Come Back to Portofino

By James Bourhill,

Book cover of Come Back to Portofino: Through Italy with the 6th South African Armoured Division

Book description

Using archival sources and private documents recently unearthed, Come Back to Portofino chronicles the journey taken by volunteers in the 6th South African Armoured Division. From training camps in Egypt through to the blissful summer of 1945 the 'Div' left its mark on towns and villages across Italy. From Monte…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Come Back to Portofino as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Many war graves in Italy are inscribed with South African names, attesting to the hard-won victories and the tragic losses of the 6th Armoured Division in Italy.

As a stickler for detail, I was impressed by Bourhill’s descriptions and meticulous attention to the minutia that makes for an immersive reading experience. It is especially the first-hand accounts of servicemen that bring this book to life and give a clear picture of what it was like to fight and live in Italy during the war.  

From Karen's list on Africa and the Second World War.

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