Book Description
On the eve of World War II, the British army was more an international police force than a true combat-ready fighting machine. Raymond Callahan chronicles its trial-by-fire transformation in a new and unflinching look at Great Britain's top commanders in the field.
Callahan reexamines the much-maligned performance of the British army in that war by reevaluating its commanders' victories and defeats, their leadership abilities and flaws, and their often rocky relationships with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whose powerful presence looms over every page. Revisiting wartime theaters stretching from Southeast Asia across India through the Middle East, into North Africa, and across Europe, Callahan revises and expands our understanding of how British commanders-both the best and worst-led their troops and executed their strategies.
Callahan explores the way Churchill, with his own ideas about the army's goals and concerned about the precariousness of his political fortunes, dealt with his generals, who often held views different from his own. He probes the relationship between Churchill's political goals and war aims, the army's capabilities, and its generals' battlefield performance, while assessing the roles of such leaders as Alan Brooke, Bernard Montgomery, Archibald Wavell, Claude Auchinleck, and Harold Alexander. He also reveals why William Slim should be regarded as the outstanding British commander of the war and Britain's best field commander since Wellington-and how other generals such as Neil Richie, Henry Wilson, and Oliver Leese exemplify the role of chance in history.
Past criticism has tended to ignore both the obstacles confronting the army and its dramatic improvement by war's end. Callahan sets that record straight while offering insight into the evolution of the British wartime army within the contexts of coalition warfare, the constraints of a far-flung Empire, and Churchill's political concerns and desire to retain a British presence on the world stage. He considers problems posed by manpower, training, doctrine, equipment, and new military technologies and strategies as the army faced a multifront global war that pushed an already overextended fighting force nearly to the breaking point.
Churchill and His Generals is the most comprehensive analysis of this wartime relationship, an account of institutional transformation under extreme stress that balances Churchill's own self-serving memoirs. It clearly demonstrates that what political leaders demand from their armies is less important than what those armies are designed to do-and that this oft-recurring disconnect lies at the root of much wartime civil-military tension.
This book is part of the Modern War Studies series.
Customer Reviews:
A Solid Effort.......2007-07-17
This is a well written, and concise, perhaps too concise review of the course of the leadership of the British Army in the second world war. The author does a good job of describing the evolution of British generalship in the war, and the difficulties of both finding capable leaders, as well as those who could pass muster with Winston Churchill; not an easy task. Particular emphasis is placed upon the war in North Africa, which perhaps most illustrated how lackluster leaders resulted in defeat; despite having many advantages in men and material over the enemy, the redoubtable Afrika Korps.
I agree with an earlier reviewer, and the author, that Gen. William Slim was perhaps the finest British general since Wellington. Most have heard of Montgomery, and opinions on him are sharply divided, but unfortunately, many have little or no knowledge of Slim and his accomplishments in Burma.
One general that I believe should have been covered in a bit more detail in this book was the CIGS, Gen. Sir Alan Brooke. To my mind, his leadership was indispensable in the professional direction of the army, selection of commanders, and above all, dealing with Churchill, and deflecting some of his more outrageous schemes. They proved to be a great team, but I believe Brooke, despite great respect and admiration for Churchill, harbored a resentment towards him until his death.
When I earlier said that this book was perhaps too concise, I was referring to it's somewhat short length. I believe another 100-200 pages could easily have been writtten. My main complaint is the utter lack of maps; they are essential for a book of this nature.
Great Britain's World War II Army and Its Commanders.......2007-06-11
The British Army of World War II began the war deficient in leadership, doctrine, equipment, and training, leading to a series of military debacles in Europe and the Pacific between 1940 and 1942 that overshadowed the army and its commanders for the remainder of the war. By 1945, however, it had evolved into an effective fighting force, despite manpower shortages that forced British generals to adopt caution in their operations and eventually led to the disbanding of some seven divisions.
In "Churchill and His Generals" author Raymond Callahan focuses on Great Britains key military leaders and formations: the Eighth Army, which fought in North Africa and Italy; the Second Army, which fought in Northwestern Europe from D-Day to the end of the war; and the Fourteenth Army, which fought in Burma.
