Anti tank memoirs?

Discussion in 'Books, Films, TV, Radio' started by Chris C, May 20, 2018.

  1. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    There seems to be a real dearth of histories and memoirs about British and Canadian anti-tank regiments and batteries.

    I know there is "Tank Alert" by Astley but it seems unobtainable.

    Actually there are official histories for most of the Canadian anti-tank regiments but there were only 7 on overseas duty. I think there are histories for 3, 4, 5, and 6. But I know of no memoirs.
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2018
  2. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    canuck, Chris C and CL1 like this.
  3. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I thought to have a look at Lulu and came across a memoir by a Brit who served in an AT regiment in India!

    "Memoirs of a Reluctant Gunner" by Vincent Gilbert of 22nd AT Reg't
    anti-tank - Lulu.com (available in hardcover, softcover, or ebook)
     
  4. Old Git

    Old Git Harmless Curmudgeon

    What about the Gunbuster novels, not quite a 'memoir' in the conventional sense but, IIRC, all written during the war by a serving Gun Officer, covers every aspect though, including AA on Malta!
     
  5. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Never heard of them! Who was the author?

    I wonder though about whether they could actually get the details right.

    Edit: I looked them up and now understand "Gun Buster" was a pseudonym, and given the author's position, the details of an operational artillery unit should be correct and that context is what I am most anxious to learn more of. So thanks again!
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2018
  6. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    There is this; I haven’t read it, so I cannot attest to the quality.
    upload_2018-5-21_12-38-57.jpeg
    Anti Tank
     
    Chris C likes this.
  7. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    Any review of Mark Carter's boo would be appreciated.
     
  8. kopite

    kopite Member

    There are a number of reviews on Amazon, mostly saying it's more like a work of fiction than a factual account.
     
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  9. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Was looking through my private messages on the forum and had COMPLETELY forgotten that Owen forwarded me some information from "Gunners On Tour" by Maurice Court mentioning a changeover from towed 17 pounders to Archers.

    Adding this to my list to look for when I'm in the UK :)
     
  10. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

  11. klambie

    klambie Senior Member

    Chris, if you manage to get a look at that one, would be interested if there is any detail on 3 A/Tk at Bretteville l'Orgeuilleuse.
     
  12. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Hi klambie,

    I will try to keep that in mind!

    The Canadian War Museum library has that and some regimental histories which I haven't had access to, so I would like to go there soon if I can.
     
  13. Trackfrower

    Trackfrower Member

    I agree with Kopite. A bit "Boy's Own" and in all the right places at the right times. A bit like "The Rifleman!"
    Some of the fact are a bit dodgy too.
     

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