When Monty was given Allied command of the D Day landings he wasted no time gathering around him individuals and formations he could trust. Foremost among the latter were two armoured brigades: 4th (Black Desert Rats) and 8th (Red Fox's Mask). Both these brigades had unrivalled fighting records whether in North Africa, Sicily or Italy. They had proved themselves in bitter fighting against Rommel's Afrika Korps and the Italians. Once ashore in Normandy the two superb brigades went on to enhance their reputations on the journey to the heartland of Hitler's Third Reich and final victory. The author has written a fast moving and enthralling account of war at the sharp end. AUTHOR: PAtrick Delaforce served with the Royal Horse Artillery of the 11th Armoured Division as a troop leader in Normandy and as Forward Observation Officer in Holland and Germany during the Second World War. He was awarded the Bronze Cross of Orange-Nassau and was twicw mentioned in dispatches during the campaign. He then joined the 7th Armoured Division at the end of 1945 and commanded Java Troop, 3rd Royal Horse Artillery. After leaving the army he worked as a port wine shipper and then in advertising before becoming a professional writer. He has written over twenty military history books as well as a number of travel books and biographies. b/w photos throughout