Cobra: The Normandy Breakout Due out on 31 May is the last of our Normandy themed Battle Books. We take a brief look at what will be inside. After weeks of battling through impenetrable hedgerows for a few yards of French soil, the US Army has broken out of the beachhead. Operation Cobra has cracked the German front lines.

The veteran 2nd ‘Hell On Wheels’ Armored Division smashes through German divisions still flattened by the bombing. Beside them the 3rd ‘Spearhead’ Armored Division races into the disorganized rear of broken German formations. Everywhere American task forces roll down roads, opposition crumbling before them.

However, not all of the Germans are done with fighting. As the Americans begin to encircle German forces cut off in the Roncey Pocket, the hardened 2. ‘Das Reich’ SS-Panzerdivision strikes south, breaking free of the trap. The two forces clash in the dark, each struggling to accomplish their mission and deny the other side victory. When morning light comes, both sides now know that the fight has only just begun, neither willing to relinquish the field of battle to the other.

INSIDE YOU WILL FIND:

History of Operation Cobra, the US breakout from Normandy. History and complete organisation of the German 12. ‘Hitlerjugend’ SS-Panzerdivision, one of the most well equipped and combat ready divisions in Normandy, and 2. ‘Das Reich’ SS-Panzerdivision, full of tough Eastern Front veterans. Options to field Panzer, Panzergrenadier, Panzer-pionier, and Panzerspäh companies.

History and complete organisation of the US 2nd ‘Hell on Wheels’ Armored Division and 3rd ‘Spearhead’ Armored Division. Options to field Tank, Armored Rifle, and Armored Recon companies. Exploits of Oberscharführer Ernst Barkmann, one of the greatest tank aces in history, and Staff Sergeant Lafayette Pool, America’s top tank ace. Three new linked scenarios.

Cobra, The Normandy Breakout, July-August 1944 will be in stores from 31 May 2008. Pre-order a copy from your local store today. Or you can pre-order it online…