Drawing on years of research and firsthand testimony, Red Devils on D-Day explores the vital, but often overlooked, role of the British 6th Airborne Division during the opening hours of 6 June 1944. While famous actions such as the capture of Pegasus Bridge and the assault on the Merville Battery are well known, Neil Barber reveals the wider and more complex missions undertaken by airborne troops across the eastern flank of the Normandy landings.
From securing bridges over the Caen Canal and the River Orne to destroying crossings over the River Dives, airborne soldiers and engineers worked through the darkness and confusion of D-Day to delay German reinforcements and protect the Allied beachhead at Sword. Through vivid accounts of courage and determination, Barber highlights the experiences of the paratroopers, sappers, and supporting units whose actions helped shape the success of Operation Overlord.
Uncovers hidden heroism: reveals the full story of the British 6th Airborne Division on D-Day. Firsthand perspectives: packed with vivid accounts from veterans who lived the action. Strategic impact: shows how airborne troops, sappers, and supporting units shaped the Normandy invasion. Richly illustrated: includes original photographs, detailed maps, and a foreword by military historian Al Murray. Dramatic and accessible narrative: combines courage, improvisation, and determination in a compelling account of airborne operations.
