From the bestselling author of Fortress Malta, this book looks afresh at the conflict in Northern Africa. Impeccably researched, this book examines the involvement of the US and the way this early collaboration shaped the whole Anglo-American axis for the rest of the war in Europe. By June 1942, Britain had reached her lowest ebb. Her military command was in tatters, her armies beaten, and in the Middle East it seemed all might be lost. Her new ally, America, had only fledgling armed forces and was severely under-trained, yet it was this alliance of the weary combatant and naive newcomer, coming together for the first time in North Africa, that would eventually bring about the defeat of Nazi Germany. This crucial period -- from defeat at Gazala through to the victories of Alamein and ultimately in Tunisia -- was a time of learning for the Allies, yet by the end Britain and America had finally gained material and certain tactical advantages over Germany, particularly in the air warfare. As this book shows, the development of a tactical air force -- principles that are still used to this day -- were founded over the skies of North Africa. When the Axis forces were finally driven from North Africa in May 1943, over 250,000 Axis troops were taken prisoner, more than had surrendered to the Russians at Stalingrad. It was a major victory and a crucial steppingstone to the future invasion of Italy and France. In this new reappraisal, James Holland also interweaves the personal stories of the men -- and women -- who made up these polyglot Allied forces: British and American, Nepalese and Punjabi, South African and Australian, Maori and Zulu, from all ranks and all services. From the heat and dust of the Western Desert to the mud and mountains of Northern Tunisia, this book charts the extraordinary first days of an Alliance that has worked together ever since.
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Editorial Reviews
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Praise for Fortress Malta: 'Combines painstaking research with effortless prose!a brilliant debut.' Saul David, Sunday Telegraph 'Malta's suffering at the hands of the Nazis is a story of tears and loss. But James Holland is a master craftsman. Fortress Malta is both compelling and heartwrenching. His account of the siege leavens devastation with hope, despair with courage; and, most important of all, celebrates the humanity of individuals against forces of evil.' Amanda Foreman 'Superbly engaging history!The sea and air battles around the island are so vividly depicted, but the real value of this book lies in its rare, intimate description of the Maltese perspective on the siege. Turning the last page, one understands why the island of Malta was collectively awarded the George Cross, the highest British civilian award for heroism.' Publisher's Weekly 'Holland!wins full marks for accuracy and for his effortless prose, following the story by using survivor's testimony as well as the letters and diaries of those perished!Fortress Malta is a tribute to the fighting services and the Maltese civilians who fortitude and courage helped to turn the course of the war in the Mediterranean and North Africa and enabled freedom to triumph.' Christopher Scicluna, Times of Malta 'Powerful!Behind most great epic battles are the individual tales of human endurance and triumph, shards of tile that comprise the entire mosaic. Mr Holland provides those with painstaking care, frequently overlapping the daily lives of his subjects in real time, minute by minute!both a scholarly work and a gripping read!his meticulously researched book.' Carlton Sherwood, Washington Times
About the Author
James Holland was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and studied history at Durham University. He has worked for several London publishing houses and has written for a number of national newspapers and magazines. He is the author of Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege, 1940-1943, and a novel, The Burning Blue. Married with a son, he lives near Salisbury.
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