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The Tank War
The British Band of Brothers β One Tank Regiment's World War II
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Check link for latest rating. ( 253 ratings, 27 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreA raw and gripping account of the Second World War and the men and the Machines who beat Hitler
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Description
From the evacuation of France in 1940 to the final dash to Hamburg in 1945, the 5th Royal Tank Regiment were on the front line throughout the Second World War. Theirs was a war that saw them serve in Africa as part of the Desert Rats, before returning to Europe for the Normandy landings. Wherever they went, the notoriety of the 'Filthy Fifth' grewβthey revelled in their reputation for fighting by their own rules.
The Tank War explains how Britain, having lost its advantage in tank warfare by 1939, regained ground through shifts in tactics and leadership methods, as well as the daring and bravery of the crews themselves. Overturning the received wisdom of much Second World War history, Mark Urban shows how the tank regiments' advances were the equal of the feats of the German Panzer divisions.
Drawing on a wealth of new material, from interviews with surviving soldiers to rarely seen archive material, this is an unflinchingly honest, unsentimental and often brutal account of the 5th RTR's wartime experiences. Capturing the characters in the crews and exploring the strategy behind their success, The Tank War is not just the story of a battle-hardened unit, but something more extraordinary: the triumph of ordinary men, against long odds, in the darkest of times.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Tank War by Mark Urban is praised for offering a genuinely fresh perspective on wartime experiences. The book stands out for its shocking rawness and successfully conveys the intense emotions stirred during battles.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780349000145
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 April 2014
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Abacus
Illustration: Section: 16, b/w photos
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 181.0mm
Height: 203.0mm
Weight: 304g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Mark Urban is Diplomatic and Defence Editor for Newsnight and the author of the Number One Sunday Times bestseller, Task Force Black.
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