This review was written by Chris Buckham but published in Soldier Magazine. Please contact the editor, Rebecca Clark, at rclark@soldiermagazine.co.uk.Title: Stout Hearts: The British and Canadians in Normandy 1944
Author: Ben Kite
ISBN: 978-1-909982-55-0
Publisher: Helion
Pages: 467
Photos/Maps: 55/16 (colour)
Rating: 4.5/5
Kite has produced a stellar book in his first foray as an author. He states that he wanted to contribute to a positive rebalancing of the historical record of the achievements of the Canadians and British who landed in Normandy and he has more than done so. Replete with copious photographs, maps and unit fighting tables, he relates the stories, experiences and challenges of the soldiers driving forward in the face of a determined and experienced foe. HIs narrative sheds light on the interactions of the various combat and support arms and he succeeds handily in giving the reader real insight into the complexity and challenge overcome by these men. Helion has published a top notch book.
Just want to congratulate Ben Kite on Stout Hearts. As a person fascinated with WW2, specifically CANADIAN'S and British contributions to, and experiences both good and bad, I found this to be a fascinating and exhaustive account of what really went on, before, during, and after DDay I learned so much about what it took to be a soldier, airman, sailor etc. and all that went into fighting a war, and of course, what the Generals and Commissioned Officers had to contend with. I have visited Bletchley Park, read two books about it, also visited Dunkirk, Vimy Ridge, and of course Juno Beach. I am going back to see Dieppe, Beaumont Hamel, and where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment was decimated. Once again please send my thanks to Ben Kite for a very interesting and informative book. I am so very glad I read it. I have also read book "Operation Mincemeat", and book about the "SAS" in WW2, and other books about WW2. It was such a defining 5 years in wold history. Ben Kite brought a really defining "moment" to life.
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