[(Operation Totalize-tractable: v.2: Men and Battles)] [Author: Ludovic Fortin] published on

by Ludovic Fortin

In July and August 1944, the Allies launched a number of operations intended to break through the German front line. Operations Totalize and Tractable were intended to drive the Germans back to the south of the Normandy town of Falaise, thus creating the famous "Falaise Gap". Ludovic Fortin is has become a real specialist on the British Army and of operations in Normandy in particular. His human approach to events gives a new perspective to the conflicts. He is also the author of the highly successful book, "British Tanks in Normandy" also published by Histoire and Collections. This book contains numerous plans and maps and is richly illustrated with unpublished photographs and color armor profiles.

Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jeff Swystun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one in one hundred thousand Canadians would know of Operation Totalize. I suppose that it is to be expected given Canadians recognize war and conflict is inevitable - we just don't like to focus on it. So it was great to see Osprey make this their 294th book in the Campaign series. The book is worth reading but like most Osprey titles needs companion research and reading to flesh out the subject. It explores the Allied offensive to destroy Nazi resistance in the British sector of Normandy. Montgomery used mostly Canadian armoured forces in this offensive with UK and Polish forces in support.

The plan was to batter through German forces that were exhausted from continuous battle. The plan called for night attack of several divisions following heavy aerial and artillery bombardments. Totalize was the first time Commonwealth forces led with a mass of armoured personnel carriers using the Kangaroo APC. It all started well but the second phase turned into a major problem for the Canadians who came up against the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend (who earlier had executed as many 156 captured Canadian troops). The battle was a precursor to the Falaise Gap which is seen as a lost opportunity to devastate German forces.

Historians differ on the reasons Totalize faltered but it seems to be levelled at small unit leadership in the Canadian ranks. The campaign was planned and orchestrated by Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds. Simonds remains Canada's leading armoured commander of any war or era. He would hone his skills throughout the conflict. However, author Hart is somewhat damning in his critique, "Simond's force been successful the German army may not have been able to extract themselves from the Falaise pocket and would have been surrounded and defeated - possibly bringing about the early end of the war in Europe."