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For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
REVIEW
British Tanks in Normandy
jimbrae
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Provincia de Lugo, Spain / Espaņa
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 12:40 PM UTC
Just published, a review of a very useful title for those modelling British Armor in the Normandy Campaign - British Tanks in Normandy. The book is published by the French publishing house Histoire & Collections (yes, it''s in English! ). Although the Campaign is well-documented, there is a shortage of reference material specifically for British Armor - this book provides an excellent source of images of vehicles in theatre. The full Review can be seen:

British Tanks in Normandy Review

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

SunTsu
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Goteborgs och Bohus, Sweden
Joined: April 12, 2005
KitMaker: 48 posts
Armorama: 47 posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 01:41 PM UTC
Oooh. Worth keeping an eye open for next time I got money to spare.

(Just me, or is the front page image extremely "funny")
Tyke
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England - West Midlands, United Kingdom
Joined: October 31, 2005
KitMaker: 9 posts
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Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 03:34 PM UTC
While I agree with Jim's comments on the drawbacks, I like this book (used in conjunction with other references).

The tragedy is that it takes a French author and a French publishing company to bring out such a book (and the other H&C volumes on the British Soldier by Jean Bouchery). Why is there no British equivalent?

I was touched by M. Fortin's introduction, in which he says that at the 60th Anniversary ceremonies "Once again the Invasion has been shown as an essentially American operation" and the book was "necessary to pay the British combatants the tribute they deserve". I would urge British modellers to buy the book, if only to reward a Frenchman who cares about what we did for his country.

I would also urge American modellers to buy it in order to remind them that, wonderful as their nation's contribution was to the Normandy campaign, the Anglo-Canadians were up against the majority of the German Panzer Divisions and sacrificed accordingly.
jimbrae
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Provincia de Lugo, Spain / Espaņa
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 03:41 PM UTC

Quoted Text

The tragedy is that it takes a French author and a French publishing company to bring out such a book (and the other H&C volumes on the British Soldier by Jean Bouchery). Why is there no British equivalent?



I couldn't agree more - it's absurd that no U.K.-based publisher has chosen to give this kind of coverage in a single volume..
Halfyank
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Colorado, United States
Joined: February 01, 2003
KitMaker: 5,221 posts
Armorama: 1,245 posts
Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 09:49 PM UTC
To echo what David and Jim write I cannot understand why British uniforms, equipment, markings, etc, are so badly represented, not just in books but on line. In just a few moments using Google I can find just about anything I'd want to know about French Napoleonic uniforms and such, or WWII German or American items. Try to find the same thing for British armies from the same periods and it could take hours and still you wouldn't find the same amount of detailed information.

This book, along with the 3 books on the British/Commonwealth soldiers are on my must have list. I've got two of the "mini-guides" from this publisher and they are enough to wet my appetite.

I also applaud a French author and publisher for doing so much to fill such an important gap.

tony55
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England - South West, United Kingdom
Joined: July 20, 2005
KitMaker: 346 posts
Armorama: 315 posts
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2007 - 02:57 AM UTC
I have to agree with everything said before. Why not a British publisher?
Nice review and accurate when you say Jim that it is a good taster to further research a particular vehicle. I've had mine for a whiile now and regularly refer to it. Well worth buying.

Tony
hofpig
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: March 04, 2007
KitMaker: 1,330 posts
Armorama: 1,017 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 11:29 PM UTC
I agree its a great book got my copy today. Worth it for the pics alone.

lots of good solid ideas for dioramas
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