6 June 1944: Soldiers in Normandy

Large color photographs are used to recreate the armies of Normandy, but groups of models instead of individuals wear the uniforms, and they are posed at some of the original sites, sometimes inspired by original photographs (also shown).

As with other Histoire & Collections books, hundreds of pieces of equipment and badges and insignia are also shown.

Of all the troops involved, several units are selected for in-depth treatment. For the Allies, these include British, American and Canadian paratroopers (the Canadian uniform and insignia differed in many small details from the British); U.S. infantry on D-Day, U.S. Naval beach battalions, and Air Corps glider pilots.

For the German defenders, the emphasis is on the 12th SS "Hitlerjugend" Division, with its wide variety of uniforms and equipment. Coverage of the 12th SS is extensive, with the distinctive dress of infantry (wearing both German and Italian camouflage items), panzer troops, and motorcyclists, and much additional information about the division's vehicles, insignia and organization.