Henkemans, Niels Defending Normandy. Volume 1A: German Chain of Command, LXXXIV AK. & Infantry Divisions

The battle for the Cotentin peninsula began on D-Day and witnessed some of the most intense fighting of the Normandy campaign, with heavy losses on both sides. The vital port of Cherbourg was liberated in late June, but the battle to clear the peninsula continued well into July. This six week battle of attrition set the stage for the decisive American breakout from the Bocage, yet has been largely neglected.
The first in a multi-volume series, "Defending Normandy" Volume 1 examines the 84th Army Corps, the evolution of the defence of Normandy starting in 1941, and the infantry divisions that went to battle in 1944, dominating the fighting. The German forces involved have never before been adequately studied. By analysing German records and accounts and (largely overlooked) Allied intelligence, Niels Henkemans reconstructs the battle through the eyes of the units involved.
This book offers the reader unprecedented detail on the units involved. Every units organisation, equipment, pre-invasion history, and tactical role at Cotentin are put under the microscope. Dozens of maps, photographs and graphics accompany this unique unit-based exploration of the Cotentin campaign.
Subsequent volumes will look at SS and Fallschirmjäger divisions and independent formations, including Osttruppen, artillery, (anti)tank, Flak and construction troops and engineers.

This first volume in a multi-volume series examines the German LXXXIV Army Corps, the development of the Normandy defenses from 1941, and the infantry divisions that went into battle in 1944 and dominated the fighting. The German forces involved have never before been adequately studied. By analyzing German records and reports as well as (largely overlooked) Allied intelligence, Niels Henkemans reconstructs the battle from the perspective of the units involved.
This book offers the reader an unprecedented level of detail about the units involved. The organization, equipment, history and tactical role of each unit on the Cotentin Peninsula are examined. Dozens of maps, photographs and graphics accompany this unique unit-based study of the Cotentin campaign.
Subsequent volumes will cover SS and Fallschirmjäger divisions and independent units, including Osttruppen, artillery, (anti-tank) defense, flak, construction units, and sappers.