<P>When Monty was given Allied command of the D-Day landings he wasted no time gathering around him individuals and formations he could trust. These included the 4th (Black Desert Rats) and 8th (Red Fox’s Mask) formations. Both had unrivaled fighting records.</P><P>Once ashore in Normandy the two superb brigades went on to enhance their reputations on the journey to the heartland of Hitler’s Third Reich and final victory. The author has written a fast moving and enthralling account of war at the sharp end.</P>