This is a vivid and perceptive insight into the horrors of war as experienced by British soldiers of the Royal Artillery in the Desert War in 1941-2. The author, who fought in the campaign, brings to life the true nature of the fighting as British gunners struggled to defend their comrades from the armoured power of the Axis forces under Erwin Rommel. Here, too, are some of the lighter sides of war and the friendships that were made in those days of adversity.

Scale Military Modeller

From the moment I started chapter one I immediately new I liked Mark Carter's writing style. He grabs your attention right on the very first line. He changes subject very smoothly and that is one of the signs of a good writer.
The book describes in detail every aspect of war in the desert during the North Africa Campaign. This was when the British Eight Army stood alone against first the Italians and then a combined German/Italian Afrika Korp commanded by Erwin Rommel and later Ludwig Cruwell.

Carter tells humorous anecdotes that remind you that humour can be found at the most surprising times. What is funny about being a 25 pound gunner facing a 20 strong Panzer division? Whilst the heavy losses of close friends and comrades made for a deeply depressive mood at times, a sense of humour helped pull the Brit's through to victory.

Anti-Tank also tells how Carter met his future wife Mary-Anne, a nurse from Australia whilst in Cairo. This highlights the fact that these young men not only fought in the most terrifying battles and suffered every human emotion associated with it but also carved out lifelong friendships and in Carter's case romance.

For students of the second world war this book chronicles the events of the North Africa Campaign as well as the human side of the conflict.

A highly recommended read even for those without a strong interest in WW2.

WW2 Connection

Mark Carter survived in the Royal House Artillery during the Desert War, and his lively, flowing and detailed account describes his experiences from the arrival of the Afrika Korps to victory at El Alamein and the advance of the 8th Army.
Carter vividly describes the campaign from the perspective of the ordinary soldier, of confusion and horrendous close-quarters fighting, but he also dwells on life out of action, of humour, army bureaucracy, and also his relentless pursuit of an Australian nurse.

Pegasus Archive

…his book provides a first-hand account of a typical 25-pounder detachment during the desert war. The book looks at the action during the fierce fight with the Africa Corps, offering an insight into the daily life of an anti- tank gunner, which includes some of the lighter side of war and the friendships forged in adversity. A short illustrated section is also included.

Military Machines International

It is essentially a novel, a very readable one at that. A good story without lecturing, posturing or moralising.

The Army Rumour Service