A highly illustrated study of Operation "Lüttich", the German Panzer counteroffensive against the Normandy bridgehead in August 1944 that backfired, leading to a collapse of the German position in northern France. Fully illustrated with stunning full-color artwork, this book tells the story of Operation Lüttich, the failed offensive which ended any prospect of Germany winning the battle of Normandy. Following the successful landings in Normandy on D-Day and consolidation during Operation "Cobra", the Wehrmacht was ordered to begin a counteroffensive named Operation "Lüttich". The plan was to send a large Panzer force across the First U.S. Army sector, cutting off its spearheads, and finally reach Avranches on the coast. Had this succeeded, it not only would have cut off the First U.S. Army spearheads, but also Patton's newly deployed Third U.S. Army operating in Brittany. However, thanks to an intercepted radio message, the Allies were well-prepared for the offensive and not only repelled the oncoming panzers, but went on a counterattack that would lead to a whole German army becoming encircled in the Falaise Pocket.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Zaloga, Steven, J.
Title
Mortain 1944. Hitler's Normandy Panzer offensive
Details
English text, paperback, many photographs, some colour illustrations, colour maps. 96 pages.
