Hello There! I found this book on the website of Paul Meekins Books, whose website is here.
On initial impressions I noticed that through the books 288 pages there were many contemporary photographs which I had not seen before.
The chapters are headed:
Part One: The Scottish Corridor
In the Face of the Storm
25 June Operation Martlet
The First Day: Monday 26 June
Part Two: The Offensive Stops at Hill 112
The second day: Tuesday 27 June
The third day
The fourth day
The fifth day
Bibliography
The overall narrative included eye witness accounts from members of 12 SS Division and the relevant British units involved in the different phases of the Operation.
The German side started with a description of the integral units of the division, specifically the infantry battalions, tank squadrons, reconnaissance units and engineer/pioneer battalions that took part in the bulk of the fighting.
The order of battle of the British infantry and armoured divisions and brigades are listed in less detail than the German units, but are listed along their cap badges in their brigade groups.
The abbreviations used in the book are clearly explained at the start of the text. This is very helpful as you do not have to search to find their meanings through the book later.
The start of the book has an old style map showing the places involved in the operation. This is not a conventional OS map, so instead of showing contour heights by joining points of equal height, the lines flow from low points to high. These lines are very close together and so obscure some place names. The smaller named hamlets are illegible because of this.
Spread evenly through the book are a number of black and white photographs with an insert of a larger clearer map showing a smaller area which is relevant to the immediate text, with troop movements. This section also includes a number of 'Then and Now' photographs. This is a great idea and helps a lot adding a new context to the narrative.
The operation is covered in depth with many eye witness accounts and does not just scan over the details of the battle.
The attitudes between the two sides is briefly covered, but not in depth. The massacre of Canadian troops at Abbey D'Ardenne is touches upon when explaining potential atrocities by Allied troops. Although few Canadians were involved in this operation, the news of this event soon spread through other nationalities fighting in Normandy.
Incidentally, from a first hand account, I have heard of 12 SS troops 'surrendering' to British troops.. As they approached, with their hands up, they would dive to the ground at your feet, and a third SS soldier would be behind them holding a machine gun.
The veteran that I met said that worked for them once and he lost a mate through this. As he had the section bren gun, if he was approached by 12 SS troops who appeared to be surrendering, he just shoot them out of hand. He added that it was obvious who they were because of the uniform they wore.
This was particularly eye opening to me at that time as I was the same age as these young soldiers, at that time.
Overall this publication is superb for wargamers as the text is clear, it is supported by clear and relevant maps and photographs and provide plenty of potential scenarios for games.
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