This WWII history critically reexamines one of the most dramatic and significant battles to follow the D-Day landings in Normandy. The destruction of the trapped German forces in the Falaise pocket in August 1944 is one of the most famous episodes of the Normandy campaign. But myths have grown up around the battle, and its impact on the course of the war is often misunderstood. In this meticulously researched study, Anthony Tucker-Jones dispels misconceptions about the battle, describes the combat in graphic detail, and reassesses the outcome in the context of the campaign to liberate Europe. Tucker-Jones takes a broad view of the sequence of operations that culminated in the battle at Falaise, tracing the course of the campaign mainly from the panzers' viewpoint. For two bloody months following the Normandy landings, the panzers held the Allies at bay. But when they found themselves blocked in at Falaise, the area became a killing ground. Some liken the event to Hitler's defeat at Stalingrad, while others argue the victory was flawed because so many German troops escaped.

Anthony Tucker-Jones spent nearly 20 years in the British Intelligence Community before establishing himself as a defence writer and historian: commenting on regional conflicts, counter-terrorism, military, intelligence, aviation and naval affairs. He is a highly experienced expert with particular strengths in editing, feature writing, report writing, communicating to specialists and non-specialists alike. Anthony Tucker-Jones has been extensively published in numerous titles and on various news websites. He has also written a number of books. He is widely travelled with assignments in Africa, Europe, the Far East, Latin America and the Middle East. Anthony holds an MA in International Relations & Strategic Studies from Lancaster University.

Robert Lymans deep knowledge and understanding of the war in Burma, and the great battles at Kohima and Imphal in 1944, are well known. In this book he uses original documents, published works and personal accounts to weave together an enthralling account of some of the bitterest fighting of WWII. Not only does he use British sources for his research but he has also included material from the Naga tribes of north-east India, on whose land these battles were fought, and from Japanese accounts, including interviews with Japanese veterans of the fighting. Thus he has been able to produce what is arguably the most balanced history of the battles that were pivotal in ending the Japanese empire. Fergal Keane, journalist and author of Road to Bones: The Siege of Kohima 1944 wrote to the author saying What a triumph! I finished it last night. You have done a wonderful job. I only wish Id read it before writing my own book! He goes on to say Robert Lyman is one of the great writers about men and war and in this book he has succeeded in conveying the courage, genius and folly of an epic struggle. I cannot think of a writer engaged in the subject of the Second World War who can match Lyman for his integrity or the soundness of his judgments.