British Armoured Divisions and their Commanders, 1939-1945

by Richard Doherty

Overview

A total of eleven British armored divisions were formed during the 1939-1945 war but, as this highly informative book reveals, just eight saw action.

In 1940, only 1st Armored Division faced the overwhelming German blitzkrieg and it was in the North African desert that the armored division concept came of age. The terrain was ideal for armored warfare and six divisions of 8th Army fought Rommel’s panzers to a standstill. Three were disbanded prior to the invasion of Sicily and Italy. D-Day saw the Guards Armored, the Desert Rats, 11th and the unique 79th Armored Divisions in action.

Of particular interest is the influence of the men who led these formations and the way their characters contributed to the success or failure of operations. While some went on the greater heights, others were dismissed either fairly or unfairly. The stakes were high.

The author describes many fascinating aspects of armored warfare, from the reluctance to replace the horse, the development of tactics or the different and improving tanks be they infantry support (I-Tank) or the faster cruiser tanks. Due to British design failure; great reliance was placed on the US Grant and Sherman with the Comet coming late and the Centurion too late.

The combination of historical narrative and well-researched analysis and fact make this an invaluable book for the student of WW2 and armored warfare.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848848382
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	10/03/2013
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Richard Doherty is recognised as Ireland's leading military history author. He is the author of The Thin Green Line The History of the RUC GC, In the Ranks of Death, and Helmand Mission With the Royal Irish Battlegroup in Afghanistan 2008 and numerous other titles with Pen and Sword Books. He lives near Londonderry

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Maps viii

Prologue xxix

Introduction xxx

Chapter 1 A New Weapon 1

Chapter 2 First Blood: France 1940 19

Chapter 3 War in the Desert 31

Chapter 4 The Struggle Continues 55

Chapter 5 Eighth Army Turns the Tables 80

Chapter 6 The End in Africa 102

Chapter 7 Lessons to be Learned 118

Chapter 8 Across the Med 129

Chapter 9 Preparing for OVERLORD 140

Chapter 10 Tanks into Europe 146

Chapter 11 Finale in Italy 205

Epilogue 221

Appendix 1 Divisional Orders of Battle 227

Appendix 2 Armoured Commanders 235

Bibliography 245

Index 253