Two Biographies

[Gibbs505]

1.
"General Lord Freyberg VC"
By Peter Singlrton-Gates

2.
"Wavell. Scholar and Soldier"
By John Connell

Both these soldiers fought in the Great War and held high commands in the Second World War. In many ways similar, they are also in many ways different.

Quite possibly the most intellectual of Churchills soldiers, Wavell was in the unfortunate position of fighting first the Italians, who proved not to be much of an opponent, and the the germans, with inferior numbers of man and of equipment. Both in Greece and North Africa.

Also unable to be 'insynce' with Churchill, but unable to be dismissed completey because of his evident gifts, he was removed from command in North Africa and sent to India. This book covers the first part of that journey, up to the end in Africa.

Freyberg, had a very different war. Placed in command of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, by the New Zealand Goverment, he was responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the Kiwi's to the New Zealand Goverment; as well as being the GOC 2ND New Zealand Division. He was to retail this position throughout the Second World War. Even when placed in command of a corps on occasion, he retained the responsibalty for the 2nd NZ Division. This made things rather difficult for the GOC's in North Africa.

A giant of a man, he was wounded 8 times in WW1, and once in WW2. He could count 30 seperate scars on his body and well deserved the nickname's he earned, inculding "The Humand Colander!" But to the Kiwis, he was always "Tiny"!

I hope that you find these books of intrest to you as little has been written of these great men!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.