Churchill, Master and Commander

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This engaging study delves into Winston Churchill's military career, tracing his journey from early colonial wars to his strategic command during World War II. It highlights his dual role as both political leader and military commander, showcasing his extreme risk-taking nature. Churchill is often celebrated as Britain’s greatest wartime leader, yet his approach mirrored that of contemporaries like Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini, as he insisted on directing military strategy himself. This led to significant missteps, including disasters in Norway, North Africa, Greece, and Crete between 1940 and 1941, as well as a failed campaign in the Dodecanese in 1943. His stubbornness regarding the Italian campaign nearly resulted in his resignation and threatened the British Government. However, he also demonstrated decisive leadership during critical moments, such as refusing to surrender in 1940, the miracle at Dunkirk, and the victory in the Battle of Britain. He made tough decisions, including the destruction of the French Fleet to prevent it from falling into German hands and engaging in conflict with Vichy France. Acclaimed historian Anthony Tucker-Jones examines how Churchill's early military experiences influenced his controversial decisions in high office, assessing the successes and failures of his command during World War II.