The Battle for Palestine 1917 (Warfare in History) [Hardcover]

John D. Grainger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2006 | Series: Warfare in History

Three battles for the control of the key fortress-city of Gaza took place in 1917 between the `British' force (with units from across the Empire, most notably the ANZACs) and the Turks. The Allies were repulsed twice but on their third attempt, under the newly-appointed General Allenby, a veteran of the Western Front where he was a vocal critic of Haig's command, finally penetrated Turkish lines, captured southern Palestine and, as instructed by Lloyd George, took Jerusalem in time for Christmas, ending 400 years of Ottoman occupation. This third battle, similar in many ways to the contemporaneous fighting in France, is at the heart of this account, with consideration of intelligence, espionage, air-warfare, and diplomatic and political elements, not to mention the logistical and medical aspects of the campaign, particularly water. The generally overlooked Turkish defence, in the face of vastly superior numbers, is also assessed. Far from laying out and executing a pre-ordained plan, Allenby, who is probably still best remembered as T. E. Lawrence's commanding officer in Arabia, was flexible and adaptable, responding to developments as they occurred. JOHN D. GRAINGER is the author of numerous books on military history, ranging from the Roman period to the twentieth century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Grainger's analysis is informed, critical, readable and supported by a wealth of unpublished and printed primary material. (...) Makes good use of soldiers' experiences bringing to life the human dimension to the fighting in southern Palestine. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEWInformed, critical, readable and supported by a wealth of unpublished and printed primary material. JOURNAL OF MILITARY HISTORYExtremely good value as it is, like all books from this publisher, of high quality. (...) The one book on Palestine in the Great War that I would select. THE BULLETIN OF THE MILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETYAt last a brilliant detailed work on Palestine which explains the whole campaign and uses the words of the British, Anzac and Turkish forces who were there. An excellent and very informative read. ARMCHAIR AUCTIONSGrainger's analysis of battle tactics, from both British and Turkish perspectives, will captivate military buffs. Recommended. CHOICE

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (October 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843832631
• ISBN-13: 978-1843832638
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book but only half the story, February 14, 2012

By 

BernardZ (Melbourne, vic Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Battle for Palestine 1917 (Warfare in History) (Hardcover)

I have read much on this battle and found much of what I knew was wrong. In WW1, while most of the conflict was tied up in a bloody conflict in the trenches, that went no-where. This campaign had movement and charm particularly with the legend of the light horsemen of the Australian calvary which I was brought up with and ended up with an Allied great success.

In 1917, the British started a major campaign against Turkey under a brilliant general Allenby. To a large extent, it was a grab for area in a minor front. It was unnecessary as the writer points out, the British could have fought a more limited campaign in the Sinai much cheaper. As it was the British managed to score a brilliant victory. According to the writer if the conflict had continued the British might have lost much of their gains in 1918. Something I doubt.

What I was disappointed was that little other then commenting occasionally how good the Turks fought. It almost sounds like the writer is trying to praise the Turks to build up the achievements of the British forces. As such, I would say it is a good book but only half the story.

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book about this campaign, July 17, 2011

By 

Daniel Carey (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Battle for Palestine 1917 (Warfare in History) (Hardcover)

Grainger has written an excellent book about this campaign in Palestine during World War I, also know as the Third battle of Gaza. He takes the time to describe what happened during the first two battles, how Allenby turned things around, and then the battle itself, through to the capture of Jersualem. Grainger is an admirer of Allenby but that does not stop him from pointing out Allenby's mistakes and changes of plan during the battle. He spends a chapter at the end of the book summing up why the British won in 1917 and its affects on the theater and the war as a whole. Grainger's sources are mostly regimental and divisional histories of the British, Australian and New Zealand units involved in the campaign. Those histories include a good deal of primary source material. Grainger also researched primary sources at several British, Australian and New Zealand libraries and archives. He has also made use of a good deal of other secondary sources in English. Because the book is from the British point of view, there is not much from the Ottoman or German point of view. Overall this is an excellent book and is recommended for anyone interested in the military history of this campaign in World War I.

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars battle for palestine, September 29, 2010

By 

Army Guy "AOR" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Battle for Palestine 1917 (Warfare in History) (Hardcover)

Contents ok. However written notes on almost every page not mentioned in book discreption. This should have made price lower. Will really think before buying from this seller again.