Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War
Al Murray's superb new book
Al Murray has made his name as a comedian. He’d now making it as an historian, in quite dramatic style.
I was privileged to review his new book for Aspects of History magazine. Please do support the magazine if you can, as it is designed to put accessible scholarship directly into the hands of readers. There is an extended interview with Al in the latest edition, which you’ll enjoy.
If you can’t subscribe just yet, I’ve posted a copy of my review below.
An excellent book particularly the section on Peter White. I did wonder if roles had been reversed how General Slim would have led 21st Army Group and General Montgomery 14th Army given their strengths and weaknesses.
Though 21st Army appointment did have a somewhat political element which General Montgomery struggled with, particularly because he wasn't IKE's preferred choice. 14th Army was arguably the first truly Commonwealth army built around the core of the Indian army. General Slim masterfully managed 14th Army, whilst being Admiral Lord Mountbatten's preferred choice.
My analysis is General Slim would have adapted to commanding 21st Army Group, better than would General Montgomery for 14th Army. I do wonder under General Slim, would have the German Army escaped Falaise and would he have stopped Horrock's 30 Corps at the Belgium border so avoiding Market Garden. I do wonder if General Montgomery would have adapted to managed the battle of the admin box, Kohima and Imphal.