Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration
Hobart's reputation as an armored warfare specialist began in the pre-war era. In 1923 he transferred from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Tank Corps and quickly established himself as one of the foremost thinkers on armored warfare. By 1938 he was GOC Mobile Division, later 7th Armoured Division, in Egypt. Unable to suffer fools at all, he was relieved of his command (sacked!) in 1939, retired in 1940 and became a corporal in the Home Guard.

At Winston Churchill's inspired behest, he was ordered to create and command 11th Armoured Division. Although he trained the new division to a very high standard, he was seen as too old to lead it in action he was 57. Instead he was told to form 79th Armoured Division and design specialized armored vehicles necessary to breach the Atlantic Wall. The Division played a major part in the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign in NW Europe. Hobart's Funnies included mine-clearing tanks, bridge-carrying tanks, flamethrowers, swimming tanks and amphibious assault vehicles.

Brigades and units of the Division were deployed wherever they were needed by Second (British) and First (Canadian) Armies and no major operation between Normandy and the final victory took place without them present.

Percy Hobart's skills played a significant part in the final Allied victory and the lasting tribute to that vision was the adoption by all armies of the specialized funnies that his Division introduced to modern warfare.

This book is based on official records, published materials and personal recollections.
"1120578586"
Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration
Hobart's reputation as an armored warfare specialist began in the pre-war era. In 1923 he transferred from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Tank Corps and quickly established himself as one of the foremost thinkers on armored warfare. By 1938 he was GOC Mobile Division, later 7th Armoured Division, in Egypt. Unable to suffer fools at all, he was relieved of his command (sacked!) in 1939, retired in 1940 and became a corporal in the Home Guard.

At Winston Churchill's inspired behest, he was ordered to create and command 11th Armoured Division. Although he trained the new division to a very high standard, he was seen as too old to lead it in action he was 57. Instead he was told to form 79th Armoured Division and design specialized armored vehicles necessary to breach the Atlantic Wall. The Division played a major part in the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign in NW Europe. Hobart's Funnies included mine-clearing tanks, bridge-carrying tanks, flamethrowers, swimming tanks and amphibious assault vehicles.

Brigades and units of the Division were deployed wherever they were needed by Second (British) and First (Canadian) Armies and no major operation between Normandy and the final victory took place without them present.

Percy Hobart's skills played a significant part in the final Allied victory and the lasting tribute to that vision was the adoption by all armies of the specialized funnies that his Division introduced to modern warfare.

This book is based on official records, published materials and personal recollections.
22.95 In Stock
Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration

Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration

by Richard Doherty
Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration

Hobart's 79th Armoured Division at War: Invention, Innovation and Inspiration

by Richard Doherty

Paperback(Reprint)

$22.95 
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Overview

Hobart's reputation as an armored warfare specialist began in the pre-war era. In 1923 he transferred from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Tank Corps and quickly established himself as one of the foremost thinkers on armored warfare. By 1938 he was GOC Mobile Division, later 7th Armoured Division, in Egypt. Unable to suffer fools at all, he was relieved of his command (sacked!) in 1939, retired in 1940 and became a corporal in the Home Guard.

At Winston Churchill's inspired behest, he was ordered to create and command 11th Armoured Division. Although he trained the new division to a very high standard, he was seen as too old to lead it in action he was 57. Instead he was told to form 79th Armoured Division and design specialized armored vehicles necessary to breach the Atlantic Wall. The Division played a major part in the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign in NW Europe. Hobart's Funnies included mine-clearing tanks, bridge-carrying tanks, flamethrowers, swimming tanks and amphibious assault vehicles.

Brigades and units of the Division were deployed wherever they were needed by Second (British) and First (Canadian) Armies and no major operation between Normandy and the final victory took place without them present.

Percy Hobart's skills played a significant part in the final Allied victory and the lasting tribute to that vision was the adoption by all armies of the specialized funnies that his Division introduced to modern warfare.

This book is based on official records, published materials and personal recollections.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781526731524
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 06/13/2018
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(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 ix

Prologue xi

Part 1 The Making of a Commander - Percy Hobart 1

1 Early Days and the Great War 3

2 A Change of Direction 16

3 Three Armoured Divisions 28

Part 2 The Creation of 79th Armoured Division and the Development of the 'Funnies' 39

4 Now Thrive the Armourers 41

5 Our Soldiers Stand Full Fairly for the Day 50

Part 3 79th Division in the Campaign in North West Europe, June 1944-May 1945 69

6 Unto the Breach 71

7 The Signs of War Advance 90

8 The Foe Vaunts in the Field 104

9 That Winter Lion 121

10 Let Not Difficulties Deter 132

11 Through Mud, Through Blood 150

12 Into the Heart of Germany 166

13 To the Last Blow 180

Part 4 Specialized Armour and Hobart After the War 197

14 Still Looking Forward 199

15 Postscript 204

Appendix 210

Bibliography 212

Index 220

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