It was the Fourteenth Army which emerged as the greatest fighting force of the war. It's commander, General William Slim, is described by Callahan as "the finest British general since Wellington" for it was he that built and transformed that army it into the best of Great Britiain's World War II formations. Unfortunately, for Slim and his veterans, the Fourteenth received little recognition from Winston Churchill for their tremendous contributions to the defeat of the Japanese in Burma.
Despite his reputation as one of the greatest British leaders of World War II, Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery emerges as a commander who had not advanced beyond 1918 tactically and the legitimate descendant of the generals of World War I. After the years of defeats, retreats and evacuations, the ascendency of the Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke - Field Marshal Mongomery team, meant a return to tactical and operational caution (reinforced by manpower concerns). Victory through firepower at an acceptable cost in lives became the aim - and the British Army delivered those victories.
Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander, consistently denigrated and undervalued by both Montgomery and Brooke, emerges as a capable soldier as well as the closest thing the British Army had to an Eisenhower-style coalition commander.
The major shortcoming of this work is that it is a synthesis of secondary sources and relies heavily on the postwar memoirs of most of the British commanders of the Second World War. Unfortunately, in those memoirs, Great Britiain's World War II military leaders spend a great deal of energy disparaging each other. The attentive reader is left wondering if Callahan has not presented Great Britian's World War II Army and its commanders too negatively.
Book Description
The bestselling book responsible for dubbing the U.S. Eighth Air Force as "The Mighty" is back again in a revised edition. The most remarkable and most popular account of WWII aviation depicts the 8th from its arrival in Britain in 1942, to its spread across the country to operate from over 40 bases, on the way to becoming the largest air unit ever committed to battle. An extensively detailed and fully researched account covers intensive bomber and fighter sorties over Europe conducted by over 2,000 aircraft involving over 150,000 men. The exploits of B-17s, B-26s, and P-47s are told, along with little-known explanations of the vastly sophisticated supply chain that kept them flying. Over 700 photos of planes on the ground and in battle action depict formations and strategies, while over 150 full-color illustrations display aircraft group markings.
Customer Reviews:
Both fascinating and full of meticulous detail.......2006-02-25
I bought this, in the US version, for research purposes. It is outstanding for that (it even covers some quite obscure use of Mosquitos on Red Stocking missions)but is also a fascinating and really good read! If only someone would produce an equally good book on the US Pacific war in the air.
Excellent - You are there!.......2002-01-08
Freeman's book is an excellent look at the 8th Air Force in England - from its first arrival in late 1942 to its departure at the end of the war. He writes so well that you actually feel as if you are there, riding along with the crews at 25,000 feet, in the harsh subzero atmosphere. The stories are remarkable - the fighter pilots; the Fortress gunners; the pilots remarkable duties while flying crippled ships - all fascinating. When the last of the planes and crews leave England at the end of the war, you can almost see the tears at this bittersweet end. Definitely recommended. My only complaint: I bought the British version - the font is smaller and as a result, more print is crammed onto a single page as opposed to American books. (But, I'd still buy it again and read it!)
Detailed, Meticulously Researched, Encyclopedic.......2001-06-07
This is the book to get if you want to really know the activities of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. It covers the Mighty Eighth from its inception all the way through the war. Arranged pretty much chronologically, the book is not a quick read by any means. The tiny print and comprehensive detail would make slow going for someone just trying to get a general overview of the Eighth Air Force. This is a book for the serious aviation history reader. Written by one of England's top authorities on the US Eighth Air Force, Roger Freeman, this book is crammed with excellent photographs and stories of all the major missions and developments in the war. It also has a beautiful color section showing all the planes of the Eighth, with an illustrated example from each bomb group and fighter group. This is followed by a brief unit history on every group. There is another color section on assembly ships, which have always reminded me of rodeo clowns with their gaudy paint jobs. This is followed by a short selection of vintage nose art, an illustrated listing of all the aces of the war, and another illustrated list of Medal of Honor Winners. The index is quite good, though at first a bit confusing as it is broken up according to names, places and aircraft and the listings are very specific (for example, it doesn't work for finding something general such as Switzerland). This is a high quality book, actually more of an oversized book than a standard trade paperback. It has been wonderfully put together. It is a masterpiece, the result of much painstaking research, full of excellent photographs. Anyoone with a serious interest in the Mighty Eighth would find this book to be one of the cornerstones of his or her collection, along with Ian Hawkins' books on Munster and the 95th. I highly recommend it.
