War Diaries 1939-1945: Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke

If ever a diary was written in the right place at the right time it was this one. Alanbrooke was the CIGS, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, and a right hand to Churchill throughout the war. He wrote his diary every day - even when exhausted or travelling and gives a unique first hand account of the top level WWII British and American military at work. This is the story before the arrival of the post war romantic myths, films and gloss.
Essentially the Americans were more interested in the Pacific (exclusively in the case of Admiral King)and as their manpower and production outpaced the British they became the dominant decision makers. Marshall and Eisenhower are strategically clueless but are saved by the severely weakened state of show more the Germans in 1944/45. Churchill is a political showman like his father, building up British morale wonderfully at the start of the war but becoming a real military liability, pushing one madcap scheme after another in rambling alcoholic late night meetings. He was also very mean spirited, giving no credit whatsoever to his long suffering staff in his self serving histories. Typically, after the long awaited victory at El Alamein, it was of great concern that Montgomery should not receive a heroes welcome in London that could steal his (Churchill's) limelight.
How many people know this side of Churchill? I certainly didn't. show less

A great read with lots of waspish humour as well as critical insights into the functioning of the British, Empire and subsequently Allied high command during WWII.

As Alanbrooke makes clear in his subsequent notes this was his release valve and the one place he could vent his frustrations to give him a bit of a chance to approach the next day on an even keel and they doubtless need to be read in that light, but a vital read for any WWII scholar and, indeed, anyone who studies leadership.

Quite simply one of the most important books ever published on WWII, and one that gives remarkable insights into the condition of the army, life with Winston, and the key conferences at Yalta etc. Alanbrooke was shabbily treated after the war ended, and perhaps chose his friends unwisely, but if anyone deserves to be on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, he is the man.

Without doubt the most interesting book I ever have read about WWII. The insight that Alanbrooke's diary in the higher directions of the Allied strategy is fascinating as well as his relationship with Churchill and the other actors. An absolutely must for anyone remotely interested in the Second World War.

Excellent. He is the very model of a modern CIGS. His despairing accounts of Churchill, the rest of the Cabinet, his American & Russian counterparts, fellow commanders such as Alexander & Mountbatten shine a light on the realities of allied strategy and demonstrate the massive role of the Chiefs of Staff in winning the War.

Superb - Alanbrooke's diaries reproduced in full with extensive critical apparatus. Unafraid to be immensely critical of Churchill.