By 1944, the evolution of armored doctrine had produced very different
outcomes in Britain and Germany. Offering a good balance of speed,
protection, and firepower, the British Cromwell tank was much faster
than its German opponent. However, the Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyer had
a high-velocity main gun and a lower profile that made it formidable on
the defensive, especially in ambush situations. The two types would
fight in a series of bloody encounters, from the initial days of the
struggle for Normandy through its climax as the Allies sought to trap
their opponents in the Falaise Pocket.
Using archive photographs, specially commissioned artwork, and battle
reports, this fascinating study expertly assesses the realities of
tactical armored combat during the desperate battles after D-Day.