by Brian E. Walter
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 351 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: An Operational History of the British and Commonwealth Armies During World War II
This overview of the British Army, including Commonwealth forces, examines its strategic positionings along with operational failures and successes in WWII. Everything is placed within the context of Allied efforts to defend, survive, and then attack the Axis in Europe and Pacific theaters.
The text contains aggregate numerical data of forces, battles, and campaigns: troops, tanks, losses, equipment, POWs, and so on. This rarely goes below division level, so “operational history” is the operative phrase.
The book contains 40 black and white photos and nine black and white large-scale maps (with scales). I really shouldn’t have to keep mentioning scales. That should be the default on any map.
Anyway, this is a well-written introduction to the WWII British Army and its accomplishments as well as charting the ebb and flow of Allied fortunes during the war.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
