The failure to re-employ Cunningham and Godwin-Austen in front line commands

Being such an ignoramus, I had to look that up in Google!

 

The word 'Spent' intrigues me, as is easily taken as tired, worn out.

And then I speculated (I know, a very dangerous thing to do) about what brought about his tiredness. Managing a mobile battle or campaign like the one he did in East Africa must be quite difficult, changing plans as opportunities arise, as opposed to fighting a set piece battle with clear objectives to be taken, often in order. That, to my mind made him quite attractive as the Eighth Army commander, having the ability to fight a very fluid battle. Of course he was up against Rommel, who was superb in these conditions, and Cunningham wasn't the only general to be bettered by Rommel. In fact, the only British generals who displayed this ability to fight such a mobile battle were O'Conner, who was captured early in the war, and Auchinleck, who had been promoted above a front line Army command, but nevertheless proved he could out general Rommel. Montgomery, the darling of the British fought a much more controlled battle . .

 

Thank you for this.

 

Speak of the Devil:
Coming Soon to a Bookshelf Near You

 

OMG, another book to buy! wonder if there's any chance they'll have it in my library anytime soon?

 

And having gone and read the book review, my search for it, led me to this - https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/159062467/2021_Vincent_Dennis_1072010_ethesis.pdf which is a 2020 thesis by the Author, making an evaluation of Cunningham's leadership in both East and North African Campaigns

 

I think he's overly kind, and given his background I find that surprising.

All the best

Andreas

 

Just a note to say I found a rather good 1945 picture of Cunningham.

For some reason I've not seen many good ones of him.



And here with Monty:

 

Nice colour photo of him Charley, wonder where that was taken, a stately house, lovely marble column.

I'm also trying to guess where the second, B/W photo is taken from, Middle East maybe, but surely can't be 1942 can it? Looking at Monty's breast maybe 1948, Monty, as CIGS on a visit out there

 

My guess would be this is post-war in Palestine when Monty was CIGS.

 

The Government House in Jerusalem has long been the UNTSO HQ, alas no colour photos of the interior found so far. See: Government House in Jerusalem A little history: A colonial room with a view of Jerusalem

 

Hi David, thank you, lovely photos, yes second photo could be the Government House, maybe take while walking around the top of the sunken garden.

 

This was a really informative event.

http://rommelsriposte.com/2024/10/25/the-forgotten-general-nam-talk/

I still think Col. Dennis is overly kind, but it really helps get some perspective on the man, and also on Auchinleck's failure at selecting/handling subordinates. I didn't know Richie had actually succeeded Cunningham as GOC 51st Highland Division.

All the best

Andreas

 

Hell, I thought that was tomorrow. I was going to watch it online.

 

Thanks for sharing. An interesting watch.

Steve