Story of the Eightth Air Force in Europe 1942-1945.......2001-01-14
If you ever knew, or know anyone who served in the 8th Air Force in Europe during the period 1942-1945, this book will asnwer the question, "What Did You Do During World War II? If a member of your family flew with the 8th during that period, this is a must to keep as part of your family history, for generations yet to come. It deserves a prominent place on the family tree. It is well illustrated, and tells it like it was. I know, for i was there, and this is the way it was.
Book Description
This is the first serious analysis of the combat capability of the British army in the Second World War. It sweeps away the myth that the army suffered from poor morale, and that it only won its battles through the use of 'brute force' and by reverting to the techniques of the First World War. David French analyses the place of the army in British interwar strategy and during the Second World War. He shows that after 1918 the General Staff tried hard to learn the lessons of the First World War, enthusiastically embracing technology as the best way of minimizing future casualties. In the first half of the Second World War the army did suffer from manifold weaknesses, not just in the form of shortages of equipment, but also in the way in which it applied its doctrine. Few soldiers were actively eager to close with the enemy, but the morale of the army never collapsed and its combat capability steadily improved from 1942 onwards. Professor French assesses Montgomery's contributions to the war effort and concludes the most important were his willingness to impose a uniform understanding of doctrine on his subordinates, and to use mechanized firepower in ways quite different from Haig in the First World War.
Customer Reviews:
Objective appraisal of a much-debated issue.......2002-06-05
Ever since Carlo D'Este's DECISION IN NORMANDY was published, the performance of the British Army in Europe in the Second World War has been a subject of much debate. The army has been accused of having poor morale, poor leadership, poor tactics, poor operational strategy, poor equipment, and just about anything derisive that could be written about an army. Some of these accusations are well supported by historical evidence, other accusations have little basis. David French's RAISING CHURCHILL'S ARMY presents an assessment of the British Army in the Second World War, that is strongly supported by historical evidence. He disproves many accusations against the army while concentrating on its principal failing, an inadequate indoctrination of combined arms tactics. Anyone interested in understanding (or attacking) the British performance in the Second World War should read this book.
Book Description
Tim Moreman examines the creation and deployment of British 8th Army, probably the most famous military formation raised by the British during World War II. Formed in September 1941 from the Western Desert Force, it went on to wage a lengthy, hard-fought campaign against German and Italian troops across the deserts of North Africa. It was composed of British and Commonwealth troops - as well as smaller numbers of French and Polish troops. Additionally, a variety of specialized elite forces came under its umbrella including the Special Air Service, Popski's Private Army and the Long Range Desert Group. This book will provide a fascinating insight into these unconventional troops who became the inspiration for today's Special Forces. It was also the first Allied army to rely on close air support; a revolutionary, war-winning tactic that would shaped combined forces strategy throughout the rest of the war.
The Desert War was unlike any other fought by the British Army. The hot, dusty, and unforgiving climate and environment in which its troops lived, moved, and fought was almost as troublesome as the enemy. During its two-year period of service in North Africa, 8th Army underwent major changes in organization, equipment, and training to adapt it to the terrain. Discover the difficulties of desert warfare and how these were overcome by the 8th Army to defeat Rommel and become masters of the desert.
Customer Reviews:
Follows Conventional British Historiography .......2007-09-04
Tim Moreman's second volume in Osprey's Battle Order series, Desert Rats: the British 8th Army in North Africa 1941-43, is a fairly conventional look at that famous fighting force. While the author does a fairly good job packing a lot of data into a small space, he doesn't make much effort to get off the well-worth path created by a previous generation of British historians on the Desert War and readers may fail to see any unique value that justifies its purchase. At any rate, this is a nice companion volume to the earlier (and better done) volume on the Afrika Korps and many readers will probably regard them as a matched set.
