Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Whilst the bare outline of the existence of Polish troops in NW Europe during the 1944/45 campaign is known by many, Mr McGilvray's book puts 'flesh on the bones'.
The author is to be praised for his insight into the background to the formation of the division, and interwar Polish politics. The creation, equipping and training of the division is covered in great detail, followed by an exhaustive account of the campaign in NW Europe, mostly based on Polish and German language sources.
The text is complemented by over 100 photos, reproduced very clearly and aided by the book's large format.
Overall, a praiseworthy effort to delve deeper into the tangled web of Polish involvement in the Allied cause during WWII.
I must add that contrary to another review on Amazon.com of this book, I found the book well laid-out and free from many noticeable errors!
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Black Devils' March--A Doomed Odyssey: The 1st Polish Armoured Division 1939-1945
The Black Devils March is an account of how the 1st (and only) Polish Armoured Division in the West under the leadership of General Stanislaw Maczek, arose out of the ashes of defeat and while attempting to avoid the internal politics of the Polish Government in Exile, was able to return to Europe in August 1944 on the side of the Western Allies.In Europe the Division achieved glory, honour and victory but was unable to liberate Poland owing to the politics of the post-war settlement in Europe.The account of the formation and combat service of the Division is fully researched from Polish, English and German sources, and includes training in Scotland, the unit's sharp introduction to warfare in the Normandy bocage, the Falaise Gap and Hill 262, the advance into Belgium and Holland, and final victory on German soil. The text is supported by nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps, and detailed appendices, including a list of the Division's medal recipients. In addition, there are four pages of outstanding colour profiles showing the camouflage and markings of the unit's tanks and other vehicles.The politics of the Polish Army are examined as well as the historical legacy of the Polish soldier in exile. Much of the book was researched from hard-to-find Polish sources. The text is supported by 4 pages of colour AFV profiles, nearly 100 photographs (many previously unpublished), maps and appendices.
