Command – serie

A military biography of one of the most successful and popular German generals of World War II.This volume details the military career and accomplishments of Walther Model, the youngest Generalfeldmarschall in the Wehrmacht in World War II and Hitler''s favourite commander. Model was a tough and tenacious commander, particularly when on the defensive, and his career rise was virtually unprecedented in German military history.Model really made his mark late in the war, when time was already running out for the Third Reich, but time and again he was rushed from one crumbling front to the next and succeeded in temporarily restoring the situation. Above all, Model deserves recognition as one of the great defensive commanders of modern military history.

A focused, military biography of Heinz Guderian, perhaps the most highly respected tank commander of World War II.Guderian was a typical product of the Prussian military elite; the son of a general in the army, there was little doubt that he would follow in his father''s footsteps. Some consider Guderian to be the founding father of blitzkrieg warfare, and he certainly brought the whole concept to public attention and prominence, chiefly through the publication of his book Achtung Panzer in 1937.He commanded the XIX (Motorized) Army Corps in the 1939 Polish campaign, and Panzergruppe Guderian during Operation Barbarossa. In March 1943 he became chief inspector of the Panzer forces, but even the great tank commander could achieve little more than to delay the inevitable defeat of Germany.

Mustafa Kemal was one of the 20th century''s greatest combat commanders.Born in Salonika to a middle-class family, this book follows the life of a great commander who served in the Italo–Turkish War of 1911–12 and the Balkan Wars of 1912–13 before taking command of the 19th Division based in Gallipoli during World War l. His sterling service led to his promotion to corps command during the fighting against the Russians in the Caucasus.Following the end of the war he took command of the nationalist forces struggling against the occupation of Turkey, and managed to defeat Greek forces that sought to occupy Smyrna, thus preserving Turkey''s territorial integrity. Labelled as the ''Man of Destiny'' by Winston Churchill, his services in Gallipoli and the War of Independence were pivotal to the success of his armies.After leading the nationalist army to victory, he established the modern Turkish Republic and became Turkey''s first ever president taking the name Atatürk, meaning Father of the Turks, as his own.

Mustafa Kemal was one of the 20th century''s greatest combat commanders.Born in Salonika to a middle-class family, this book follows the life of a great commander who served in the Italo–Turkish War of 1911–12 and the Balkan Wars of 1912–13 before taking command of the 19th Division based in Gallipoli during World War l. His sterling service led to his promotion to corps command during the fighting against the Russians in the Caucasus.Following the end of the war he took command of the nationalist forces struggling against the occupation of Turkey, and managed to defeat Greek forces that sought to occupy Smyrna, thus preserving Turkey''s territorial integrity. Labelled as the ''Man of Destiny'' by Winston Churchill, his services in Gallipoli and the War of Independence were pivotal to the success of his armies.After leading the nationalist army to victory, he established the modern Turkish Republic and became Turkey''s first ever president taking the name Atatürk, meaning Father of the Turks, as his own.

A gripping account of how and why the legendary 'scourge of God' was able to inscribe his legacy into the annals of military history.One of the most powerful men in late antiquity, Attila’s peerless Hunnic empire stretched from the Ural mountains to the Rhine river. In a series of epic campaigns dating from the AD 430s until his death in AD 453, he ravaged first the Eastern and later the Western Roman Empire, invading Italy in AD 452 and threatening Rome itself.Lavishly illustrated, this up-to-date analysis of his military achievements examines how Attila was able to sweep across Europe, the tactics and innovations he employed and the major battles he faced, including one of his few major setbacks, the defeat at the battle of the Catalaunian Fields in AD 451.

A gripping account of how and why the legendary ''scourge of God'' was able to inscribe his legacy into the annals of military history.One of the most powerful men in late antiquity, Attila''s peerless Hunnic empire stretched from the Ural mountains to the Rhine river. In a series of epic campaigns dating from the AD 430s until his death in AD 453, he ravaged first the Eastern and later the Western Roman Empire, invading Italy in AD 452 and threatening Rome itself.Lavishly illustrated, this up-to-date analysis of his military achievements examines how Attila was able to sweep across Europe, the tactics and innovations he employed and the major battles he faced, including one of his few major setbacks, the defeat at the battle of the Catalaunian Fields in AD 451.

A gripping account of how and why the legendary ''scourge of God'' was able to inscribe his legacy into the annals of military history.One of the most powerful men in late antiquity, Attila''s peerless Hunnic empire stretched from the Ural mountains to the Rhine river. In a series of epic campaigns dating from the AD 430s until his death in AD 453, he ravaged first the Eastern and later the Western Roman Empire, invading Italy in AD 452 and threatening Rome itself.Lavishly illustrated, this up-to-date analysis of his military achievements examines how Attila was able to sweep across Europe, the tactics and innovations he employed and the major battles he faced, including one of his few major setbacks, the defeat at the battle of the Catalaunian Fields in AD 451.

Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim is a legendary figure, whose life and career were deeply influential in Finnish and European history.He is viewed by many as the father of modern Finland after leading the ‘White’ faction to victory and independence in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. He then commanded his country's forces in a sequence of bitter clashes in the ice and snow, in the build-up to, and during, World War II: the Winter War in 1939–40, the Continuation War in 1941–44 and the Lapland War in 1944–45.This study provides a fascinating insight into Mannerheim’s career, analysing his traits, his biggest victories and his key enemies. Complete with uniform artwork and detailed tactical maps, it is a comprehensive guide to one of the 20th century's most capable military leaders and statesmen.

Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim is a legendary figure, whose life and career were deeply influential in Finnish and European history.He is viewed by many as the father of modern Finland after leading the ''White'' faction to victory and independence in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. He then commanded his country''s forces in a sequence of bitter clashes in the ice and snow, in the build-up to, and during, World War II: the Winter War in 1939–40, the Continuation War in 1941–44 and the Lapland War in 1944–45.This study provides a fascinating insight into Mannerheim''s career, analysing his traits, his biggest victories and his key enemies. Complete with uniform artwork and detailed tactical maps, it is a comprehensive guide to one of the 20th century''s most capable military leaders and statesmen.

Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim is a legendary figure, whose life and career were deeply influential in Finnish and European history.He is viewed by many as the father of modern Finland after leading the ''White'' faction to victory and independence in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. He then commanded his country''s forces in a sequence of bitter clashes in the ice and snow, in the build-up to, and during, World War II: the Winter War in 1939–40, the Continuation War in 1941–44 and the Lapland War in 1944–45.This study provides a fascinating insight into Mannerheim''s career, analysing his traits, his biggest victories and his key enemies. Complete with uniform artwork and detailed tactical maps, it is a comprehensive guide to one of the 20th century''s most capable military leaders and statesmen.

One of the greatest military commanders in history, Julius Caesar''s most famous victory – the conquest of Gaul – was to him little more than a stepping stone to power.An audacious and decisive general, his victories over the Gauls allowed him to challenge for the political leadership of Rome. Leading a single legion across the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar launched a civil war which would end the Roman Republic and usher in the Roman Empire, with Caesar at its helm.This examination of the great general''s life covers his great victories and few defeats, looking at the factors which lay behind his military genius.

One of the greatest military commanders in history, Julius Caesar''s most famous victory – the conquest of Gaul – was to him little more than a stepping stone to power.An audacious and decisive general, his victories over the Gauls allowed him to challenge for the political leadership of Rome. Leading a single legion across the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar launched a civil war which would end the Roman Republic and usher in the Roman Empire, with Caesar at its helm.This examination of the great general''s life covers his great victories and few defeats, looking at the factors which lay behind his military genius.

Zhukov was the dominant figure in the Red Army during World War II even though his actual job title varied from day to day.Serving as a senior General Staff representative from the Stavka, Zhukov moved from one critical sector to the next, serving as advisor, coordinator and de facto front commander as required. There is no doubt that Zhukov played a critical role in salvaging the critical situation in the autumn of 1941 and leading the Red Army to an amazing reversal of fortunes in 1942–43 and eventual victory in 1944–45.However, Zhukov''s methods were brutal and contributed to massive Soviet casualties, while he continued to keep his hand in political affairs as well. As the most recognized Soviet soldier of World War II, Zhukov''s post-war fall from grace was precipitous and it was not until the fall of the Soviet Union that his reputation was restored.This book presents a analysis of Zhukov''s military career, highlighting the strategies and tactics that made him such as successful military leader.

Ulysses Grant was his country''s greatest general since George Washington. Like Washington, Grant''s battlefield performance was the only factor standing between the United States continuing as one, indivisible nation. Grant was the keystone of Union victory, a man whose removal would have resulted in the Union cause crumbling into defeat – and the United States dissolving into a collection of competing sovereign states. It was not always so clear cut. An early military career had ended with his resignation for alleged drunkenness, while in civilian life a number of his business ventures foundered leading to the nickname “Useless” Grant. However, victory had its rewards and in March 1864 Grant was promoted to lieutenant-general, the only United States Army officer except for George Washington and Winfield Scott to achieve that rank. By the end of the war Grant would become the United States Army''s first full general since Washington.

