An eye-opening and hard-hitting account of one of the gravest, most costly Allied tactical errors of World War Two is presented in Patton's Gap: the failure to close the Falaise Gap. This remarkable book sheds light on an oft-forgotten area of the Second World War, making it essential reading for history enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the works of authors like Martin Blumenson, Simon Trew, and Carlo D’Este.
By 12 August 1944, the entire German Seventh Army and what remained of the Fifth Panzer Army were trapped within a pocket with only one route out—the Falaise Gap. This twenty-mile exit remained open for nearly a week, and by the time the decision had been made to close it, nearly a quarter of a million enemy soldiers, their equipment, and thousands of tanks and vehicles had escaped. This monumental error undoubtedly prolonged the war and raises critical questions: why was the Gap not swiftly closed when the opportunity to capture an entire German army presented itself?
Were any of the leading generals—Patton, Montgomery, Bradley, or Eisenhower—ultimately to blame for this oversight, or was it merely a result of a general lapse of concentration across Allied forces during the chaos of battle? As a fighter-reconnaissance pilot who undertook one hundred and thirty-five mission tours, Major-General Richard Rohmer gained a unique bird’s-eye view of the Normandy operations. His experiences as a military commander, analyst, and best-selling author serve to provide insightful reflections on the events leading to the Falaise Gap's controversial conclusion.
Drawing upon meticulous research from various sources alongside his own wartime logbook, Rohmer’s Patton’s Gap is a remarkable study that offers both a thorough overview and an eyewitness account of a critical moment in the Battle of Normandy. This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that prompts a reevaluation of strategic decisions made during one of history’s most significant military engagements.
