A Fine Night for Tanks: The Road to Falaise

by Ken Tout

Although Operation ‘Totalize I’ was arguably the finest feat of Allied armoured action in both the world wars, it is perhaps the least studied and publicised.

Using eye-witness accounts from tank crews and infantry, Ken Tout reveals how on 7 August 1944 a combined Canadian and British force sent four armoured columns south of Caen to close the Falaise gap.

Caen had been an objective of the British forces assaulting Sword Beach on D-Day. However, the German defences were strongest in this sector, and most of the German reinforcements sent to Normandy were committed to the defence of the city.

Driving through the night, the British tanks reached their objectives behind German lines and linked up with their Canadian colleagues.

The elite Wittman Troop counter-attacked with Tiger tanks, the most feared weapon of the Normandy campaign, only to be wiped out for minimal Allied loss. Operation Totalize I was a stunning success and sealed the fate of the German forces now encircled and trapped in the Falaise Pocket.



‘Gripping and full of tales of extraordinary bravery’ – Tank Journal

Ken Tout served with the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry during the Second World War, fighting in Sherman tanks and seeing action in Operation ‘Totalize I’. Tout’s books have attracted many plaudits and have been described as Second World War classics.

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

213 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ian Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and enjoy wartime history, but mainly maritime. this was the first book in 'tank warfare' and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only reason I dropped a star was for a few pictures of the crocodiles, alligators, firefly's, valentines, cromwells and a few more lesser known military machines actually looked like would have been useful, also a few o/s diagrams to map out the progress instead of having to guess and imagine the map in your head. Apart from that it was an informative and descriptive reading experience.

[Dan Bukowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched book. Unlike many similar the maps, though few and appeared to be drawn freehand, were helpful. A few more with greater detail would have helped, too, especially if they could reflect the topography which played such a critical role. Book was insightful and I took away quite a bit about this too often forgotten and/or underestimated battle in Normandy. The writing style was dry, however, and many of his reflections and anecdotes were repeated throughout.

[Mr K Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

. Gives an insight into war and partically Normandy, not covered in other books. Always informative, always interesting. Highly recommended.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

No index, no maps, poor proof-reading, otherwise a good overall account of Operation Totalize

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about a little known phase of the effort to close the "Falaise Gap". The author tells the story of Canadian and British armor which took on ferocious German defenses. The first phase was generally successful, the 2nd less so. I admit I know little about tank warfare; this book added to that knowledge.