The Tank Museum to Republish David Fletcher Book About the 79th Armoured Division

Photo Credit: The Tank Museum
Photo Credit: The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum in Bovington, United Kingdom has announced it’ll be republishing David Fletcher’s famed book, Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division. Originally published in 1984, the upcoming re-release will feature new images straight from the museum’s archives.

Spread from within the re-release of David Fletcher's 'Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division'
Spread from the re-release of Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division by David Fletcher. (Photo Credit: The Tank Museum)

Vanguard of Victory has been out of print for many years, and is just one in a series of books written by military historian David Fletcher, including The Universal Tank: British Armour in the Second World War (1989) and Tiger! The Tiger Tank: A British View (1986). The re-release aims to remind the world just how integral the 79th Armoured Division was to the success of D-Day.

“This new release is the next stage in The Tank Museum’s program to republish David Fletcher’s early work for a reasonable price,” Simon Prager, head of commercial operations, said in a press release. “This new edition has been given a 21st century makeover, with new images from The Tank Museum Archive. Vanguard of Victory is an essential title for people with an interest in the Second World War.”

Spread from within the re-release of David Fletcher's 'Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division'
Spread from the re-release of Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division by David Fletcher. (Photo Credit: The Tank Museum)

The 79th Armoured Division was created in the lead up to the Allied landings on June 6, 1944. Commanded by Maj. Gen. Percy “Hobo” Hobart, the aim of the division was to develop specialized amphibious vehicles that could lead the assault in Normandy, after issues suffered by tanks during the Dieppe Raid.

Numerous unique-looking vehicles were developed, which became known within the British Army as “Hobart’s Funnies.” Not only were they designed to operate in amphibious settings, they could clear mines and lay bridges. Among the most notable were the Sherman Crab, a mine flail tank; the Churchill Crocodile, which featured a flamethrower, instead of a tank gun; the Kangaroo armored personnel carrier; and the “Duplex Drive” (DD) tank.

The 79th Armoured Division disbanded on August 20, 1945.

Churchill Crocodile firing its flamethrower
Churchill Crocodile, one of the tanks developed by the 79th Armoured Division. (Photo Credit: War Office Official Photographer / Imperial War Museums / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

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According to Prager, the republishing of David Fletcher’s books helps bring in vital funds for The Tank Museum, which are put toward preserving its collection. Available for pre-order for £19.99, the first 1,000 orders placed before April 14, 2023 will receive a certificate from the author, as well as their names listed in the acknowledgements section.

Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division is set for release via The Tank Museum in June 2023.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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