RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 91 Book Review Leadership in War 1939 – 1945: The Generals in Victory and Defeat Author: Brigadier The Rt Hon Sir John Smyth Bt, VC, MC Reviewed by Major DT (Terry) Brennan RAA Liaison Letter Editor ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY DAVID & CHARLES (HOLDINGS LIMITED). THIS BOOK CLUB EDITION PUBLISHED BY ARRANGEMENT IN 1974 BY PURNELL BOOK SERVICES LIMITED LONDON; HARDBACK; 247 PAGES; BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS As a young officer I decided to focus on a single campaign for my military history reading rather than randomly select a subject. I chose the allies in the North Africa Campaign during World War II and their senior commanders. I developed very firm views on Wavell, Auchinleck, and Montgomery, which I have carried with me. This book confirmed my views. It had been a long time since I had read anything on this subject until, I came across this book in a second-hand bookshop. A large proportion of it is dedicated to the Commander - in - Chief appointments in North Africa. The difference between this book and many others on the same subject is that the author either personally knew or was acquainted with the key participants. It is easy to read, well written and achieves a balance between keeping the reader interested and the need to explain the more technical aspects of strategic thinking and the higher-level operational conduct that is undertaken by senior leaders, along with the ever present influence of national politics and personalities that may be in play. Commanders who underestimate or dismiss politics do so at their own peril. Auchinleck quickly encountered Churchill and his desire to influence the conduct of the military campaign. The author observed … “that no other prime minster had ever influenced military planning, tactics and appointments as Churchill.” Most importantly he observed that “it was in this sphere that he [Churchill] was most prone to error – despite his great military capacity and experience.” An assessment of Wavell’s personality highlights the need to ensure commanders study their enemy counterpart and know the enemy. The author assessed that a crucial mistake for Wavell was he had a fixed and mistaken conviction that the Italians and German were much of a muchness as battle fighters. He does not shy away from highlighting the ever-lumining presence of “political masters” and their ruthlessness if they believe their guidance is not being achieved by the Commander. The war in North Africa is a shining example of these demands. Churchill removed both Wavell and Auchinleck without hesitation when he became frustrated with their “apparent” failures to meet his timelines for military success in defeating Rommel.” The author offers an insight into the personalities of key individuals and his views on them. He discusses Winston Churchill and how his personality lent itself to overly inserting himself into the conduct of the “on ground” war and subsequently onto the commanders. One may even describe Churchill as the ultimate “armchair general”. A major example of political interference into the conduct of the campaign was when Churchill gave Auchinleck a direct order to engage Rommel. Auchinleck found himself with his strategic appreciation conflicting with the demands of his political master. The book highlights the wide range of personality traits that leaders bring to their role. The key take away is that there is no “template” that makes a formidable and capable commander. As an example, the author describes Wavell as … “a remarkable man and an unusual general. He certainly looked the part with his … air of invincibility. He was … utterly courageous and unflappable under all conditions. At the same time he was a scholar, lover of poetry and writer of considerable ability”.
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