George S. Patton Jr. was the iconic American field commander of World War II, and widely regarded as the US Army''s finest practitioner of mechanized warfare.This title examines Patton''s colorful life and leadership in three wars, with a concentration on his command in World War II. Despite his ability, Patton was thoroughly reviled by most GIs, partly due to his insistence on traditional military discipline in the ranks, but also because of his unwillingness to pander to the growing power of the press.As this book shows, this combination of ability and controversy have combined to make him one of the most interesting figures in American military history.

Arguably the greatest military commander in the history of the samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose from the ranks of the peasantry to rule over all Japan.A student of the great unifier Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi would later avenge the murder of his master at the battle of Yamazaki. After consolidating his position, Hideyoshi went on the offensive, conquering the southern island of Kyushu in 1587 and defeating the Hojo in 1590. By 1591, he had accomplished the reunification of Japan.This book looks at the complete story of Hideyoshi''s military accomplishments, from his days as a tactical leader to his domination of the Japanese nation.

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, is one of the great commanders of history.Using his great charm and diplomatic skills he was able to bind troops from various European states into a cohesive army that won a string of victories over the French armies of King Louis XIV, the first of which was perhaps his most spectacular triumph – the battle of Blenheim. Other great victories followed, but political and social turmoil proved harder opponents to defeat.This book provides a detailed look at the many highs and lows in the career of the most successful British general of his era.

A close look at the early life, military experiences and key battlefield exploits of Al-Malik al-Nasir Yusuf Ibn Najm al-Din Ayyub Ibn Shahdi Abu''l-Muzaffar Salah al-Din, broadly regarded as the greatest hero of the Crusades, even in Europe.Most chroniclers present him as a man of outstanding virtue, courage and political skill. More recently, however, efforts have been made to portray Saladin as an ambitious, ruthless and even devious politician, and as a less brilliant commander than is normally thought.This book reveals that the truth is, as usual, somewhere in between.

General Omar Bradley was the premier US Army tactical commander in the European Theatre of Operations in 1944–45.A West Point classmate of Dwight Eisenhower, Bradley was the quintessential US field commander of World War II, elevated to high command with little combat experience but a solid track record as a skilled planner and organiser. Bradley was part of a small cadre of highly skilled young officers groomed for higher command in the austere and bankrupt 1930s. Bradley was at the centre of nearly all the major US Army victories in 1944–45 from D-Day through the final push into Germany.Along with that combat record came a string of controversies. Bradley''s greatest blunder, failing to anticipate the German offensive in the Ardennes, was counter-balanced by a vigorous and skilled response which fatally injured the German Army in the West. Beyond the performance of the US Army in the ETO, Bradley was also intimately wrapped up in other controversies, especially the internecine squabbles with his British counterpart, Bernard Montgomery.

Towards the end of the 16th century three outstanding commanders brought Japan''s century of civil wars to an end, but it was Tokugawa Ieyasu who was to ensure a lasting peace.In terms of his strategic and political achievements Ieyasu ranks as Japan''s greatest samurai commander. Ieyasu possessed the rare wisdom of knowing who should be an ally and who was an enemy, a key skill for a successful military leader. Ieyasu''s crowning victory at Sekigahara depended on the defection to his side of Kobayakawa Hideaki, and the absence from the scene of Ieyasu''s son Hidetada serves to illustrate how just once there was a failure in Ieyasu''s otherwise classic strategic vision.As Stephen Turnbull explores in this colour-illustrated volume, to establish his family as the ruling clan in Japan for the next two and a half centuries was abundant proof of his true greatness.

Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku was the defining Japanese naval commander of World War II. Yamamoto''s career in the Imperial Japanese Navy started in the early years of the 20th century and he saw service in the Russo–Japanese War, being wounded in the battle of Tsushima in 1904. He went on to study at Harvard University and serve as a naval attaché in the inter-war years, an experience that was to give him a unique insight into the American psyche. Despite the success of his daring pre-emptive strike on Pearl Harbor in 1941, that damaged the US Pacific Fleet and ushered in the Pacific War, Yamamoto''s subsequent handling of the Japanese combined fleet can be called into question. The final campaign commanded by Yamamoto was that around Guadalcanal, where Yamamoto''s myth of excellence will be totally laid bare. Despite a considerable numerical advantage over the Americans, Yamamoto never brought this advantage to bear. The result was a devastating defeat for the Imperial Japanese Navy and, eventually, the death of Yamamoto himself.

Nicknamed ''The Desert Fox'' for his cunning command of the Afrika Korps, Erwin Rommel remains one of the most popular and studied of Germany''s World War II commanders.He got his first taste of combat in World War I, where his daring command earned him the Blue Max, Germany''s highest decoration for bravery. He followed this up with numerous successes early in World War II in both Europe and Africa, before facing his biggest challenge – organizing the defence of France. Implicated in the plot to kill Hitler, Rommel chose suicide over a public trial.This book looks at the life of this daring soldier, focusing on his style of command and the tactical decisions that earned him his fearsome reputation.

