Noel Botham (1940–2012)

An interesting story but rather far-fetched in places, a cynic might call it fiction. Although purporting to be a non-fictional historical piece, the writing is very much fictional in style and includes elements that cannot possibly be known to the authors such as conversations between well-known historical figures such as Churchill and Hitler. There is also rather too much focus on sex for a book about tanks; and some dealings with a beautiful female spy which is very James Bond - in fact Ian Fleming appears towards the end of the book and it is even intimated that the hero is a basis for James Bond.

The long accepted story is that Tiger 131 was captured after being disabled and abandoned by its crew, and it is hard to believe that this tale of shoot-outs and spies is the true story that has been hidden for 70 years.

All-in-all, this is an interesting account of the capture of an iconic tank but, frankly, I believe at least some of the story is made up. The true story is probably so dull that it would not make an exciting read, even so, it feels like the authors are stretching their material to turn an article into a book.

The lack of any references or details of the so-called historical material reinforces this. Read with a large pinch of salt.

Edit- I have just found out that the Tank Museum, custodians of Tiger 131, reject this account as inaccurate so it seems my suspicions upon reading were correct.… (mehr)