THE INVASION BEFORE NORMANDY: The Secret Battle of Slapton Sands

1-249830

Chronicles one of World War II's most dramatic and secret operations. In 1944, an American naval exercise off the southern Devonshire coast -- preparation for the landing at Normandy -- was interrupted by the sudden appearance of German E-boats. When the fighting was over, 198 Navy men and 441 soldiers were counted among the dead. Quickly covered up by military officials who needed to protect the invasion plans, these casualties were lumped together with those from Omaha Beach. Provides a rare inside look at this catastrophic rehearsal for D-Day. Contains 22 black and white photos and 4 maps.