After a short introduction describing the 8th Army's creation in September 1941 and its combat mission, the author moves into an 18-page section on unit organization. Although the author provides a large number of line and block charts on units from division down to battalion, he provides relatively little data on the number of personnel and weapons authorized. Furthermore, while he does provide 8th Army charts for November 1941, May 1942 and November 1942 (the last, on pp. 73, is mis-labeled as July 1942), he does not list constituent brigades in each division or important corps-level artillery and engineer units. Unlike other Osprey Battle Orders books, such as the one on the Afrika Korps, the author actually provides very little information on the core component units in the 8th Army. Some allied units, such as the Greek 1st Brigade which fought at El Alamein, are never mentioned and the Polish Carpathian Brigade gets only a nod. This failure to provide a detailed organizational study is the biggest weakness of this volume.
The author then provides a 14-page section on doctrine and training, noting the pernicious effects of faulty pre-war training on British tactical performance in the desert. This is a very well-written section and the closest that comes to a reflective look at what went right and what went wrong for the British in North Africa. Particularly interesting are the author's description of the British creation of maneuver training areas in Egypt and the lengthy period required to train replacements arriving from England. A short section follows on weapons, focusing on infantry equipment, tanks and artillery - useful for novices to this subject. A 7-page section on C3I is also a bit of an eye opener, in that British tactical communications in North Africa were apparently pretty awful and greatly hindered coordinated operations, although the author also uses German sources to point to a rigid British style of issuing overly-directive orders. The volume also has 9 maps (the Mediterranean theater of war; North Africa; Operation Crusader - 3 maps; the Battle of Gazala; the Battle of Alam Halfa; the Battle of the Mareth Line; the Battle of Wadi Akarit), a bibliography and a list of abbreviations used.
The 28-page section on combat operations, focusing on Crusader, Gazala, Alam Halfa, Mareth Line and Wadi Akarit is the heart of the volume. This section is interesting and well-written, but doesn't seem to tie it all together into a coherent theory of how 8th Army evolved from a fairly amateurish colonial-era army into a modernized, combined-arms force, as Niall J. Barr did in 2005 with Pendulum of War. Indeed, Barr's book is not even mentioned in the bibliography and the author doesn't say a word about the string of abortive British infantry brigade attacks prior to Alam Halfa. Indeed, much of the narrative in this volume is similar to the type of writing we saw 30 years ago in Purnell's History of the Second World War, without benefit of more recent research. For example, not once does the author detail the evolution of British artillery tactics, including the TOT mission and the corps-level "stonk," that greatly increased British firepower at El Alamein. British improvements in engineers - which would make a big difference on D-Day - are also over-looked. The conventional view - to look mostly at tanks, infantry and anti-tank guns - just doesn't do justice to the 8th Army. Readers may also detect two annoying biases on the part of the author: a tendency to treat the Germans as ten feet tall and a tendency to lionize Montgomery at the expense of all the previous commanders of 8th Army. The Germans made plenty of mistakes in the Desert War, but here the author tends to make them look nearly invincible. Also, Montgomery certainly made big contributions to the improvement of 8th Army, but this author seems to suggest that nothing prior to Monty mattered much, which is far from the truth and slanderous to Wavell and Auchinleck.
Average customer rating:
- Inadequate generalship and squandered opportunity
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EARLY BATTLES OF THE EIGHTH ARMY: Crusader to the Alamein Line
Adrian Stewart
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Eighth Army's Greatest Victories: Alam Halfa to Tunis 1942-1943
ASIN: 0850528518 |
Book Description
Readers of this author's Eighth Army s Greatest Victories will welcome this latest work covering the difficult early period of what was to become one of the most illustrious formations in British military history. Born from the Western Desert force, the Eighth Army was beset with command, equipment and morale problems before it emerged to enjoy glory.
The book recounts the events of the first year of the Eighth Army's existence when it enjoyed the advantages of superior numbers, superior tanks (contrary to legend), superior intelligence and the support of a more effective air force. Despite these benefits and the undoubted valor of its soldiers, however, it suffered a series of defeats or, even more disheartening, successes which brought no lasting benefit. The book describes these events and explains the reasons with authority.
