Burning Steel

by Peter Hart

This is the story of a tank regiment: the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry in the Second World War. Raw and visceral personal recollections from the men themselves recall some of the most dramatic and horrific scenes imaginable - the sheer nerve-wracking tension of serving in highly inflammable Sherman tanks, the sudden impact of German shells, the desperate scramble to bail out, and the awful fate of those who couldn't. Even if they made it out of the tank, they were still vulnerable to being brutally cut down by German infantry.

Yet amidst these horrors, the humanity of these men shines through. And as we follow in their tracks, through letters, diaries and eye-witness accounts, they will change how we think about tank warfare forever.

Genres: History, Military History, World War II, Nonfiction, War

384 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Peter Hart is a British military historian.

He has been an oral historian at Sound Archive of Imperial War Museum in London since 1981.

He has written mainly on British participation in the First World War. His books include; The Somme, Jutland 1916, Bloody April on the air war in 1917, Passchendaele, Aces Falling (on the air war in 1918), 1918 A Very British Victory and Gallipoli.

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

Reviews

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2022, 'Burning Steel' tells the story of the part played by the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry regiment in WW2. The story is told partly through the usual historical account combined with transcripts of oral history records held by the IWM. This makes for an interesting read, particularly as the unit was in the thick of it from 1944. A terrific read, with oral transcripts compiled by a historian who is fully aware of the potential pitfalls of this method.

[Phil Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable collection of oral history from soldiers of the Scottish 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry in the Second World War. Peter Hart sets the scene around these memories and weaves them into a compelling take that chronicles their war and what it was like to be there.

[Alasdair Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, following the accounts of the men of the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry during WW2. The personalities of some of these men really shine through the pages.

My only criticism is that it's the town of Leven, not Levan.

[Brett Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding. This book is drawn from hundreds of hours of interviews with veterans of the 2nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry in WW2. Like all Hart's work, it's brimming with firsthand accounts, only touching on the generals and strategy as necessary. Will read his other WW2 works.

[Mark Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read afew books by Peter Hart and they've all been first class. This follows the 2nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry from their recruitment through landing in Europe and onto VE Day. It's a brutal story largely told from the accounts of those who took part. The author worked for the Imperial War Museum and interviewed many of the veterans who's story he very eloquently tells. It also doesn't lose sight of the chronology of wider events and how these effected things. It's a 'must read' for anyone with an interest in tank warfare.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has had the foresight to interview the surviving members of this regiment before they passed on.What comes across is the sheer bravery of the men who lived with. the possibility of being burned to death every minute they were on active service.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read, to get a feel for what it would have been like to serve in a British armoured regiment in World War Two. The focus is on the people and their stories, while still giving a general feel for the campaigns they fought in.

[Robert Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for those interested in Great British mechanised warfare.

[PJ Prinsloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter Hart’s Burning Steel offers a raw and immersive look into the experiences of tank crews during World War II. The firsthand accounts from veterans bring an undeniable authenticity to the narrative, placing readers right alongside these brave men inside their Sherman tanks, facing the horrors of war.

However, while the realism is striking, the storytelling at times feels repetitive. The book recounts similar themes and experiences throughout, which, while true to the veterans' lived realities, might test the reader’s engagement. This repetition reinforces the relentless nature of tank warfare but can make sections feel familiar rather than fresh.

Despite that, *Burning Steel* successfully captures the courage, camaraderie, and hardships of those who fought in armored warfare. It’s a powerful tribute to their sacrifices and an invaluable record of history.

[The Bauchler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Personal recollections of the men and officers of a less well known British regiment of WWII laid out in chronological order.

Good background information to set the context of their time in Europe from D-Day+3 onwards.