Title:
Wavell in the Middle East, 1939-1941: A Study in Generalship
Author:
Harold E. Raugh, Jr.
ISBN:
978-0-8061-4305-7
Softcover
Pages:
323
Photos//Maps:
29 b/w//12
Publisher:
University of Oklahoma Press
This book, a reprint of the original hardcover
edition printed in the UK in 1993, is a detailed analysis of the effectiveness
of the command of Field-Marshal Archie Wavell during his time as Commander in
Chief of the Middle East, 1939-1941. This period saw an intensity and breadth
of operations unique to the Second World War in that Wavell was tasked not only
with the planning and execution of regional military operations (at one time
overseeing seven concurrent operations/campaigns geographically vast distances
apart) but additionally with a lead role in the political forum as a key
representative of His Majesty's Government in the region. Each of these hats
would have been daunting in and of themselves; taken together they were a
burden that would severely strain any commander. Added to this has to be the
pressure exerted almost daily by Churchill in his desire to provide 'helpful'
motivation, the difficult (almost impossible) relationship that existed between
them from a personality perspective, the expectations and desperation of the
British people and Empire wracked by the continuous successes of the German
military, the need to placate the various governments of the Imperial forces
that he employed and the operational challenge of facing one of Germany's
greatest field commanders, Field Marshal Rommel.
I
particularly enjoyed Raugh's approach to his subject. Despite the fact that he
must incorporate descriptions of campaigns in Syria, Greece, Crete, Iraq, East
Africa and North Africa he avoids the greatest pitfall potentiality associated
with a work of this nature by ensuring that he keeps his narrative firmly
focussed upon Wavell as a man and Commander and does not stray into a study of
his campaigns (except as a means of highlighting Wavell's strengths and
weaknesses in command role). Given the intensity and scope of the period this
is no easy feat.
The
author undertakes a structured approach to his subject, building, through
detailed examination of his developmental years, a comprehensive image of the
personality and character of Wavell. In an evaluation of this nature, I believe
this to be indispensable as it builds for the reader a deep appreciation of how
the man came to be and why he ultimately responded the way that he did in later
years. Additionally, it creates an understanding of the environment within
which Wavell the commander developed and the reputation that he had with his
peers and colleagues (and of course, his opinion of them).
An
evaluation of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses as a commander requires
that there be a criteria established against which the author may measure his
subject. In this case Raugh has utilized the scale developed by Norman Dixon in
his work "On Psychology of Military Incompetence". Measured
against these criteria Wavell is evaluated as being, not without flaws, but
easily a superb commander. Of specific note was his ability to recognize and
incorporate new and cutting edge technologies into his planning such as
aircraft for reconnaissance and transport and the creation of special forces
such as the Long Range Desert Patrol (which acted as a massive force multiplier
for the Allies during a time of significant resource constraint). During the
interwar period, Wavell recognized the potential of armoured warfare as well as
the critical importance of effective logistics and administration in the
successful outcome of large scale operations. Additionally, he was a prolific
writer and reader and was not averse to adopting the suggestions of
subordinates (in some cases many grades below him) thereby building in them a
deep self-confidence and a fierce loyalty.
Finally,
as Raugh points out, his central concern above all else, was the well-being of
his soldiers. Consistently throughout the narrative, Raugh presents firsthand
accounts from privates to Generals, recounting tales of their deep and abiding
respect and trust in Wavell as both a Commander and tactician. This manifested
itself in his soldiers never losing faith in him despite the repeated setbacks
in Greece, Crete and later, North Africa. This extended to his never
undermining his political masters (despite the reciprocation of this on their
part), nor seeking glory or political favour for himself. Raugh makes great use
of primary source material in order to build this picture of Wavell, the man
and commander (both being indispensable facets of the whole).
There
are two areas of concern that I would raise with this work, none of which
however, are sufficient to significantly undermine the overall superb quality
of this evaluation but are worthy of note. The first relates to the quality of
the publication itself; while the overall book is well presented, I always take
umbrage when the photographs are printed on the cheap such that they look like
poor newspaper reproductions. Secondly, while Raugh has shown himself to be a
sterling historian, he includes in his narrative the standard blanket
observations about senior leadership in the First World War as being out of
touch with the realities of Western Front conditions and afraid to venture
forward. This is as tiresome as it is false but, in fairness, he is not alone
in reinforcing this paradigm.
Wavell
was a commander of the highest order in terms of capability, insight, morality
and humility. This stands in stark contrast to some of the better known Allied
commanders of the war such as Patton, Montgomery or DeGaulle. While there is no
doubting their dedication or capability, theirs was a leadership and success of
plenty. It is perhaps a greater legacy to say that Wavell's success at holding
the line was all the more significant as it came during the period of the war
when the Allies were on their heels and desperate for good news. His was a
leadership that truly tested the mettle of a commander: leadership under
extreme adversity.
Raugh's
study is balanced, fair and extremely readable. This book holds many key
lessons for the leader of the future and it is a testament to the quality of
Raugh's work that the successes and failures of Wavell are presented in such a
way as to be still as relevant today as they were seventy years ago. Wavell, on
whom history has not maintained the light that he merits, deserves no less (although,
it must be stated, he would not complain). Very highly recommended for all
elements and leadership levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment