Featured battle : Siege of Gibraltar

Part of British-Spanish Gibraltar dispute

Date : 24 June 1779 - 07 February 1783

The siege which began as a close blockade by land and sea was breached by the British Navy. Repeated attempts to shell, and storm the defenders into submission were repulsed. Morale was maintained by careful rationing, firm discipline and one spectacular sortie. A full assault failed and a supply fleet got through and the siege dwindled until a final withdrawal by the investing troops.

The Story of the 79th Armoured Division

serving officers
This book opens with an apology. The Author says that because the book was produced in a hurry just as the war was ending some actions may have been missed out. It was written by serving officers for the officers and men who had served and were serving in the units of the 79th Armoured Division. It covers the period October 1942 until June 1945 and was printed in Hamburg in July 1945. The Author may have felt the need to apologize to comrades whose actions were not included, but he has no need to apologize to the modern reader. The whole narrative reads as a fascinating, detailed account of the actions of this very special division. The text is well supported by photographs and maps. The maps are worthy of special attention being generously distributed through the book on pages which fold out and some have tracing paper showing unit movements as overlays. Not something one would expect to find in a modern publication. All in all, this is a real gem of a book, excellent despite the haste of its publication. It would provide a firm foundation for a modern author wishing to give greater access to these brave men in their specialized fighting vehicles.
Not lnown, July 1945