Customer Reviews:
Inadequate generalship and squandered opportunity.......2004-11-13
In 1941 and 1942, time and again the British Eighth Army squandered opportunities for victory against Rommel in North Africa, despite superior numbers and equipment. Thousands of tanks, guns and soldiers were lost and captured, including some of the best units of the entire British Army, those of the Dominions of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Over and over again infantry units attacked and took German and Italian positions at night, only to be insufficiently supported and overrun by German tanks the next day. My own grandfather, fighting with the 6th NZ Brigade was captured in the El Mreir Depression in such a situation during the second battle at Ruweisat Ridge, just months before the arrival of Montgomery and the El Alamein turning point of the war in North Africa.
This book clearly and informatively lays out the sequence of events and lays the blame for the repeated failures at the feet of the Eighth Army leadership.
Book Description
This book offers a complete guide to the organisation and order-of-battle of British and Commonwealth armies during the years 1939 to 1943. The five chapters cover all main theatres of war - Europe incl. the Home Front ; North Africa ; East and West Africa, and the Middle East ; the Mediterranean ; the Pacific and Far East. T.o.E.'s (Tables of Organisation and Equipment) are given for all main and many minor types of formations in each theatre - from armoured brigades and divisions in North Africa, to Egyptian home defence forces 1939-42, British Force 121 in Magadagascar 1942, and Indian infantry units in Iraq and Persia during 1940-41.
Some of the formations covered include?ARMOURED FORMATIONS - armoured divisions, tank brigades, independent armoured units?INFANTRY FORMATIONS - infantry divisions, territorial/lines-of-communication divisions, infantry brigades, motorised brigades?OTHER FORMATIONS - airborne divisions, anti-aircraft divisions, cavalry divisions, parachute brigades, cavalry brigades, home defence forces including the Home Guard and Australian militia, significant garrisons (including Crete, Singapore and Hong Kong), corps and army support elements, ad hoc formations (e.g. Habforce, Force 121), comprehensive coverage of special forces.
Key Features?First in a new series of books which will cover the organisation of all WWII armies, both well-known and obscure.
Careful presentation combined with a host of hard-to-find information will ensure this will become a standard source for order-of-battle data about the British and Commonwealth armies
All organisations are analysed down to section level ; listings include specific types of equipment and weaponry used, along with explanatory notes.
Clearly laid-out and easy-to-use data.?
Book Description
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides an illustrated and highly detailed account of the guns used by the Allied armies of the West in all theaters in World War II. In contrast to the diversity of German weaponry, Allied artillery development was a story of gradual improvement and solid technical advance. The book is divided into sections on field and medium artillery, heavy and superheavy artillery, antitank and antiaircraft guns, railway artillery, coastal guns, and recoilless artillery. For each weapon described there is a service history, together with the author's incisive comments on performance, and detailed technical data.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book on the Long Range Snipers.......2005-05-06
The British Crown was very lucky to have such a man in their Army. I can recommend all of his work as well worth the effort to read.
Simply Awesome!.......2003-07-28
I first ran into Mr. Hogg's works over 25 years ago and was simply amazed by his in depth knowledge of the world's guns - both large and small. This work only confirms that thought. The description of the advantages and shortcomings are certainly eye-opening; See the section on the 25-pounder for a good bit of wise analysis from a man who must have pushed many a tube around the world.
From the little 2-pounder and 37 mm AT guns to Little David, Bruce and Winnie and Pooh the reader takes a journey through the Allied weapons of WW-II. The pictures and descriptions are simply outstanding.
Go get this book as soon as you can!
Average customer rating:
- An exhilarating ride with Popski's Private Army
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With Popski's Private Army
Ben Owen
Manufacturer: Janus Publishing Company
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Binding: Paperback
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Fighting with Popski's Private Army (Cassell Military Paperbacks)
ASIN: 1857565452 |
Customer Reviews:
An exhilarating ride with Popski's Private Army.......2000-04-25
If you have read Vladimir Peniakoff's memoir, then you will undoubtedly have an appetite for "With Popski's Private Army" by Ben Owen. It is the essential complement to Peniakoff's book, relating the perspective of his men. Ben Owen's book is a more intimate account of life - and death - in the ranks of the British Army's smallest independent unit, and leaves one missing the company of the men he so fondly recalls. The author gives a vivid portrayel of the warmth of comraderie set against the attrition and suffering of conflict,and breaths life into the discreet cameos of Peniakoff's book. Along with humour and pathos this book is richly adorned with accounts of breath-taking daring, skill and guile. This is a superb account of a vanishing breed, and I urge you to acquaint yourself with these remarkable men. Copies of this book are available from the author.
