On the 6^th of June 1944, a grey and blustery dawn revealed the staggering armada that had crossed the Channel to reach the Seine Bay coast. In its wake came the most massive and relentless influx of Allied forces throughout June, July and August. During this crucial and ultimately decisive phase of the Second World War, Normandy was transformed into a vast battleground for three whole months, from the assault on the beaches, through «hedgerow warfare», to the struggle for mastery of Normandy's towns and cities.