Brothers in Arms

Through compelling eye-witness testimony and renowned historian James Holland's expert analysis, Brothers in Arms brings to vivid life the final bloody scramble across Europe from the powerful perspective of one of the greatest tank regiments—the Sherwood Rangers.

It took a unique blend of courage, resilience, and camaraderie to serve in a tank during World War Two. Encased in steel, surrounded by highly explosive shells, and presenting a large, slow-moving target, every crew member was utterly vulnerable to enemy attacks from all sides. Living—and often dying—in a tank was an incredibly brutal way to fight a war.

The Sherwood Rangers were one of the great tank regiments of the era. Their journey began under the scorching sun of North Africa, where they honed their skills on the arduous battlefields of El Alamein and Alam el Halfa. By the time they landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, the Sherwood Rangers were battle-hardened veterans, ready to face the mighty challenges ahead.

From the moment they emerged from the landing crafts on D-Day, the Sherwood Rangers were thrust into the heart of the conflict. They and their Sherman tanks covered thousands of miles and faced some of the most ferocious fighting in Western Europe. Their path of engagement stretched from the rugged Normandy beaches to the strategic bridges at Eindhoven, the treacherous crossing of the Siegfried Line, and deep into the Nazi heartland of Germany.

Holland's narrative artfully combines the rigours of military strategy with the poignant, personal stories of the men who fought bravely in these harsh conditions. The Sherwood Rangers were notably the first British unit to cross into Germany, exemplifying their relentless spirit and tactical prowess during such harrowing times.

In Brothers in Arms, Holland’s thorough research and vivid storytelling paint an extraordinary panorama of the Second World War through the experiences of this remarkable tank regiment. For anyone interested in military history, personal tales of bravery, and the stark reality of warfare, this book is an indispensable read.