Cromwell vs Jagdpanzer IV: Normandy 1944

Osprey Duel #86

by David R. Higgins

By 1944, the evolution of armored doctrine had produced very different outcomes in Britain and Germany. Offering a good balance of speed, protection, and firepower, the British Cromwell tank was much faster than its German opponent. However, the Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyer had a high-velocity main gun and a lower profile that made it formidable on the defensive, especially in ambush situations. The two types would fight in a series of bloody encounters, from the initial days of the struggle for Normandy through its climax as the Allies sought to trap their opponents in the Falaise Pocket.

Using archive photographs, specially commissioned artwork, and battle reports, this fascinating study expertly assesses the realities of tactical armored combat during the desperate battles after D-Day.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction

80 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

David R. Higgins attended the Columbus College of Art & Design, and received a BFA from Ohio State University and an MISM from Keller. In addition to 'The Roer River Battles' and 'King Tiger vs. IS-2: Operation Solstice 1945' he has written over 40 articles for magazines such as 'Strategy and Tactics', 'Armchair General', 'Modern War' and 'World at War', as well as MCS Group's 'States of Conflict'. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Reviews

[Shrike58 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, for whatever reasons, David Higgins seems to transcend the limitations of this particular Osprey series; maybe because his subject choices are a little bit different. So, besides the context and development of the Cromwell and Jagdpanzer IV, one gets a fair amount of background on the relevant elements of the British 7th Armoured Division, the Polish 10th Cavalry (still commemorated in the contemporary Polish army), the German Panzer-Lehr Division and the Waffen-SS 12th Panzer Division. Finally, one winds up with an overview of these units in the "bocage" fighting in Normandy. Higgins also thoughtfully provides his bibliography.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This matchup might look even on paper, but the reality of combat skewed it in favor of the Germans. The Jagdgpanzer IV had a low profile because it was turretless. It had a gun that could knock out enemy tanks. When employed with the right tactics, this German AFV had the advantage. The Cromwell IVs and VIs might have superior numbers and a marked improvement, but at times it was hampered by interwar 1930s thinking.

The Canadians and Poles paid a high price during the Battle of Caen and later Operation Totalize. In the end, the Germans were still forced to retreat.

[Antonio Bernarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good versus book from Osprey publisher. Good insight into the Normandy campaign.