Accounts of history's greatest conflicts, detailing the command strategies, tactics and battle experiences of the opposing forces throughout the crucial stages of each campaign, The battle for the port of Cherbourg was recognized by both the German and Allied high commands as crucial to Allied progress in Normandy. It was desperately needed to provide supplies and logistical support for the Allied forces, which were still in a precarious position despite their foothold in Northwestern France. Hitler knew this, and declared Cherbourg to be a 'Festung' (fortress), implicitly ordering its defenders had to fight to the last man. This new study offers up a rigorous and absorbing exploration of the grueling capture of Cherbourg, blending expert analysis, specially commissioned artwork and illustrative maps to chart the distinct tactical phases that were planned to overcome the different elements of defense. It reveals a bittersweet victory for the Allies, in which they overcame determined and skilful resistance but were confounded by the thorough demolition of the port's facilities by the Germans. Book jacket.