Author: Patrick Delaforce What an eye-opener! Having spent a few years in the Armoured Engineers, post WWII, I had no trouble relating to some of the stories told in this truly excellent book. It was delivered just before Xmas and I managed to read it in only two sittings, because I was so engrossed. Ever noticed in the wargaming world how a book, film or article can just tie in nicely with your latest project - well having just 'done' the Normandy Landings (D-Day itself), this book came just right for the follow-on battles that are planned for 1999. However, seeing as how I am playing the Germans I really should keep this information from the Allied players, in order to maintain some sort of edge. I have actually let the guys know of its existence and at least one is sending off for it. It is an highly informative book, gives a deep insight into the background activities of Churchill and his minions during the dark period in our history and is definitely a reference book which every WWII enthusiast must have. The behind the scenes details are interlaced with personal stories from the men on the ground and who did the job, plus in places the details of a tanks crew are mentioned which makes it easy for anyone wishing to do a skirmish game. I can see the knock on effect for wargaming manufacturers when gainers realise they need more Crocodiles, AVREs, ARVs, Crabs, Kangaroo's, Snakes, Terrapins, Wasp, Weasels or Porpoises. if you want to build a British armoured division why not try the 79th. "The 79th Armoured Division was unique in many respects. No other Division was 'all armoured'. No other Division achieved a size of over 1,500 tanks. No other Division had the responsibility of introducing and proving the value of so many new and important weapons." Major General P C S Hobart. 20 August 1945. This is a must for any former 'Armoured Farmer' or gamers that are interested in post Normandy WWII in the European theatre. Cost for member with a service background, or parent, special price of £ 13.50 Patrick has written twenty-nine other books, and others in the post Normandy -series' I am aware of, but not read, are: Monty's Iron Sides - From the Normandy Beaches to Bremen with the 3rd Division. I was in 3 DIV but never knew it was called the 'Iron Sides'! Isn't education grand. £ 11 front author The Fighting Wessex Wyverns - From Normandy to Bremerhaven with the 43" Wessex Division. £ 11 from author. [Under review!] The Black Bull - From Normandy to the Baltic with the 11th Armoured Division. Out of print, but should be available from your local library. There is also: Churchill's Desert Rats - From Normandy to Berlin with the 7th Armoured Division. £ 10 from author. Monty's Highlanders - 51st (Highland) Division at War 1939-1945. Hardback L13.50. Paperback £ 11.50. Red Crown & Dragon - 53rd Welsh Division in North-West Europe, 1944-1945. Out of print, but should be available from your local library. Monty's Marauders - Black Rat and Red Fox: 4th and 8th Armoured Brigades in WW2. Reprinted paperback £ 11.50. I really enjoyed the conversation I had with Patrick the other day on the phone, a very interesting and knowledgeable gentleman. The result of which is that Hill 112 will be fought over, again, during 1999. Books available from: Patrick Delaforce, 2 Hamilton Rd, Brighton, East Sussex, BNI 5DL.Tel: 01273 564372. P&P Free (UK only), for Europe add £ 1, outside Europe £ 2. Back to MWAN #103 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2000 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com