Page 92 - History of War - Issue 05-14

REVIEWS History Of War casts its eye over the military-based

books, DVDs and games that may or may not
convince you to part with your cash this month

D-DAY – THE LAST OF THE LIBERATORS

Robin Savage Helion & Company RRP £25
★★★★★

une the 6th is a date that no the first person but, as previously
one should ever forget. No stated, it’s the photographs
one should not be told about themselves – of 33 veterans – that
it, nor be allowed to skirt over conjure up the most provoking
its significance, for on that thoughts. Which is exactly how
J day 70 years ago the Allies it should be. It’s clear from them
invaded the beaches of Normandy that Savage enjoyed immensely his
in a campaign that would turn the moments with the liberators – no
Second World War on its head. matter how brief – and is eternally
Of course, this picture-led grateful. That day in June is a
tome will be one of many to hit time of personal remembrance
the shelves as this poignant and reflection and, in his portraits,
anniversary is marked, but what Savage ensures that there’s a
will surely separate this one from dignity that shines through.
the others are the photographs The bravery and sacrifice of
within, and the unique access this generation of young men and That day in June is a time of personal
the photographer was granted in women must never be forgotten –
order to take them. and this pictorial ensures that this re ection, and in his portraits, Savage
As the old adage goes, “A picture will remain the case for another
paints a thousand words,” and generation or two at least. Louis Isaac ensures that dignity shines through
Robin Savage – whose portraits
these are – is to be congratulated,
for in every single case here, they
most certainly do.
Extracted from previous D-Day
anniversaries, they are immediately
accessible. You cannot fail but
be impressed by these humbling
images, which provide a close,
personal and human perspective
– all-too-easily forgotten – on a
grossly inhuman cost and the loss
of so many young lives.
British veterans – comrades-
in-arms – stand proud, their
achievements proudly badged
to their chests, close to (or, indeed,
in) the spots where they saw action
or were wounded. The horrors of
battle are still etched on their faces.
After a brief introduction that
sets the scene, the book is broken
down into four sections: Airborne,
Sword, Juno and Gold, each one
given its own space to inform the
reader of a brief history and the
role it played.
Savage uses a language that
is informative and to the point
– there is no need for puff and
fleshing out here – and does
a commendable job in giving a
delicious first taste of the heroics
ahead to even the most novice
and uninformed of reader. For
example, in Sword, we discover
that, as the easternmost of the five
invasion beaches, Caen’s capture
was the main objective for the
invasion forces that landed there.
Yes, the book would’ve benefited
from the accounts being retold in
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