the modeler, is an image of the use of the “flail” attached to a tank.

Chapter Five: US First Army’s Capture of Cherbourg and Movement Towards St Lo

As indicated by the chapter’s title, numerous photographs depict the Allied advance towards capturing Cherbourg. A headquarters situation map is included, showing the strategic focus of the Allied generals, which provides helpful context for understanding their advances. On page thirty-nine, there are intriguing images of captured German POWs leaving Cherbourg. On page one hundred fifty-five, there is an American jeep from the 2nd Armored Division Signal Corps traveling through the mud at St Lo, providing another excellent example for modelers to consider for a diorama. Overall, this chapter features thirty-six images that illustrate the US Army’s capture of Cherbourg and their advance to St Lo.

Chapter Six: The Anglo-Canadian Siege of Cael and the Falaise-Argentan 'Pocket'

Two of the most significant military operations during World War II were those around the city of Caen, which was a key stronghold for the Allied forces, and the Falaise-Argentan Pocket, which effectively trapped thousands of German soldiers in a confined area around Falaise. As the title suggests, images contained in the chapter such as the one on page one-hundred sixty-nine show Canadian infantry on the way to Caen. Further on, on page one-ninety-seven, there is a striking photograph of the destroyed town of Flers, which was the last escape route for the Germans. In this image, an M4 Sherman tank is prominently positioned amidst rubble-filled buildings, making it an iconic scene for modelers from which to draw inspiration.

Epilogue

The author has chosen to include eight images, featuring scenes such as the Seine River crossing and an iconic photograph of French General Leclerc walking down a Paris street.

Conclusion

The book’s title is somewhat misleading, as it suggests a focus on images beyond the beaches, whereas it actually includes numerous remarkable visuals from the beachhead invasion before moving inland. As a reviewer familiar with Pen & Sword's military series, I find this volume to be a welcome addition for reference purposes. The black-and-white photographs are sharp, featuring rare images that I had not encountered before. Each image is accompanied by a detailed caption that thoroughly explains its content. The book is both engaging and informative, combining stunning visuals with insightful commentary. This book is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a concise yet comprehensive visual history of the period following the Normandy landings. The author effectively achieves the goal of presenting a detailed account of the post-D-Day operations through imagery. It is a valuable addition to the library of any modeler or military historian.

Thanks to Casemate Publishers and Pen & Sword Books for this review sample,