Eighth Army Versus Rommel is a riveting account of the Desert War from 1940 through Montgomery’s celebrated battle of Alamein in 1942. Comprehensively researched and rich in previously unpublished material, it examines the undertrained and underfunded pre-war British Army, contrasting its leadership with its opposite numbers in Germany, and demonstrates how and why Eighth Army had difficulties in its first 18 months of fighting the Afrika Korps. This volume also examines the battles from the perspective of the commanders, the decisions they made and how cultural influences effected tactics and decisions of the Eighth Army high command. Ultimately, British commanders were as much the product of their military culture and education as Rommel and his commanders were of theirs, but British military culture and education was, for much of this period, markedly less fit for purpose than the German.
Saul David, Professor of Military History at the University of Buckingham and author of All the King’s Men and 100 Days to Victory, describes it as: “A compelling and highly original study, firmly based on archival research, that explains for the first time the real reason the British and Commonwealth troops struggled to overcome their German and Italian opposition in the Desert War: not because of inadequate generals and equipment per se, but rather because of inherent weaknesses in British military culture.
“I find it depressing that Britain had to wait half the war until it found an effective senior commander in Montgomery. This excellent book unpicks the reasons behind this. […] Good maps, good text, much research, and a balanced analysis.” Miniature Wargames
“…This splendid and thoroughly engaging book provides a penetrating insight into the British Eighth
Army’s performance against the German and Italian forces during the North African desert war….This is a well written book, and an easy read that moves along quickly without getting into
inordinate detail. It is a fine piece of historical analysis. Highly recommended.” Chris Roberts, Land Power Forum, Australian Army Research Centre
“[Colvin] gives good accounts of the planning and execution of numerous operations, with an emphasis on how they were perceived by the various commanders and how the internal tensions in the officer corps handicapped the development of effective tactics and proper command and control.” The NYMAS Review
“Colvin has written an excellent analysis of a level of command and control not often addressed but that is critical to the effective execution of the vision of the Theatre Commander: that of the Divisional and Corps commanders. His incorporation of the societal influences on the personality and professional development of the respective officer corps of the German and Allied forces is extremely instructive in comprehending the ‘foundation’ upon which these leaders developed. A comprehensive bibliography and footnote compendium as well as a superior quality publication from Helion round out this stellar work. This is a book that should be read more than once.” Chris Buckham, Canadian Army Journal
“As a student of this campaign for 15 years, it is refreshing that a book has been published that successfully challenges my cherished presumptions and beliefs … it is hard to see how serious students of the campaign will be able to pass it over. Mr. Colvin has succeeded in bringing something genuinely fresh to the table … A solid piece of research that deserves a place on our bookshelves …genuinely fresh material, where great care has been taken to present a solid case … Even if one were to fundamentally disagree with Mr. Colvin’s conclusions, the book is worth the money for the bibliography alone … should be required reading for contemporary commanders and staff officers.” Andreas Biermann, ‘The Crusader Project’, The Wavell Room
“Colvin produced a well-researched, balanced account of the consequences of failing to adjust to battlefield conditions. His work contains detailed maps that enhance understanding. His explanations on the importance of doctrine to successfully train and employ forces are superb. The author’s comments on maneuver, firepower and massing of forces by both sides is worthy of review and study.” ARMOR Magazine.
- Publisher : Helion and Company (28 December 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1913336646
- ISBN-13 : 978-1913336646