The Crucible of War: Wavell's Command: The Definitive History of the Desert War - Volume 1

Pitt, Barrie

ISBN 10: 0304359505 / ISBN 13: 9780304359509

Published by Cassell, 2001

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 0304359505-VB

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Crucible of War: Wavell's Command: The Definitive History of the Desert War - Volume 1
• Publisher: Cassell
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0304359505
• ISBN 13: 9780304359509
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

When Sir Archibald Wavell assumed command of the British forces in North Africa, he had no choice but to keep Egypt from falling to the Axis. A defeat would give Hitler access to the Red Sea, and with it access to the oil-rich Persian Gulf and even to India. Because of Wavell's limited resources, he decided attack was the best form of defense. Wavell's brilliant campaign was carried out by his field commander, General Richard O'Connor, who routed Marshal Rodolfo Graziani's Italian forces, took thousands of prisoners, and pushed the Italians back hundreds of miles. The exhilarating and essential victory was short-lived, lasting only a few months until Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps entered the conflict in early 1941.

When Sir Archibald Wavell assumed command of the British forces in North Africa, he had no choice but to keep Egypt from falling to the Axis. A defeat would give Hitler access to the Red Sea, and with it access to the oil-rich Persian Gulf and even to India. Because of Wavell's limited resources, he decided attack was the best form of defense. Wavell's brilliant campaign was carried out by his field commander, General Richard O'Connor, who routed Marshal Rodolfo Graziani's Italian forces, took thousands of prisoners, and pushed the Italians back hundreds of miles. The exhilarating and essential victory was short-lived, lasting only a few months until Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps entered the conflict in early 1941.

About the Author

Barrie Pitt saw active service in both Europe and the Middle East. He edited the partwork History of the Second World War and was Editor-in-Chief of Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II. Barrie Pitt now lives in Taunton in Somerset