The first hours and days following the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944 have a strong claim to be amongst the most crucial in world history. Spearheading this vast undertaking were crack British and American airborne forces. The Day The Devils Dropped In examines in fascinating detail the pivotal role of the 9th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment over the first week of the landings. Tasked with neutralizing the mighty Merville Battery, capturing Le Plein and the Château St Côme on the Breville Ridge, failure by the Paras to achieve any of these key objectives could well have unraveled the whole OVERLORD operation with catastrophic consequences. In his quest to uncover the true story of the early days of the landings, Neil Barber has successfully tracked down surviving participants in the operation. As a result he is able to tell the full story of the fierce fighting that characterized the early days of the landings largely in the very words of those who lived through the experience. This adds much to the credibility and immediacy of this enthralling book, which paints a superb picture of what soldiers care to call 'the fog of war'. The result is an inspiring and revealing read and a fine tribute to those whose contribution must never be forgotten.

The Day the Devils Dropped In: The 9th Parachute Battalion in Normandy - D-Day to D+6

History

Barber, Neil

Military

Pen and Sword Military

Fighting Hitler from Dunkirk to D-Day: The Story of Die Hard Jeff Haward

Review\nThis fine, fascinating biography of "Die Hard" Jeff Haward leaves no stone unturned - bearing in mind he began his military career in the Territorial Army, this is the story of someone larger than life, an inspiration to many, a fascinating man, a fascinating story... 
Books Monthly\nFighting Hitler From Dunkirk to D-Day is the compelling story of a man belonging to a group of which there are now very few survivors. Jeff Haward MM is a pre-war Territorial Army soldier who enlisted merely for something to do in the evenings. Consequently, he fought throughout the entirety of the Second World War. Jeff is a Die Hard, the historic name given to men of the famous Middlesex Regiment. He joined the 1/7th Battalion, a machine-gun battalion, equipped with the British Armys iconic Vickers medium machine gun.\nFollowing evacuation from Dunkirk, the 1/7th, while refitting and re-equipping, carried out coastal defence duties in preparation for the German invasion. So desperate was the situation that on sentry duty, the one rifle per section had to be handed to the next sentry, along with the only ammunition available three rounds!\nIn 1941, they were attached to the famous 51st Highland Division. The less than enthusiastic welcome from the Jocks gradually evolved into respect following the Middlesexs performance at El Alamein and the subsequent campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and North West Europe.\nFollowing the Reichswald battle, in March 1945, Jeff was surprised to hear that he had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery and was subsequently awarded the ribbon by none other than Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery.\nJeff Hawards experiences, those of a normal soldier, make fascinating reading and throw new light on the use of such Vickers gun battalions during the war.

Biographies & Memoirs

Haward, Jeff

Historical

The glider-borne operation to capture Pegasus Bridge has an established place in the annals of warfare. Conducted by Major John Howard and his company of Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry it was a superbly daring, brilliantly executed ‘coup de main’ assault. Equally brave was the seizure of the Orne bridges by airborne forces and the defense against ferocious German counter attacks over a prolonged period.The author who has a deep specialized knowledge of the area and period uses extensive personal accounts to tell this thrilling and inspiring story. He covers events and operations from Ranville in the East to Benouville in the West and this embraces the fierce fighting by 7th, 12th and 13th Parachute Battalions and reinforcements such as the Commandos, sea born engineers and the Warwicks.This splendid book will be enjoyed by those at home and those who are lucky enough to visit these historic sites.

The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: Their Capture, Defence and Relief on D-Day

Europe

Fighting Hitler From Dunkirk to D-Day is the compelling story of a man belonging to a group of which there are now very few survivors. Jeff Haward MM is a prewar Territorial Army soldier who enlisted merely for something to do in the evenings. Consequently, he fought throughout the entirety of the Second World War. Jeff is a ‘Die Hard’, the historic name given to men of the famous Middlesex Regiment. He joined the 1/7th Battalion, a machine-gun battalion, equipped with the British Army’s iconic Vickers medium machine gun. Following evacuation from Dunkirk, the 1/7th, while refitting and re-equipping, carried out coastal defense duties in preparation for the German invasion. So desperate was the situation that on sentry duty, the one rifle per section had to be handed to the next sentry, along with the only ammunition available – three rounds! In 1941, they were attached to the famous 51st Highland Division. The less than enthusiastic welcome from the Jocks gradually evolved into respect following the Middlesex’s performance at El Alamein and the subsequent campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and North West Europe. Following the Reichswald battle, in March 1945, Jeff was surprised to hear that he had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery and was subsequently awarded the ribbon by none other than Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery. Jeff Haward’s experiences, those of a normal soldier, make fascinating reading and throw new light on the use of such Vickers gun battalions during the war.

Parachute Doctor is the story of Captain David Tibbs RAMC MC who as a member of 225 (Parachute) Field Ambulance and the 13th Parachute Battalion served with the 5th Parachute Brigade of the famous 6th Airborne Division. His fascinating recollections feature jumping into Normandy on D-Day and the subsequent intense battle to defend the Airborne perimeter; assisting the Americans in repulsing the Ardennes offensive, the massive Airborne drop across the Rhine and the rapid advance to the Baltic to prevent the Russians moving into Denmark. Following the end of the European war, the Brigade was shipped to the Far East for a proposed invasion of Singapore. However, the Japanese surrendered beforehand, and the Paras ended up being involved in a little known episode, fighting alongside the Japanese in defense of Dutch civilians against violent rebels on the island of Java.