An examination of the life, military experiences and key battlefield exploits of Giuseppe Garibaldi.Born on 4 July 1807 in the city of Nice, the turning point in his life occurred in April 1833 when he met Giovanni Battista Cuneo, a member of the secret movement known as ''Young Italy''. Joining this society, Garibaldi took an oath dedicating his life to the struggle for the liberation of his homeland from Austrian dominance.The subsequent years would see him fighting in Brazil, in the Uruguayan Civil War, and on the Italian peninsula. Between 1848 and 1870, Garibaldi and his men were involved in a prolonged struggle that eventually led to the final unification of Italy in 1870.

Mustafa Kemal was one of the 20th century’s greatest combat commanders.Born in Salonika to a middle-class family, this book follows the life of a great commander who served in the Italo–Turkish War of 1911–12 and the Balkan Wars of 1912–13 before taking command of the 19th Division based in Gallipoli during World War l. His sterling service led to his promotion to corps command during the fighting against the Russians in the Caucasus.Following the end of the war he took command of the nationalist forces struggling against the occupation of Turkey, and managed to defeat Greek forces that sought to occupy Smyrna, thus preserving Turkey’s territorial integrity. Labelled as the ‘Man of Destiny’ by Winston Churchill, his services in Gallipoli and the War of Independence were pivotal to the success of his armies.After leading the nationalist army to victory, he established the modern Turkish Republic and became Turkey’s first ever president taking the name Atatürk, meaning Father of the Turks, as his own.

Archibald Wavell remains one of the great Allied commanders of the early phases of World War II. In fact, between June 1940 and June 1941, he was the only British theatre commander actively engaging Axis forces. At a time when the British Expeditionary Force had been expelled from Europe, Wavell was conducting campaigns across nine countries and two continents. In those 12 months, he planned and directly oversaw a multitude of campaigns, from the hugely successful winter campaigns against the Italians in the Western Desert and the conquest of Italian East Africa, through the Iraqi revolt, the invasion of Vichy Syria and Lebanon and the ill-fated British involvement in Greece, to the unsuccessful attempts to break the siege of Tobruk that led to his replacement in June 1941. While Wavell''s great victories are often overshadowed by those of other commanders later in the war, this should not detract from his proven abilities as a strategist and tactician. This book tells the complete story of Wavell''s wartime exploits and examines his strengths and weaknesses as a commander.

Albert Kesselring was the principal Axis commander in the Italian theatre, confronting the Allies at Salerno, Anzio and Cassino.Although he is mostly remembered for his part in the campaign in Italy from 1943 to 1945, Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring was also chief of staff of the Luftwaffe in 1936–37, playing a crucial role in the shaping of the service for the coming war. As commander of Luftflotte 1 in Poland and Luftflotte 2 in France and the Low Countries, he was responsible for supporting the armoured spearheads of the German Army as they undertook their Blitzkrieg campaigns.With the Fall of France, the Battle of Britain began and Luftlotte 2 was the main force in the air attack against the British air defences, with Kesselring planning many raids. Following the war Kesselring was tried and convicted of war crimes following a number of massacres of civilians in Italy. He was sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment before being released on the grounds of ill health in October 1952.Here Pier Paolo Battistelli provides a detailed study of one of the most famous German commanders of World War II.

Napoleon Bonaparte is renowned as one of the great military commanders in history, and the central figure in so many of the events of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.Throughout the first decade of the 19th century he won battle after battle by wielding the Grande Armée decisively against the other powers of Europe – Prussia, Austria and Russia. Yet his fortunes changed in 1812 when the invasion of Russia wrecked his forces, and Napoleon suffered his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815.This military biography lifts the lid on the combat history of one of the most famous military commanders of all time.

Beloved by his soldiers and respected by his enemies, Robert E. Lee is undoubtedly the most popular general in American history to fight on the losing side.This book takes an in-depth look at this southern gentleman as a strategist and a tactician, covering all of his most important victories and defeats. Although courted by Lincoln, Robert E. Lee could not fight against his native Virginia and joined the Confederacy. After assuming command of the Army of Northern Virginia, Lee ran off a string of shocking victories that left the North reeling. However, on two separate occasions, Lee led invasions into the North and both ended in defeat, first at Antietam and then at Gettysburg.Encompassing the huge body of research surrounding General Lee and presenting it with numerous photographs and newly commissioned artwork, this book provides a complete understanding of Lee as a battlefield commander.