Read n' reviewed: Niels Henkemans’ Defending Normandy Vol.1A by Panzerwrecks Publishing

Jon Willis reviews the first in the two-book series from Panzerwrecks by Niels Henkeman. "Defending Normandy Vol. 1A" covers the intense battle for the Cotentin Peninsula, the build-up, & the formations of defending units of that time in never-before-seen detail & scope. See what he thought about 1A in this series in his review...

Read n' reviewed: Defending Normandy Vol. 1A: German Chain of Command, LXXXIV. A.K. & Infantry Divisions on the Cotentin
Author: Niels Henkemans
Map Artist: Niels Henkemans
Language: English (UK)
272 Pages
66 Photos
47 Maps
17 Tables of Equipment
Physical: Hardcover, 277x214mm, landscape
RRP: £39.99
Product Link on the Panzerwrecks Website

Panzerwrecks has released a new two-book series focusing deeply on the German defence of Normandy.

The first in a multi-volume series, Defending Normandy Vol. 1A, looks at the role of the LXXXIV. A.K. in the evolution of the defence of Normandy from 1941 onwards. In addition, it also examines the defending infantry divisions in general, with two in particular during the fighting in the summer of 1944. This series focuses on  formations, providing a deeper insight into the fighting than can be achieved by a traditional campaign approach. Vol. 1B (just released by Panzerwrecks) continues the story, with four more divisions involved in the theatre.

The two books in this series are both now available. This book, 1A (on the left), is the subject of today's review...

The physical make-up & feel of the book:

A hardcover book with the usual glossy cover you may be used to with Panzerwrecks publishing's books, this large landscape-format book's dimensions are 277 mm x 214 mm. The book's text is in the English language, with a majority of the book being text. We do have some great photographs from the time and maps (sixty-five in total, all formatted alike for ease of reading and continuity) to explain better the ground being talked about, and the unit's locations and dispositions at certain times.

Contents:

This book is divided into two main parts. Part one, at a volume of  seventy-five pages, is an extremely detailed breakdown of the German high command structure in Normandy from 1941 to 1944, while part two, coming in at around 130 pages, is a detailed account of Army (Heer) Infantry Divisions (77th ID and the 91st LL ID) on the peninsula, from their organisation and equipment, to their history and combat experiences.

The chapters themselves are smartly explained in a system of laying out each of the unit's make-up, their equipment, their history before the invasion, and their uses in the defence of the peninsula.
The first chapter focuses on the German chain of command, which was responsible for the preparation of the defence for the expected invasion. There are detailed maps and defence/unit placements included as well as extensive research on the German plans.

When reading through this publication, you really get to appreciate the detail and accuracy they have gone to, and how the maps back up the written text. The maps on their own, have been painstakingly reproduced from the originals, and show what the Allies were up against.

A full timeline is provided and details the arrival, departures, reinforcements and reorganisations that took place between 1941 and 1944

Not only photos, text, and maps, but a series of unified unit diagrams help the reader understand the breakup of these large units.

Part 2, which starts at around the seventy-fifth page and extends around one hundred and thirty pages,  focuses on the Heer Infantry Divisions, which played a crucial role in forming numerous artillery units and other supporting formations. These infantry divisions were the backbone of Germany's western defences in the area at the time.

While armour modellers may find this section less engaging, as with previous publications, it still offers a wealth of reference photos for modelling subjects. Additionally, several black-and-white images provide valuable inspiration for dioramas.

Several after-action photos blend in with the images before the action.

The maps are all presented in the same fashion, making it easier to understand them and absorb information in this very large tome.

Great photos are not the main focus of this book as in other titles from this publisher, but they are most welcome when they present themselves here.

The book’s appendix includes two highly useful reference pages: one detailing German military symbols from the mid to late war...(sorry, you can see my tabs poking out in this photo).

...the other providing a comprehensive breakdown of German military ranks alongside their SS, US, and UK equivalents. These pages serve as valuable resources for pages, armour, and figure modellers, offering essential guidance for accurate representations.

Conclusion
Defending Normandy provides an unparalleled level of detail on the formations it examines. Each unit's organization, equipment, pre-invasion history, and tactical role in the Cotentin are thoroughly analysed. Accompanied by dozens of maps, photographs, and graphics, this unique unit-focused study offers a comprehensive exploration of the Cotentin campaign.

This book is an invaluable resource for the wargaming community and enthusiasts of World War II history. The detailed maps and strategic placement of the LXXXIV. A.K. (80th Armee Korps) divisions, battles, and general staff provide a wealth of information that could greatly enhance historical wargaming scenarios. For those passionate about recreating authentic battlefield strategies, these insights will undoubtedly prove essential in shaping their gaming plans.

As more World War II documents and records come to light, alongside the discoveries made by military archaeological groups uncovering fortification sites, I hope to see more publications of this nature. This particular work is exceptionally detailed and in-depth, offering valuable insights into the subject.
Many thanks to Adam and Gary (for the photos) and, of course, the Panzerwrecks team, for a very thorough military history read.

Recommended.

Jon Willis

Thanks to Panzerwrecks for sending this book to read and review. This book is available now to purchase from the Panzerwrecks Store