Amphibious invasions on an unprecedented scale were one of the unique features of the Second World War, and in this book the veterans of those landings tell their own stories, charting the development of the Allies' capability to strike from the sea, from the small-scale commando raids of the early years of the war, through the disaster of Dieppe to the pinnacle of their achievement, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. At the same time, the US Marines were fighting their island-hopping campaign against the Japanese in the Pacific, projecting force over greater distances than in any previous war. From the vivid recollections of hundreds of veterans - soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines - the author has created an unparalleled insight into the nature of amphibious warfare: the dangers and difficulties of putting troops and vehicles ashore on an unprepared beach in the teeth of enemy fire, operating the unique weapons and vehicles developed after bitter experience for this highly-specialised form of combat, and also the everyday routine and even humour that was a part of their lives in the services.