The 'Culin hedgecutter'

9th July 1944: Eisenhower describes 'a simple invention' that 'gave a tremendous boost to morale throughout the Army'

A firing hole cut through the base of one of the Normandy hedgerows. The bocage country presented the assaulting US Army with a series of interlocking ready-made defensive positions, where the Germans were well protected from pre-assault shell fire, let alone small arms fire.

…. almost the ultimate in battlefield protection and natural camouflage.