Top Hats in Tobruk

Discussion in 'Books and Films' started by penance, Apr 7, 2008.

  1. penance

    penance New Member

    Top Hats In Tobruk.

    Written by Kenneth Rankin who was an officer in 152 battery 51st HAA regiment. My Grandfather served in 153 battery of the 51st hence i get the book.

    The book is basicaly Rankin's diary from the North Africa campaign. I find people actual words from the time to be fascinating and often more insightful that a history book.

    If you have an interest in AA or the NA campaign then its worth tracking down a copy.
     
  2. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Thanks Penance, will keep my eyes open for it. Publsihed a few years ago?
     
  3. penance

    penance New Member

    Published in '83 I think.

    I traced it down in a second hand book shop online. Paid £26 for a signed copy.
     
  4. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Ah, that's Kyt book buying territory! I'm a bit cheaper than that so will go unsigned. :)
     
  5. penance

    penance New Member

    Ha, I didnt know it was until I received it.

    Was reading a bit this morning before coming to work.
    I know common opinion is that 3.7's were not used in the AT role, Rankin mentions that in early April '41 153 battery were sent ahead to take on an AT role.
    So now I know my memories of Grandad saying they fired at armour are right.
     
  6. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Guess they needed the additional firepower. Goes to show you should never listen to common opinion if there's evidence otherwise particularly from those who were there.

    Must have been a great surprise to realise the book was signed.
     
  7. penance

    penance New Member

    I think the common theory is that the 3.7 was to heavy and the trunions could.t handle horizontal firing, unlike the German 88.
    I have a picture of my Grandfathers battery in action, firing gun role nearly horizontal.

    Was a bit of a surprise at the price.
     

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