Delaforce Patrick Livres

When Montgomery took command prior to D-Day he gathered around him commanders and formations he knew and trusted. Not surprisingly 7th Armoured Division was one of these and they were deployed from Italy to England. In this fine account the author who fought alongside the Desert Rats describes the Division’s battles from the beaches, the breakout battles (Goodwood and Bluecoat), the liberation of Northern France and Belgium. After taking Ghent there were the long months fighting in the Peel country of the Netherlands before Operation BLACKCOCK, the Rhine Crossing and the final advance into Germany, the capture of Hamburg and the Allies’ triumphant entry into Berlin. No reader of this magnificent history, with its many personal accounts, will question why the Desert Rats wore – and still wear – their Jerboa insignia with such pride.

Covers the Desert Rats early name-making campaigns, particularly in North Africa.

Hobart had been banished to the Home Guard. Churchill rescued him and tasked him to form, equip and train a secret armoured division which went on to storm the Normandy Beaches. Hobart was the mastermind behind a collection of tank- based secret weapons which supported several British and Canadian army and many US divisions for the rest of the War.

How these divisions from the North of England and Scotland helped turn the war - first in North Africa then in Europe after D-Day

The 51st Highland Division was the most famous infantry division that fought with the British Army in WW2. It was the only infantry division in the armies of the British Empire that accompanied Monty from during Alamein to Berlin.

Set during World War II, this narrative offers an immersive perspective from a British tank division, highlighting the experiences of soldiers on the front lines. It captures the challenges, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of warfare, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the tank crews' bravery and struggles. Through personal accounts, the story delves into the emotional and physical toll of battle, showcasing the resilience and determination of those who served.

In August 1944, the Polar Bears acted as Monty's left flank. Following the battle for Normandy, they played a key role in the capture of Le Havre, campaigned vigorously in Belgium and helped to take Arnhem. In the final weeks of the war they played a humanitarian role by bringing much-needed food supplies to the starving population of Holland.

The military achievements of Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, have been well documented and deservedly so. Inevitably his fame and success made him attractive, nay irresistible, to the opposite sex and over the many years of his campaigning away from home he came into contact with a great number of beautiful and powerful ladies. Patrick Delaforce focuses in a tasteful way on these relationships which often had an important influence on the Great Man ' and occasionally on the shape of history. Many of his encounters were undoubtedly platonic, others certainly not.

"General 'Pip' Roberts' 11th Armoured Division, famous for its Black Bull insignia, was in the thick of the action from June 1944 until V-E Day. The Division took part in three desperate break-out battles in Normandy (Operations Epsom, Goodwood, and Bluecoat) and then made what was known as the 'Great Swan' to Amiens, before taking Antwerp. It fought on the right flank for Market Garden, provided back-up in the Ardennes and was there for the final slog into Germany where it discovered the horrors of Belsen. By the time it reached L?beck and the Danish frontier, the Division had suffered 10,000 casualties, with almost 2,000 lost in action, and the hardships of a winter campaign, of being wounded, comradeship and fighting fear. Contributions are included from twelve of the regiments who proudly wore the sign of the Black Bull. First hand accounts from troop commanders and riflemen, bombardiers and signalmen, tank crews, as well as its dashing GOC, are brought together to reveal what life was like at the sharp end. Above all, this is a story of inspiring courage and comradeship, fittingly told by a ... historian who fought with the Division"--Jacket.

This book is a masterly assessment of Adolph Hitler's life, career, and beliefs, drawn not only from the subject's personal writings and speeches, but also from accounts of those who knew him, loved him, and loathed him.