The Iron Fortress

Based on the Incredible True Story of WWI

By: Michael G. Thomas

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

August 1917. As the Allies launch a massive offensive on the Western front, Captain Richardson, a battlefield veteran of the trenches leads four heavy tanks on an impossible mission against the German front line. A brazen assault through the wasteland battlefield that could shatter the German defences and create an opening for Allied soldiers to pour through and hasten the end of the war.

But when tank F41 becomes trapped in no-man-land, that battle is transformed. The men can neither advance nor retreat as the tank sinks deeper into the mud, all while shells rain down all around it. To make matters worse, the German Army is regrouping for a massive counterattack, and tank F41 is stranded right in front of them. The Germans try to force their way inside with every weapon at their disposal, and soon the tank is no longer a mobile fighting machine, but instead an Iron Fortress that is moments away from being overwhelmed.

Inspired by the true events and people of World War I, writer Michael G. Thomas creates a thrilling tale of heroism and brutal warfare so real you can sense the claustrophobia, hear the bullets, and feel the terror. Iron Fortress tells the true story of the heroic crew of tank F41 as they do the impossible, and fight a desperate battle, alone and outgunned, in the middle of the infamous and brutal Battle of Passchendaele.

©2019 Michael G. Thomas (P)2020 Michael G. Thomas

As a former Tank Commander...

A good insight into the history of armor, the bonding of crewmen, and the responsibilities of a tank commander. I think for me the telling sign that the author has either served as a tank crewman or has done some very detailed research is the demonstration of the affection for the tank as if it is a fellow crewman. You do not badmouth her nor do you ever piss on your own track. It's bad luck.
GUNNER!
SABOT!
TANK!

This is a good story about life inside a tank during WW1

I don’t know how I miss this book in my time trying to find war stories to listen too. However, I am glad I found it. Simple story, but told well. Good characters and realistic portrayals as well. Realistic NCO, Lt, and Cpt. The dialogue is a tad simple, but overall well done. Good description and imagery of the battlefield and the combat. Captures the perils of tank warfare in WW1. Fighting reliability and Germans alike. It also is, from what I can tell, very close to the actual story of Fray Bentos. Looking into the story after finishing this you can tell the author really worked to recreate the events as accurately as possible. Great find and I recommend it.

A harrowing tale of futility and courage

Every weapon has its limitations, and for this tank the failure point arrives in the form of a deep muddy crater between allied and enemy lines. This is a story of ingenuity and sacrifice as the crew is steadily thinned through attrition.