The Commander Series Forum

Robert Crisp's, BRAZEN CHARIOTS:

Is amazingly (vitally) informative as background for desert tank combat. Written from the standpoint of a troop commander you ride along with him into the unknown, using terrain for cover, combat of several kinds, wild goose chases or swanning as he might say, morale on both sides, combat stress, green crews and many other experiences. I am amazed at the number of ineffectual hits caused by DAK ATs, Mark IIIs and even IVs on his Honey. Others were not so lucky. The time frame is November 1941 during Operation Crusader. Crisp does not dwell on general staff battle plans. This is because he knew very little of this while involved in the operation.

I can't put this book down. It helps a great deal in understanding tank tactics and circumstances; even refueling, resupply from B Echelon (Brit. supply).

This is an absolute must read. Still available from Borders Books. I am a Border's customer. Their discount offers fly into my emails weekly or I can just look on the site for them. My wife ordered it via the Internet from Borders, it got shipped to our local store and I am now 2/3 way through the book.

Respectfully,
Bill

I agree a must read . He was also a troop commander during the Greek campaign. (A9.10,13,s ). His book " the gods are neutral " is worth reading . Fragile tracks , no spares , some of the problems his unit faced and an amusing incident where he used his tank to shoot at a heinkel . Cheers Phil.

I agree too. Possibly the best first hand narrative account, from a low level commander, there is. Second hand you can pick it up for £5 pretty easily.

Picked up a copy last year. Excellent.

Gives the impression that most of the time they're wasted in penny packets and never massed

Sadly my copy then got eaten by the dog!