Celebrated military historian James Holland chronicles the experiences
in World War II of the legendary tank unit, the Sherwood Rangers
In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and
among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry
unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed
gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to
the "mechanized cavalry" of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North
African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day
landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944, led the way across France, were
the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily
to Germany's surrender in May 1945.
Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, acclaimed WWII
historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of
citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were
horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by
never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts
from Sherwood Rangers' families--an ongoing fraternity--and by his own
deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait
of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as
Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, squadron commander John
Semken, and Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who
helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors
of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers'
exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also
brings fresh analysis to the tactics used.
Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven
months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original
perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe.
