EIGHTH ARMY VERSUS ROMMEL

EIGHTH ARMY VERSUS ROMMEL

By James Colvin.

With the exception of a few battles, the history of the North African campaign before Alamein has been generally described as one defeat after another.

In his highly researched debut, author James Colvin begins with a look at the commanding officers who were often seen as snobby public schoolboys by those on the outside. 

The failure of the British Army to get to grips with a modern doctrine and training methods to fight with and utilise its armour, would prove to be a costly lesson in many theatres during the early years of the war.

As the subsequent chapters switch to the battles in the North African desert, the book now concentrates on the leadership and decisions of Wavell, Auchinleck and Montgomery. 

Readers will now understand why the first part of the book looked at the ideology and training of the British Army. Before Montgomery, the commanders seemed unable to change or adapt to the tactics of Rommel and the Afrika Corps. It proved to be at times, a costly lesson.

Assisted by some very helpful maps and excellent photographs, this highly readable book takes a fascinating look at the Desert War and the British Army officers selected to win it.

The paperback book is available now, published by Helion and Company. 

I thank Helion for this review copy.