Hobarts 79th Armoured Division At War

Product Description

This fascinating book describes how Major General Percy Hobart created trained & commanded 79th Armoured Division aunique formation crucial to the success of the D-Day Landings & the Allies drive through to Germany. Hobarts reputation as an armoured warfare specialist began in the pre-war era. In 1923 he transferred from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Tank Corps & quickly established himself as one of the foremost thinkers on armoured 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 in 1939 retired in 1940 & became a corporal in the Home Guard. At Winston Churchills inspired behest he was called back to create & train 11th Armoured Division which once done he was seen as too old to lead in action. Instead he was ordered to form 79th Armoured Division & charged with developing specialized armoured vehicles necessary to breach the Atlantic Wall. Hobarts Funnies as these innovative weapons were known included mine-clearing tanks bridge-carrying tanks flamethrowers swimming tanks & amphibious assault vehicles. Brigades & units of 79th Division were deployed wherever they were needed by Second (British) & First (Canadian) Armies. Indeed no major operation between Normandy & the final victory took place without their involvement. Post-war theadoption by all armies of specialized funnies is the lasting tribute to his vision & genius. Based on detailed research & personal recollections Hobarts 79th Armoured Division at War is a worthy tribute to this extraordinary man & his legendary Division both of which played so significant a part in the Allied victory.