Description
Book SynopsisThis second of two volumes recounts the WWII history of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in vivid detail. The outfit, since upgraded from M5 light tanks to M4 'Sherman' mediums, claws through some of the toughest battles of WWII – from a horrific stalemate at Cassino in February 1944, through the bloody Operation Diadem May breakout, to the stunning capture of Rome on 4th June 1944.
This unique multi-volume history covers the full spectrum of experiences of the men in one tank company from inception in June 1941 through the occupation of Germany in 1945. An American tank company in WWII consisted of only five officers and approximately 100 enlisted men – all living, travelling and fighting in seventeen tanks, two jeeps, one truck, one half-track and one tank retriever. Uniting the official record with the rich, personal accounts of the participants, this volume sweeps the reader along a highly detailed and shocking journey chronicling the evolution of American armour doctrine and tank design from June 1941 through to VE Day.
The B Company tankers often fought at a disadvantage – struggling to survive a myriad of battlefield challenges and triumph against enemy armour better armed and better protected. What was once envisioned as a warfare of sweeping armoured formations managed by West Point lieutenant colonels and ROTC captains quickly devolved into small unit street fights relying more and more on the initiative, resourcefulness and cunning of lowly OCS lieutenants and combat-seasoned sergeants. The journey is long, unforgiving and brutal, and 47 tankers would be lost along the way.
Trade ReviewUniting official records with the rich, personal accounts of the participants is author Jeff Danby’s expertise, nay, genius, allowing us insatiable WWII enthusiasts to ride, rock, and rumble along with the fighting, lives on the line, tankers into highly detailed journeys and battles. * Argunners Magazine *
Table of ContentsThe Story Thus Far 1: Cassino, First Attack 2: Cassino, Second Attack 3: The Big Push 4: The Jail 5: Exhaustion 6: A Monumental Tragedy 7: Relief 8: Retrospection 9: Regroup 10: Custermen 11: Cracking the Gustav 12: Bursting Through 13: Living the War with the French 14: Stealing Rome 15: Chase North 16: Respite Appendices Bibliography Endnotes Index
