At Close Range: Life and Death in an Artillery Regiment, 1939-45

A historian and author, Peter Hart, has written a book about the South Notts Hussars' experience in World War II, using detailed interviews with members of the regiment to reconstruct the conflict's most thrilling moments. This is military history at its best, outlining the path from despair to victory and allowing us to share in soldiers' hopes and fears.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Winner of the Military History Matters Award


Richard van Emden


The Second World War offers a unique perspective on the experiences of soldiers who fought in the conflict. The South Notts Hussars, a regiment that played a significant role in numerous major battles, provides a firsthand account of the war through the eyes of its members. In his book, Peter Hart conducts detailed interviews with these veterans, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the war and relive its most thrilling moments.


The South Notts Hussars participated in almost every major battle of the Second World War, from the Siege of Tobruk to the Battle of El Alamein and the D-Day Landings. Through the voices of these soldiers, Hart paints a vivid picture of the conflict, outlining the path from despair to victory and sharing the hopes and fears of the men who fought. The book also captures the deafening explosions of shells, the screams of diving Stukas, and the wounded soldiers lying on the battlefield.


However, it is not only the horrors of war that are depicted in the book. Hart also highlights the camaraderie and sense of purpose that soldiers found in their units. The bonds forged between comrades during combat were strong, and the support they provided to each other was invaluable. The book also sheds light on the devastating despair that followed the loss of friends and fellow soldiers.


In conclusion, "The South Notts Hussars: A Soldier's Story" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history. Through the voices of the soldiers themselves, Hart provides a unique and powerful account of the Second World War, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who fought and sacrificed for their country. The book is a testament to the resilience and bravery of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788161664
Edition number: Main