The twin armored advances of “Goodwood” and “Cobra”, unleashed six weeks after the Allied landings in Normandy in June 1944, were intended to trap a German army within a wider pincer movement. Myths that have grown up since the end of the Second World War suggested that Goodwood, a British initiative, foundered while Cobra undertaken by the Americans, prospered. The author contends, however, that together these operations provided the impetus for a series of advances, culminating in the encirclement and ultimate destruction or capture of many German formations within the notorious Falaise pocket in August 1944. Credit is given to soldiers on both sides, American, British, Canadian and German, for their resolute efforts in almost impossible situations. The author gives particular attention to headquarters’ “spin doctors” and the dissemination of information within the Allied armies, which helped to obscure the true objectives of Operation Goodwood. -- From the book jacket.

Flowers in the hedgerows -- The sadness of Sergeant Sid -- Halt! Who goes where? -- World's worst traffic jam -- The bull meets the matadors -- Grim guards and hamstrung rats -- Crestfallen at the Crest -- Cobra under the carpet -- Cobra strikes at last -- Cobra hydra headed -- Shambles at Chambois -- Very unfriendly fire.