Robin Havers

Bringing together the work of nine leading historians, and superbly illustrated with contemporary photography and colour maps, The Second World War gives readers a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of history’s greatest conflict.The period from 1939 to 1945 saw some of the most devastating and remarkable events in living memory. Labouring beneath a daily burden of fear, sacrifice, deprivation and uncertainty, soldiers and civilians of all nationalities were driven to extremes of selfless loyalty, dogged determination or bitter cruelty by the demands of a world at war. This book tells the stories of the men and women who lived and died during the Second World War, from politicians to factory workers, and from High Command to the conscripted men on the front lines. The experience of war is brought to life through a wealth of contemporary documentation, private writings and historical research, whilst the political, military and historical significance of the war is assessed and examined. From Europe's Western and Eastern Fronts to the war at sea, and from the Pacific to the Mediterranean and North Africa, every fighting front of the Second World War is covered in this truly comprehensive volume.

In order to reinforce and expand the D-Day bridgeheads won on 6 June 1944, the Allies needed a port to bring in troops and vital supplies. Cherbourg was therefore the first priority for the American VII Corps after the D-Day Landings of 6 June 1944. After establishing a firm beach-head, elements of VIII Corps, under the command of Major-General J. Lawton 'Lightning Joe' Collins, moved west across the base of the Cotentin Peninsula to isolate the 40,000-strong Cherbourg garrison, dug in behind concrete and field fortifications in dominating hill positions.Collins then sent divisions north to Cherbourg, but maintained units facing south as well to prevent any German reinforcement. Cherbourg's capture was highlighted by a violent storm that had raged since 19 June, crippling Allied landing vessels. On 22 June three American divisions began their assault on Cherbourg, supported by air attacks and naval bombardment. A bitter six-day street-to-street battle ensued, as the German commander had been ordered to hold the port to the last. The last German forces in Cherbourg surrendered on 29 June, after thoroughly destroying the harbour facilities. The port would not be usable for months.

While many of the participants were the same as the First World War, this conflict was far more than a re-match of 1914-1918. The Second World War was even more destructive than the first and the added ideological element meant that this war was far crueller. This book details the first four years of the war in Europe. It discusses how and why Hitler's resurgent Germany plunged into war, and examines the German successes against Poland, France and the Low Countries as well as the initial, spectacular triumphs against the USSR.