Parachute Doctor: The Memoirs of Captain David Tibbs

Tibbs, David

Leaders & Notable People

Sabrestorm Publishing

Pegasus Bridge is a legendary part of the D-Day story but myths and misunderstandings abound.The 6th Airborne Division was to begin landing in this area during the early hours of D-Day with a mission to protect the eastern flank of the seaborne landings, commencing a few hours later. For the British and Canadians, this was just beyond Ouistreham, on the beaches codenamed SWORD, JUNO and GOLD.The very first operation of D-Day was to be the capture of the Caen Canal Bridge (Pegasus Bridge) and the River Orne Bridge (Horsa Bridge) a little further up the road. These were the only two bridges between the sea and Caen and so were vital for the linking of the seaborne and airborne forces and also the resupply of the Airborne Division and evacuation of its wounded.For the Germans, possession of the bridges was equally vital, as it would provide them with the opportunity to attack the seaborne forces in their most vulnerable area; the flankThis comprehensive pocket guide is designed for anyone visiting the site but is equally useful for anyone wanting an accurate understanding of exactly what went on and where.Neil Barber has written a number of comprehensive guides to the Normandy Campaign including an in-depth look at Pegasus Bridge. Here he uses photographs and firsthand accounts to simply explain what happened in those first few vital hours of D-Day.

Pegasus Bridge: A WW2 Pocket Guide

With the decision for the D-Day invasion to take place in Normandy, the Merville Battery's location became of paramount importance as it had the ability to fire along the length of the proposed SWORD Beach. It was imperative that the Battery be silenced before the landings began.Attempts were made by RAF Bomber Command to destroy the site, but with the casemate walls being in places up to two meters thick and covered with earth, they proved to be almost impervious to bombs.Airborne Forces, in the shape of the British 6th Airborne Division had many important tasks for D-Day, not least of which was the silencing of the Merville Battery. This formidable task was assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Terence Otway's 9th Parachute Battalion.This comprehensive pocket guide is designed for anyone visiting the Merville Battery but is equally useful for anyone wanting an accurate understanding of exactly what went on and where.Neil Barber has written a number of comprehensive guides to the Normandy Campaign including an in-depth look at the Merville Battery. Here he uses photographs and firsthand accounts to simply explain what happened in those first few vital hours of D-Day.

The Silencing of the Merville Battery: A WW2 Pocket Guide

Pegasus Bridge: Un Guide de Poche (French Edition)

Midnight, D-Day 6th June 1944. Under the cover of darkness, six wooden gliders containing Major John Howard's Coup de Main party, head towards two strategic bridges spanning the Caen Canal and River Orne. They are tasked with their capture, the very first action of D-Day. Once these flimsy aircraft are down, whatever happens, the men know that they will be totally alone for a crucial period, awaiting the inevitable German reaction. Could Howard's Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry hold on long enough for the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Pine-Coffin's 7th Parachute Battalion, entrusted with expanding the small defensive bridgehead into Benouville.Could these and further elements of the 6th Airborne Division, landing and holding Ranville just to the east, prevent the recapture of the bridges and hold on until the arrival of the seaborne relief? These were the crucial questions for the Division on D-Day.History now tells us that the whole operation was indeed a brilliant achievement, with the capture of the bridges being one of the Second World War's most legendary actions, but what actually happened and what did those involved have to do to ensure that the whole day was a success?Pegasus Bridge gets to the heart of this in unprecedented detail. Employing meticulous study, research and first-hand accounts acquired over three decades, the author places the reader 'on the ground' with the men themselves; in their training, the flight across the channel, the glider landings, the parachute drop and ultimately wherever the fighting occurred, be it at the bridges, in Benouville or Ranville. This is complemented by a trove of photographs of the men themselves, making it a poignant record for posterity.Step into the pages of Pegasus Bridge and embark on a journey of valor, sacrifice, humor and the unwavering "go to it" spirit of those who defied the odds.Pegasus Bridge is a fitting tribute to the soldiers' achievement and sacrifice.

Pegasus Bridge: The Capture, Defence and Relief of the Caen Canal and Rive Orne Bridges on D-Day

The first hours and days following the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6th June 1944 have strong claim to be the most crucial in world history. Spearheading this vast undertaking were crack British and American airborne forces.

Day the Devils Dropped In: The 9th Parachute Battalion in Normandy- D-Day to D+6- The Merville Battery to the Chateau St. Come

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Barber, Neil. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Barber, Neil

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Barber, Neil. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Day the Devils Dropped In: The 9th Parachute Battalion in Normandy - D-Day to D+6

Fighting Hitler from Dunkirk to D-Day: The Story of Die Hard Jeff Haward

The Pegasus and Orne Bridges: Their Capture, Defence and Relief on D-Day

Fighting Hitler from Dunkirk to D-Day: The Story of Die Hard Jeff Haward

Parachute Doctor: The Memoirs of Captain David Tibbs

Pegasus Bridge: A WW2 Pocket Guide

The Silencing of the Merville Battery: A WW2 Pocket Guide

Pegasus Bridge: Un Guide de Poche (French Edition)

Pegasus Bridge: The Capture, Defence and Relief of the Caen Canal and Rive Orne Bridges on D-Day

Day the Devils Dropped In: The 9th Parachute Battalion in Normandy- D-Day to D+6- The Merville Battery to the Chateau St. Come