Villers-Bocage has, for years, been the battle that confirmed the reputation of Germany’s greatest tank ace, Michael Wittmann. In this book the battle is analysed in depth for the first time through detailed examination of the images taken by war photographers after the town was captured by German forces. The claims made of the battle are re-appraised, and the arguments set out in dozens of published accounts have been compared with primary evidence never utilised before, and evaluated anew. Perhaps the two most striking revelations come from German sources. First, graphically, by the study of the 100 photographs taken by the Germans the day after the battle. Secondly, from Wittmann’s own account which refutes many of the claims of historians attempting to glamorise the action. AUTHOR: Daniel Taylor is best known for his work on the battle of Villers-Bocage. He is the Curator for the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum, and writes on a number of military subjects, chiefly, though not exclusively, relating to the Sharpshooters and other Yeomanry Regiments. For many years he has lectured and presented on 20th Century warfare, lecturing for the Army, NATO, RMA Sandhurst, The Tank Museum and the National Army Museum, plus schools and colleges. Besides writing and presenting a documentary on Villers-Bocage, he has featured in a number of military history documentaries, and regularly leads battlefield tours, specialising in the Normandy campaign, but has also taken groups to the Western front, Holland, Germany, Italy, Sicily, Libya and Egypt. In former years Daniel served with the Territorial Army (Army Reserve). In addition to his military activities, Daniel works as a freelance modelmaker for architects, film and museums. His is married, has two sons and lives in Kent, UK.
150 illustrations