Thank you Robert. A fascinating article about Bill Slim, his leadership and the qualities of the man. It all brings things to mind and memories of my father serving in the XIV Army. Really excellent to read this.
Excellent article Robert, I think the best analysis of Bill Slim I understand was from Clement Attlee comparing him to Montgomery. “Bill Slim thought about the army, Montgomery thought about himself.” Though, telling Churchill, if true and not a myth “that neither him or his army would vote for him, (Churchill)” has got to be up there for leadership, of the forgotten army.
I recall it was on a Times radio program but about all Clem Attlee becoming PM. It included the known comment about Montgomery being told his recommendation was not acceptable, but also that Attlee made the comment Bill Slim thought about the army whilst Montgomery only himself, it was a new comment to me so it stuck.
Didn’t Attlee get Slim has Commandant Royal College of Defence Studies so they knew one another. It has to be associated with his, Attlee’s bibliography or his assessment of Montgomery in the Observer
While reading this excellent article, I couldn’t help thinking of David Lean’s classic 1957 film, “Bridge on the River Kwai.” While almost entirely fictional, and based on Pierre Boule’s book of the same title, the story, including Col. Nicholson’s uncompromising determination to save his men by, in the words of his Valedictory, “turning defeat into victory,” seems somehow inspired by the spirit of Bill Slim. Even the daring mission to destroy the bridge, supposed in the movie to have emanated from “Lord Louie’s men,” seems rather to be the type of operation Slim would have approved. In fact, is it going too far to say, Col. Nicholson IS Bill Slim?
Very well written. Now I really have to get and read the book!
Enjoy!
Sold.
Can you recommend a book on his campaigns?
I can indeed! https://amzn.eu/d/by5NLzL
😂 I bought it
The author’s name looked familiar
I came back here
😂
Now you’ll get a review smarty pants
After I read
Ha ha!
Let’s start the review.
Why isn’t this on Kindle?
😤
It is. https://amzn.eu/d/1Zwc5gJ
https://amzn.eu/d/dPtAJY5
John…Snow?
Oops! His cousin, Peter Snow...
John Snow ❄️ from Winter is coming 😂
Game of Thrones 😂
I will read on Slim’s campaign.
Thank you Robert. A fascinating article about Bill Slim, his leadership and the qualities of the man. It all brings things to mind and memories of my father serving in the XIV Army. Really excellent to read this.
Thank you!
Excellent article Robert, I think the best analysis of Bill Slim I understand was from Clement Attlee comparing him to Montgomery. “Bill Slim thought about the army, Montgomery thought about himself.” Though, telling Churchill, if true and not a myth “that neither him or his army would vote for him, (Churchill)” has got to be up there for leadership, of the forgotten army.
Thank you David. Have you got a source for Attlee's comment? Its fabulous.
I recall it was on a Times radio program but about all Clem Attlee becoming PM. It included the known comment about Montgomery being told his recommendation was not acceptable, but also that Attlee made the comment Bill Slim thought about the army whilst Montgomery only himself, it was a new comment to me so it stuck.
Didn’t Attlee get Slim has Commandant Royal College of Defence Studies so they knew one another. It has to be associated with his, Attlee’s bibliography or his assessment of Montgomery in the Observer
Thanks! I have a look
While reading this excellent article, I couldn’t help thinking of David Lean’s classic 1957 film, “Bridge on the River Kwai.” While almost entirely fictional, and based on Pierre Boule’s book of the same title, the story, including Col. Nicholson’s uncompromising determination to save his men by, in the words of his Valedictory, “turning defeat into victory,” seems somehow inspired by the spirit of Bill Slim. Even the daring mission to destroy the bridge, supposed in the movie to have emanated from “Lord Louie’s men,” seems rather to be the type of operation Slim would have approved. In fact, is it going too far to say, Col. Nicholson IS Bill Slim?
What a brilliant observation. Yes, I think that the two men are one and the same in terms of character.