A very interesting book from the man who was the naval aide to General Eisenhower. As Butcher came from civilian life from a journalist background, he was not hampered by a military background when conveying his thoughts to his diary which served as the source of this book.
Still, I felt the book was often more interesting in what Butcher DID NOT include in the book, especially for the period after Eisenhower left the Med and reported for duty in England to lead the cross-Channel invasion.
For example, after reading Butcher's book you have the impression that Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery were the best of friends and never had any differences of opinion. Yet, we now know that Montgomery was often a thorn in Eisenhower's side and that Montgomery came within an inch of being relived after the breakout from Normandy.
Still, I felt the book was often more interesting in what Butcher DID NOT include in the book, especially for the period after Eisenhower left the Med and reported for duty in England to lead the cross-Channel invasion.
For example, after reading Butcher's book you have the impression that Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery were the best of friends and never had any differences of opinion. Yet, we now know that Montgomery was often a thorn in Eisenhower's side and that Montgomery came within an inch of being relived after the breakout from Normandy.