Book Description
The scope of Britain's wartime Middle East Command stretched far beyond the Libyan desert where the 8th Army's most famous battles were fought - from Gibraltar and Tunisia in the west, to Iraq and Persia in the east, and from Greece south to the Gulf of Aden. In 1940-43 this was the only arena where the British Army could take the ground war to the German Wehrmacht; it saw a succession of setbacks and triumphs, until spring 1945 found the 8th Army victorious in northern Italy. A summary of these campaigns is illustrated by photographs, and detailed colour plates of the wide range of uniforms worn in the varied conditions of this huge theatre of war.
Customer Reviews:
A great book with great illustrtations.......2005-06-07
The RSM has done his usual outstanding job showing Tommy Atkins with his various forms of equipment!
Terrific.......2004-07-26
I see Carter Rila has spammed his generic comments into this review as well. (Refers to review of volume 1)
The colour plates in this book seem a bit washed out, but that may be the nature of all these figures in khaki. That is the only real criticism of this volume.
What the book presents is a nice overview of the history of the British Army in Northwest Europe, both in 1939-40 and the French campaign, in the UK, and in Overlord and beyond on the continent. Additionally, a history of battle dress uniforms is sketched out and a brief survey of infantry equipment is given. Just enough for the average modeller to follow the directions on his 1:35 scale kit or 1/6 action figure, but beyond that obviously the reader will need to look elsewhere - such as Chappell's volume on British infantry equipment, or David Gordon's excellent books, or even Bouchery (though he does not specialize in equipment). Of course, the TOMMY and JUNGLE GREEN books would be a good bet for equipment also.
The sidebars are interesting; inclusion of 21 Army Group HQ is an interesting touch. Very nice detail sketch of the workings of the No. 4 Mk 1 (T) sniper rifle - one wishes these sketches were more prevalent in all the MAA titles.
Interesting tables on production figures, and a nice thumbnail sketch of the supporting corps and services and what they did.
Photos are, in the main, well above average and some look like they could have been taken yesterday the quality and clarity is so great. Others are not as good, but most are unique and not the "stock" photos that grace so many generic volumes on British soldiers.
Overall a good introduction to the subject, and reflects the current high state of the art of the MAA titles.
Comments above are for Volume 1; I see my review is crossposted to Volume 2. I also own Volume 2 and find it just as useful as Volume 1. Sidebar info includes diagram of battledress insignia placement, and good map of the Middle East. Sadly, still no chart of rank, responsibilities and appointments. This is sadly lacking in most British Army references - the differences between rank and appointment were very real, and a good source of info on the difference betwen a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, Quartermaster Senior Instructor, and Regimental Sergeant Major would be a nice touch.
Colour plates also seem a bit washed out, but poses are terrific and details are top notch.
Very Useful Overview.......2001-12-23
This work is a splendid example of the new emphasis of the publisher on producing comprehensive works in a handy cheap format compared with the earlier broad brush treatments which covered too much in too little detail.
The new emphasis is on sets covering various national armed forces in as much detail as is available, consistent with the current purpose of the works in the series, which have evolved from an original emphasis on serving the military miniature maker market into works intended to enlighten the general reader in enough detail to satisfy the merely curious and to point the way to further reading.
Most of us, including myself, have little need for, or the patience to read, voluminous studies, often in foreign languages, covering many eras and nations. My main interest is in the US forces, their allies and their enemies in the twentieth century.
That said, these works should be purchased as presented, in sets within the series. Since they are produced as a set, the volumes cover only relevent parts of the general history and the clothing and individual equipment is covered as it appears in each period. The French Army, US Army, British Army, and Italian Army series all have three volumes, covering the major theatres and time periods of the war. The German set has five.
This should be read along with the volumes on Battle Dress and British Infantry Equipments in this series.
