The British Field Marshals 1736-1997 A Biographical Dictionary

Although the grade of Field Marshal was technically created in Great Britain in 1736, the rank was seldom encountered before the 20th century, due to the relatively small size of most British armies. As part of its post-Cold War re-organization, the British government has announced that it will create no new Field Marshals, making this study of the 138 marshals created since 1736 the definitive reference for the foreseeable future. The large armies of the First and Second World Wars required the leadership of numerous Field Marshals. Men of many different temperaments and from many different stations in life have held the rank of Field Marshal. Douglas Haig of World War I and Bernard Montgomery of World War II embodied the officer from a well-to-do background while William Robertson of World War I and William Slim of World War II were known for their long and steady progression through the ranks. Each Marshal is covered in a candid and detailed biographical essay. In addition to their military accomplishments, the more human, and not infrequently eccentric, side of the Marshals is covered, making for some interesting military reading in addition to the volume's value as a reference work. Those readers who anticipate a dry recitation of bare facts and statistics are in for a disappointment. A reference work this may be but the author, by dint of his depth of knowledge, has created a shrewd and highly readable commentary as well. As General Sir Charles Guthrie (the first soldier to be denied promotion to Field Marshal on appointment to Chief of Defense Staff) observes in his Foreword, this book embraces the history of the British Army over the last 250-300 years. It covers not only the careers of key individuals but provides an understanding of their contribution to the successes and failures of our military past. The diversity of personalities, who have only the honor of wearing the coveted crossed batons in common, is fascinating. Alongside the household names of the great strategists and distinguished leaders lie little known and forgotten figures, who gained their exalted rank by either luck, accident of birth or diplomatic gesture. Title: The British Field Marshals 1736-1997 A Biographical Dictionary Author Name: Heathcote, T A Location Published: Pen & Sword: 2012 Binding: softcover Book Condition: As New Pages: 368 Categories: Commanders & Leaders Seller ID: 0497