Hobart's reputation as an armored warfare specialist began in the
pre-war era. In 1923 he transferred from the Royal Engineers to the
Royal Tank Corps and quickly established himself as one of the foremost
thinkers on armored warfare. By 1938 he was GOC Mobile Division, later
7th Armoured Division, in Egypt. Unable to suffer fools at all, he was
relieved of his command (sacked!) in 1939, retired in 1940 and became a
corporal in the Home Guard.
At Winston Churchill's inspired behest, he was ordered to create and
command 11th Armoured Division. Although he trained the new division to
a very high standard, he was seen as too old to lead it in action he was
57. Instead he was told to form 79th Armoured Division and design
specialized armored vehicles necessary to breach the Atlantic Wall. The
Division played a major part in the D-Day landings and the subsequent
campaign in NW Europe. Hobart's Funnies included mine-clearing tanks,
bridge-carrying tanks, flamethrowers, swimming tanks and amphibious
assault vehicles.
Brigades and units of the Division were deployed wherever they were
needed by Second (British) and First (Canadian) Armies and no major
operation between Normandy and the final victory took place without them
present.
Percy Hobart's skills played a significant part in the final Allied
victory and the lasting tribute to that vision was the adoption by all
armies of the specialized funnies that his Division introduced to modern
warfare.
This book is based on official records, published materials and personal
recollections.
