The Polar Bears: Monty's Left Flank, from Normandy to the Relief of Holland with the 49th Division

by Patrick Delaforce

This is the 5th title in the series of British Army divisional histories. Illustrated with many photos, it records the achievements of the 49th Infantry Division. Included are first-hand accounts from men who were there.

Genres: World War II, Nonfiction, History, Military History, Military Fiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

A functional history of the 49th Infantry Division, which is strengthened by frequent inserts from previously published personal accounts. The writing is clipped, and the book presents the 49th's experience as a serious of encounters rather than as a series of campaigns. Battles are described by jumping from one battalions to another, as opposed to presenting one fluid picture of the engagement. Oddly utilized punctuation and awkward first person sentences in the narrative make it difficult at times to distinguish where some quotations end. I was disturbed by the typos scattered throughout which made the book look like a Clancy. The editor of this work has some explaining to do, and stylistically the book could be improved, but the story of the Polar Bears was earnestly told.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book which covers the wartime service of my great uncle in what has become a forgotten campaign in Norway & Iceland, through to the end of the war.