John Keegan (Military Historian at Sandhurst) rated the NZ troops the best soldiers of the 20th Century. I would tend to agree with him. Do you think that this was the case in World War Two? It is said that Rommel rated them the best soldiers he faced in the war.
Well how can you defend against a nationality who doesn't even read their own tactic handbooks? Bloody good people the Kiwis' Glad they are on our side.
I think just being there in hell made you the best whatever nationality you were. You are entirely correct. I do not wish to disparage any fighting man. I doubt I would be as brave as them.
John Keegan (Military Historian at Sandhurst) rated the NZ troops the best soldiers of the 20th Century. I would tend to agree with him. Do you think that this was the case in World War Two? It is said that Rommel rated them the best soldiers he faced in the war. However, surely there must be something more. Is it the NZ character or training? I have heard that Kiwis were better than the Aussies because they were better disciplined. Does national character have a heavy influence on the fighting quality of a soldier?
I think the British are the best...Why? I have witnessed our men advancing through a drenching rain of fire...Unflinching. I could never understand why the British cry down their own men. They are the worlds best. They are the same men that won and empire. Why NZ? from what I saw of our men in action, was of courage of the highest order, You just cannot be better! Some of the assaults I took part in were savage in the extreme. But it has always been that we as a Nation, never give fair due to the fantastic courage and deeds of our own men. I know of instnaces where men gave their lives knowing full well that what they did would never br recognised, or even known about...I know. And I never forget. what they and we did. there is no finer, and more courageous soldier on this Earth than the British. And I think not only of famous English Regiments, but of the Irish, the Welsh, and the Scots. That is amusing! Go and tell the Scots Guards that there are better scrappers If you, like me, have been into action with the Guards armoured brigade.Then you have seen just about the perfect fighters. Then take my word for it (For what its worth) I have tremendous admiration for the East Yorks and the South Lancs infantry...Wonderful. Courageous fighting men that took great casualties and carried on..The BEST! I am very proud to have seen action inthe company of real Heros sapper
John Keegan (Military Historian at Sandhurst) rated the NZ troops the best soldiers of the 20th Century. I would tend to agree with him. Do you think that this was the case in World War Two? It is said that Rommel rated them the best soldiers he faced in the war. I think that all this does is create animosity. Keegan is entitled to his opinion however you may have 5 others with a different answer. Rommel heaped praise on many countries troops dependant on the part they played at differing times in his overall defeat. As below: Rommel also had praise for the British troops, commenting on their discipline, bravery and most particularly their "special operations" (Commando and S.A.S. manoeuvres, etc.). He referred many times to the toughness and determination of all the Commonwealth forces, especially the Australian and New Zealand soldiers, and horrified the Nazi generals when he grudgingly admitted an admiration for the tenacious performance of the "coloured Englishmen" of the Indian Divisions. He was surprised and impressed that these men, from such different parts of the world could come together and fight as an effective Commonwealth Army. And on hearing that Kiwi General Freyberg had escaped the German invasion of Crete and arrived to face him in North Africa, Rommel said that he "would have been happier if he [Freyberg] had been safely tucked up in one of our prisoner camps instead of still fighting us." And another: The Australian 9th Division played a major part in the victory at El Alamein and was given high praise from Montgomery, Churchill and even Rommel, who said, 'I could have won North Africa with a division of Australians under my command.' And one from WW1: Brigadier-General James Edmonds, the normally reserved British official historian, remarked “nothing too good” could be said of the Australians of 1918. To Captain Hubert Essame, a future British general who fought alongside them, they were “the best infantrymen of the war and perhaps of all time”. I think we would be able to find many more statements, from other emminent people and historians for troops from most countries.
I think that all this does is create animosity. Keegan is entitled to his opinion however you may have 5 others with a different answer. Rommel heaped praise on many countries troops dependant on the part they played at differing times in his overall defeat. As below: And another: And one from WW1: I think we would be able to find many more statements, from other emminent people and historians for troops from most countries. I vote for aussies,. ",.. they're immensively big and strong.." another Rommel's comment on the aussies soldiers as for rugby,.. i'll go for All Blacks,.. gambatee!!
As far as I know the South Africans are world Champs ar Rugby. So at least that clears that up about the Rugby.
i know monty wanted the nz div in 21st army group,i know not what prevented this however.yours,4th wilts.
Dont! Whatever you do! tell some of our British Elite fighting forces that the NZ were better. Ok you do it NOT ME!
I think I might bow out of that. An Irishman strolling through Hereford trying to pee off the SAS?? Eh no!
i agree with you brian,but monty whilst in italyc-i-c 8th army,did want the nz div to join 21st army group along with other units.yours,lee.
Apparently, not sure where I read this, but the NZ Maori Btn. was the most feared Btn. in WW2, because they were still canabals. Is that right, or am I going to have to re-check that?
A Potts - " I have not been in Battle; nor near one, nor heard one from afar, nor seen the aftermath " This is a direct quote from John Keegan's mighty tome - "The Face of Battle" In which he adds a commendable tribute to Barrie Pitt for much of his views on Battle . Barrie Pitt of course is the author of the three volume "Crucible of War" which outlines the Desert War under Wavell - Auchinleck and Montgomery. Barrie Pitt then claims that Rommell had the highest regard for the Australians whose size and fitness made him wish that he had them in his Afrika Corps as they stormed many defences at the run with their greatcoats buttoned back and holding their Lee Enfields like air guns. Rommel took a great deal to impress ! The Kiwis were rightly chosen by Stirling and Mayne for the initial SAS as they were - in the main - good farmers who could read the country better than most as well as their character as being laid back and not subject to sudden surprises ! Rommel would have had any of 8th Army's troops as opposed to the Italians he was forced to have of which only their Artillery was of any consequence - by any measure Rommel was a beaten man after Alam El halfa. Finally gave up the ghost at Medenine. By that time the Australians were well away from the Desert and the Kiwi's were still battling away at Tripoli - El Hamma left hook - then the Sangro and Cassnio and Gothic Line. They did an amazing job in Italy and the 28th Bde of Maori's were by no means cannibals but amazing fighters. I should think that most New Zealanders know of their exploits at the Cassino Station by now- it should be required reading for all teens at school - that is character. Cheers Cheers
Jess, I think you will find thats what the German propaganda said about the Maori Battalion, not the actual truth. Apparently, not sure where I read this, but the NZ Maori Btn. was the most feared Btn. in WW2, because they were still canabals. Is that right, or am I going to have to re-check that?
