Hewitt, Nick/Wright, Paul (Illustr.) D-Day Fleet 1944, British Sector

The Royal Navy's Eastern Task Force

Although D-Day is perhaps the most widely described event in military history, little has been published about the details of the naval power on which Overlord relied. In this book, historian Nick Hewitt examines the fleet that secured the British assault area from the eve of D-Day to the end of the assault phase of operations on 30 June 1944. Although led and dominated by the Royal Navy, it was multinational, comprising forces from Canada, Norway and the Free French Army. The invasion had many moving parts and proved that there is more to a successful attack than just landing soldiers on a beach. This book explains the mine clearance that made the landings possible and the various naval operations that brought British and Canadian troops to the beaches. It also examines how the fleet defended the British attack area from counterattacks by enemy destroyers, coastal forces, mines and special forces, and how it maintained the build-up of resources for the growing Allied forces. Illustrated with archive photos, original artwork, 3D diagrams and maps, and based on previously untapped primary sources, this book offers a new perspective on the naval power behind D-Day.