Featured battle : Pantelleria

Part of Second World War

Date : 20 May 1943 - 11 June 1943

The island of Pantelleria lying about 100 miles to the south west of Sicily was a very large 'aircraft carrier'. For their attack on Sicily the Allies needed to both deny it to the Axis and use it themselves. An air bombardment was begun on the 20th May and increased in intensity until the 11 June. At various time during the bombardment the island commander was invited to surrender. On the 11th June the British 1st Div. were landed under cover of Naval gunfire and a bombing attack. Very little resistance was encountered and before the troops had moved off the beach the white flag was raised.

Grouchy's Waterloo

Andrew W. Field
Very early on in this book the author endeared himself to me with two statements. On page 6 he expresses his intention not to name any places without including them on a map. As one who hates having to read with a map open by my side I applaud this notion in spite of the fact that he doesn't always succeed in mapping every place all though the book. On page 12 he refers readers elsewhere for the lead up to Waterloo stating that there is to a plethora of fine books on the subject. Again I was both surprised and pleased to find a 'Waterloo' book that did not start with Napoleon's escape from Elba.
The book is written from a factual rather than a judgmental position with many insertions of contemporary and post event quotations from reports and diaries. However the last chapter 'Analysis and Conclusions' , where he does discuss the key controversies, is particularly worthy of note.
My overall opinion is that the research has been thorough, the style of writing clear and lucid with many maps and illustrations. A book not to be put down until it is finished. Very highly recommended.
Pen & Sword Military. Pen & Sword \Books \Ltd., 2017