If you want an introduction to the fascinating variety of clothing and equipment of the forces covered, this set is for you.
Quite Useful Study of An Important Force.......2001-12-23
This work is a splendid example of the new emphasis of the publisher on producing comprehensive works in a handy cheap format compared with the earlier broad brush treatments which covered too much in too little detail.
The new emphasis is on sets covering various national armed forces in as much detail as is available, consistent with the current purpose of the works in the series, which have evolved from an original emphasis on serving the military miniature maker market into works intended to enlighten the general reader in enough detail to satisfy the merely curious and to point the way to further reading.
Most of us, including myself, have little need for, or the patience to read, voluminous studies, often in foreign languages, covering many eras and nations. My main interest is in the US forces, their allies and their enemies in the twentieth century.
That said, these works should be purchased as presented, in sets within the series. Since they are produced as a set, the volumes cover only relevent parts of the general history and the clothing and individual equipment is covered as it appears in each period. The French Army, US Army, British Army, and Italian Army series all have three volumes, covering the major theatres and time periods of the war. The German set has five.
The British Army set should be read in conjunction with Mike Chappell's work on British Infantry equipment and the volume on Battle Dress.
If you want an introduction to the fascinating variety of clothing and equipment of the forces covered, this set is for you.
Highly Useful and Detailed Study.......2001-12-23
This work is a splendid example of the new emphasis of the publisher on producing comprehensive works in a handy cheap format compared with the earlier broad brush treatments which covered too much in too little detail.
The new emphasis is on sets covering various national armed forces in as much detail as is available, consistent with the current purpose of the works in the series, which have evolved from an original emphasis on serving the military miniature maker market into works intended to enlighten the general reader in enough detail to satisfy the merely curious and to point the way to further reading.
Most of us, including myself, have little need for, or the patience to read, voluminous studies, often in foreign languages, covering many eras and nations. My main interest is in the US forces, their allies and their enemies in the twentieth century.
That said, these works should be purchased as presented, in sets within the series. Since they are produced as a set, the volumes cover only relevent parts of the general history and the clothing and individual equipment is covered as it appears in each period. The French Army, US Army, British Army, and Italian Army series all have three volumes, covering the major theatres and time periods of the war. The German set has five.
The German Army set should be read in conjunction with many other individual volumes covering their allies and opponents and the other German fighting forces such as the Waffen SS, and the Parachute units, which were part of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe.
If you want an introduction to the fascinating variety of clothing and equipment of the forces covered, this set is for you.
Book Description
To encapsulate the British Army in one book is no easy task, but here, George Forty presents it as it was during the Second World War. When war was declared in 1939, the British Army was very much the 'Cinderella' of the three armed services with a total strength of around 865,000 men. However, just four years later when the Allies invaded North West Europe, the British Army had grown into a powerful, well-organized and well-equipped fighting force of three million men and women. George Forty here presents a comprehensive overview of the British Army during this important time. It has full details of mobilization and training, higher organization and arms of the service; divisional organizations and non-divisional units; HQs and Staff; the combat arms and the services; the individual soldier, his weapons and equipment based on that used in 1944; tactics; weapons, vehicles and equipment; vehicle markings and camouflage; the ATS and other Women's Corps. Fully illustrated with an unusual collection of photographs and line illustrations, this is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in this fascinating period of British history.
Customer Reviews:
A good read but lacking data.......2006-04-26
I quite enjoyed reading this publication; I found it to be informative and well thought out. But the text is very light on hard statistical data, relying more on broad generalisations through creative descriptions with little in the way of hard statistical data. If you are looking to read about the British army in World War II this is the book for you, but if your looking for a book with facts and figures such as notes on equipment, weapons, vehicles, etc - then this is not the book for you.
Good Reference Source.......2000-06-30
A good reference source for the British Army at the height of its glory in WW2. Covers the organizational history of the British Army during WW2. The book not only covers the more well known aspects of the Britich Army but covers the lesser known parts of the Combat Service and Combat Service Suppport elements.
A good companion volume to the US Army Handbook that also covers WW2.
A must read for many wargamers and a should read for all WW2 Histary buffs.
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