Take These Men: Tank Warfare with the Desert Rats

by Cyril Joly

Few accounts of the tank battles in the Western Desert during the Second World War have provided so vivid an evocation as Cyril Joly’s classic account Take These Men. In such inhospitable conditions, this was armored warfare of a particularly difficult and dangerous kind.

From 1940 to 1943 battles raged back and forth as one side or the other gained the upper hand, only to lose it again. Often the obsolescent British armor was outnumbered by the Italians or outgunned by Rommel’s Afrika Korps, and frequently it suffered from the ineptitude of higher command.

Cyril Joly’s firsthand narrative of these campaigns, highly praised when it was originally published in 1955, tells the story through the eyes of a young officer in the 7th Armoured Division, the famous Desert Rats. It describes in accurate, graphic detail the experience of tank warfare over seventy years ago, recalling the fortitude of the tank crews and their courage in the face of sometimes overwhelming odds.

Genres: World War II, Military History

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[John McNair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the greatest respect for a man who fought for more than three years in the western desert as Cyril Joly did, and was awarded a MC for exceptional service. However, this "lightly fictionalized" novel, based clearly on his experience of 1940-43, was not really all that great a read. In many ways it seemed like a regimental history (he never stated the unit he wrote about, but it must have been 2nd RTR of 7th Armd Div). The speech was always that 'King-and-country, rah-rah old chap' stuff that is not at all like how soldiers speak. I do acknowledge that it was written in 1955, an entirely different era from that in which we now live. The description of, largely, regimental and squadron manoeuver was fine, and Joly's obvious disappointment and lack of confidence in any HQ's planning above regimental shone through. He also described well the dire state the Western Desert Force was in, and how out-matched they were after the defeat of the Italians (a piece of cake) once the Germans arrived in theatre (no cake at all). And, the descriptions of misery and deprivation, occasional elation, death and discomfort were remarkable. But it was a dry read, lacking in emotion. I just wanted to get through it; it didn't draw me in in the least. But I am energized now in that I want to re-read Robert Crisp's "Brazen Chariots" (3rd RTR, same campaign but a more narrow narrative), a book I read - and liked - more than 40 years ago.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a particularly well-written book on the tank warfare in the North African desert in world war 2. To me the quality of the writing was a surprise, but I also realised that I previously knew absolutely nothing about tank warfare and the importance of strategy and tactics. Initially the British were opposed by the Italians and were rather dismissive at how easily they were able to roll over them, but then they encountered the German Panzer tanks of the Afrika Corps. The author is rather dismissive of the reputation associated with the German General Rommel and beleived that it was overblown. When the British were first opposed to Germans they were equipped with a motly collection of tanks, including some from taken from the Italians, plus some old British tanks and some American. All were quite inferior to the German Panzers, as well as the German anti-tank guns and the legendary 88s, which was a gun capable of being used for anti-aircraft, as well as tanks. It is acknowledged as the outstanding gun of the war. However, every dog has his day at the British equipment improved, while the Germans suffered from supply problems as the war turned in the Allies favour. I enjoyed this book and now have new knowledge of tank warfare that will enable me to enlighten the other guests at the next dinner party I attend.

[Jason Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never forget these men.

This book was excellent and very hard to put down. These men from the "Desert Rats" should truly be remembered as heroes. These men fought and died to protect their country and the world. Everyone should know this story. This book was very educational for me and I will never forget it. If you are interested in learning about the war in Africa, the defeat of the Italians and the Nazis then read this book!

[Maureen Tapio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Finest Book From The British Perspective

What can I say. If you have any interest in the war in North Africa, you will NEED to read this book. The first #3/4 is its heart, covering the early campaigns in 40-41. Read this and Foxes of the Desert, which you will need to get in a non e book version, and you are well read.

[d c mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic account of tank warfare

This is a classic account of tank warfare in the desert and does much to explain why the 8th army struggled against the Afrika Korps. It demonstrates how individuals fought their own desperate battles with no knowledge of the wider strategic plan and how death randomly took so many lives.

[Mikel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite realistic and historic

I want a book about tank warfare in the desert of we2 than not speak that much about Rommel,this one explain very much what was going on,why the Germans was beating the desert rats on the start of the campaign,I get why

[David Maguire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining personal account of the desert campaign from a tank commander’s perspective. Highly focused on his perspective and not a great overview of the whole campaign.

Interesting accounts of the individuals encounters.

[D.M. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody battles

This is a very detailed and competent account of the 1940 to 1943 war in North Africa.
Survival was a lucky chance and this book doesn’t spare us the horror and futility of war.

[Donald Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good personal account of individual action.

More about tank level action than 8th Army movements. I enjoyed the book

very much and recommend it to others. Well written and detailed about individual actions.

[09/01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard work,but worth a read

Reads more like a history lesson in parts ,but often brings the horror of war in the desert,the highs and of and eventual victory in the desert.

[Marty Gosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait.

I've read a lot of books on tank warfare in my life and somehow missed this one. All I can say is that it was worth the wait.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and an eye into an often forgotten part of the campaign.