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.
Here's a Canadian one for you: Port Elgin's War: A History of a Canadian Town and the 98th (Bruce) Anti-tank Battery during the Second World War https://www.amazon.ca/Port-Elgins-W...UTF8&qid=1526819477&sr=1-9&keywords=anti-tank
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)
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!
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!
There are a number of reviews on Amazon, mostly saying it's more like a work of fiction than a factual account.
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
Seem to have found another one courtesy of the Canadian War Museum library catalogue: My six year war / by John Robert Cameron. (2016) There's an excerpt here published in Canadian Military History - "Two Days of My Six Year War, 9-10 July 1944" http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1198&context=cmh
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.
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.
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.