Smashing the Atlantic wall : the destruction of Hitler's coastal fortress

When Hitler reluctantly called off the proposed invasion of Britain in 1940, he immediately ordered by secret edict the building of his Atlantic Wall.

The Todt Organisation, which used slave labour, was entrusted with this monumental task along 1500 miles of coastline.

Hitler has an unexpected talent: he personally designed the layout and military defences of each fortress and the selection of the fortress commandant.

All the glamour and new headlines concentrated on the Allied army's successes.

No one gave thought to the forgotten formations of Americans left behind in Brittany, or Canadians and British fighting in appalling conditions.

The forces fighting their "horrible little battles" called it "The Cinderella War" and this work is the record of their bravery and determination.