Bocage.

This is coolbert:

Concluding the series of blog entries, the topic the fighting in the bocage, the hedgerows of Normandy, and as discussed with an acknowledged combat veteran, that "perspective" of the American experience in the immediate aftermath of D-Day not fully appreciated:

"Maybe future historians will look at the American experience in the hedgerows from a more even perspective: instead of harping on the unprepared US soldiery, heavy casualties, and the higher level of German competence, they will also look at how the US Army was able to adapt to the unexpected conditions using techniques and equipment recommended from all the way down the ranks, and was able to fight through the equivalent of a continuous 'fortress defense' for scores of miles (instead of the defenses surrounding just a standard concrete and steel fortress and its outlying supporting positions for a mile at most)".

"When you think about the Contentin Peninsula/Normandy as a large fort instead of just as open farm country, the effort and the results take on new significance."

A FORT NOT IN THE CONVENTIONAL SENSE OF THE WORD, BUT RURAL TERRAIN DEFENDED IN A MANNER AS IF IT WAS ONE CONTIGUOUS DEFENSIVE POSITION,  TERRAIN CONSISTING OF INTER-LOCKING FIGHTING POSITIONS IN DEPTH.

Military historians have rated the American performance in the bocage as rather poor, however, that U.S. infantry able to adapt and improvise, adjust their tactics and overcome all obstacles. Dynamic change necessitated and mission accomplished!

coolbert.