Customer Reviews

Corps Commander

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"A Corps is the highest formation in the British Army which fights the day to day tactical battles." These words open this book and from there General Horrocks and his co-authors take you though the hard-won battles fought by the famous XXX Corps from right after the Normandy invasion to the end of the war in Europe. This is, however, not just another "names and dates" history book about WWII. General Horrocks is more interested in conveying his personal view of the war from his unique perspective as a corps commander. In doing so he comes across as a very kind-hearted and gentle man caught up in a war which he hates but knows must be fought. General Horrocks is quick to admit his mistakes and is refreshingly humble in contrast to the more famous generals of the war such as Montgomery, Bradley and Patton. Unlike these titans, General Horrocks comes across as much more human in the compassion he displays for his men and the anguish he goes through when he must order them to their deaths. This is a good book for those interested in probing deeper into the history of the war in Europe but it is not a "typical" war story.

I ordered this book from Amazon.com because I had read his other book, A Full Life. Brian Horrocks is a great story teller. This book was all about his stint as a Corps Commander in Northwestern Europe. There are roughly 30 pages on Arnhem, which is very informative. You're all seen A Bridge Too Far, and this shows why the Brits didn't make it to the Paratroopers in Arnhem, there were too many Panzers in the way. The British Intelligence didn't believe the reports of their existence. What struck me was that Monte actually sent Horrocks home on leave during the Battle of the Bulge. Monte was already planning the next offensive and he wanted Horrocks well rested for it.

Handsome hardback from Sidgwick & Jackson (UK), first released in 1977.

Red cloth over hardback boards with the XXX Corps insignia and spine print in gold. With dustjacket. 256 pp.

B&w illustrations throughout, including 11 maps.

Chronology, operation code names, introduction, index, A Note on Germany and British Artillery, British and Canadian Divisional Organization Table.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Back to the War
Taking Over XXX Corps

The Falaise Pocket

Crossing the Seine
- The Crossing at Vernon
- The Canadian Advance to Elbeuf

The Advance to Brussels and Antwerp
The Battle for the Arnhem Start Line

The Arnhem Spearhead
The Coastal Flank and the Opening of Antwerp

The November Offensive
The Ardennes Battle
The Battle for the Lower Rhine Bridgehead

The Rhine Crossing and the Advance to the Elbe

Postscript