NORMANDY TO THE BALTIC

by Marshall Montgomery Field ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 24, 1948

This was not intended, originally, for general distribution, but was written by a commanding officer for the men under him, as a complete record of operations. The sale rapidly extended beyond official lines in England, and on reading the text here, its interest, to anyone concerned in study of the strategy of the war, is evident. There is none of the explosive drama of the Patton story; none of the human angle which pervades almost every record of an American commander. But Montgomery has a direct, simple, biting objectivity that has its own drama. Step by step, the campaign -- the plan which was his (and he makes one accept this) developed, the British and Canadians doing yeoman's task in holding the Germans to a small segment of intensive action, and leaving the periphery open for the American onward sweep. The story is told in terms of tactical and strategic operations, units, large and small, never in terms of individuals or even of commanding officers. There is no personal story here; where relations between Montgomery and Eisenhower or other high ranking officers are indicated, it is in relation to the plan. And yet by the very directness of the record, the barb of criticism elsewhere, levelled against the British commander's ""delaying tactics""- ""slowing up processes"" -- ""lack of cooperation"", is made pointless, insignificant, and the true value of this contribution enforced. For a market interested in assessing operations in detail; for the permanent record. Wonderful maps-perhaps the best that any war book has given.

Pub Date: March 24, 1948

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1948

Categories: NONFICTION