Martin Gilbert’s History of TheFirst World War

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Well, I am sat in a garden in Normandy reading the above. I know I should be reading about the Normandy landings, for which I have several books but I find myself immersed in this book. Gilbert certainly seems to find the balance between the pure facts of the war, but also the human cost. It it hard not to be moved. I have just read the recount of Foch hearing of the death of both his son and son in law. Well presented Mr Gilbert 

To bring me back to WW2 50m from where I am staying there is the single commonwealth grave of a young airman killed in 1942, in an otherwise French graveyard. Immaculately kept, I have promised myself I shall pay my respects before leaving. 
The D Day landing beaches are for another day.