HOBART'S 79TH ARMOURED DIVISION AT WAR

HOBART'S 79TH ARMOURED DIVISION AR WAR
By Richard Doherty. 

Having spent the past several years focusing my reading on the second world war, many books have mentioned the name of Hobart and his 'funnies'. On wishing to learn more about both him and them, I learnt of this book by the notable historian, Richard Doherty. 

After witnessing the rise of the tank in the great war, Percy Cleghorn Stanley Hobart would become one of its greatest advocate in the years before the outbreak of the second world war. 
Readers will learn how his determination to promote the merits of armoured divisions, his straight talking and a somewhat scandalous marriage, would all make him unpopular with those in higher office. Yet despite this focused attitude and the high standards he set, he was much admired by the men he led.
Despite his clear success and a hardworking attitude, he would eventually be pushed into retirement by those within agendas, before being asked to take command of a new Armoured Division by Winston Churchill himself. 
It would prove to be a great appointment.

As well as a biography of the man, the book continues with the history of the 79th from preparing for D-Day and providing a broad account of its supporting role from the Normandy beaches to the surrender of Germany.
As I said at the beginning, I wanted to learn about Hobart and the work he did and this book hasn't disappointed. 
'Hobo' was clearly a gifted organiser and commander, whilst the 79th would prove invaluable in supporting Allied soldiers with many commendations awarded.

This book covering both Hobart's remarkable life and the wartime service of the division he led,  has been greatly enjoyed throughout. 

This book is published by Pen and Sword Books and is available now. 
I thank P&S for this review copy. 

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