Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I really can't rate this book high enough. It was an amazing read about one of most important battles of World War II. Yet it covered far more than that battle, starting with the initial Italian attack on Egypt and ending with the final surrender of the Axis forces in Tunis. The low estimate of the surrendered Axis forces---mostly German---is 170,000. But that doesn't count the slaughter of reinforcing German troops, as troop carriers were shot out of the skies by the Royal Air force. In fact, if there is a dark side to the book, it is the realization how many men died in the Desert war.
I really give the authors credit for the way the book was written too. It was an exceptionally easy and entertaining read. I found myself picking it up again every chance I got. Plus, they had no biases. I was afraid they would portray British General Montgomery as a great commander. Instead, they covered both his many weaknesses and strengths. And they did the same with all members of the Ally and Axis forces.
The authors didn't just deal with troop movements. Throughout the books they covered the actions of the men on both sides, which made it very interesting. One of my favorite stories---which I had encountered before--- was of the man who received the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for valor. Turns out the guy was a deserter who later enlisted under another name. He didn't tell his real story until later in life when he wrote his memoir.
The authors include stories of men from all corners of the world---the Italians, Germans, British, Australians, New Zealanders Indians, French, South Africans, and many more.
If you have an interest in World War II, you don't want to miss reading this book.
I really give the authors credit for the way the book was written too. It was an exceptionally easy and entertaining read. I found myself picking it up again every chance I got. Plus, they had no biases. I was afraid they would portray British General Montgomery as a great commander. Instead, they covered both his many weaknesses and strengths. And they did the same with all members of the Ally and Axis forces.
The authors didn't just deal with troop movements. Throughout the books they covered the actions of the men on both sides, which made it very interesting. One of my favorite stories---which I had encountered before--- was of the man who received the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for valor. Turns out the guy was a deserter who later enlisted under another name. He didn't tell his real story until later in life when he wrote his memoir.
The authors include stories of men from all corners of the world---the Italians, Germans, British, Australians, New Zealanders Indians, French, South Africans, and many more.
If you have an interest in World War II, you don't want to miss reading this book.
