Monty was by no means the only one who wrote with one eye to the future...
Discontented Malcontent, MA by Research, serial Labrador owner, ex commercial diver and instructor. Interested in the Second World War, the Great War, French Indochina. Author of Caen, Cobra and Confusion & Not A Military War. No crypto demons please.
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Monty was by no means the only one who wrote with one eye to the future...
And Monty knew it but I just don't see the Americans being able to swallow the Monty Medicine even if he was granted the additional US help. On the other hand, Monty had said even before the end of the Normandy that he would serve under Bradley IF it meant a single thrust, not a broad front advance.
It's doubtful the Germans would have been able to seriously threaten Antwerp had the Allies not pushed north, The Bulge clearly demonstrated the limits of the Wehrmacht by that stage. Eisenhower's writing reminds me of Patton's 'we could still lose this war' comment in his diary from early '45.
The urge to carry on into the Ruhr after turning the West Wall would have been too much to resist for many, nobody really thought otherwise, regardless of logistics or the lack of them. Eisenhower should have told Monty straight - clear the Scheldt whilst taking an equally strong hand with Patton.
Currently looking for work. I am a former Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds. I have six years of teaching experience, research experience with particular strengths in qualitative methods, project management experience, and personal tutoring experience. I also have editing experience too!
You're not alone.
It's a funny thing, Sir Fatuous, but I just don't see MG delivering the prize it offered even if 100% successful. The idea that the US, much less the American public would be ok with subordinating themselves to an Anglo-Canadian push to the Ruhr (much less one led by Monty) is difficult to envisage.
For sure.
...2/2 allowing the achievements of all the Allies to be properly and fairly recognised, without resorting to the old malarkey of dynamic go-getting Yanks v stolid Anglo-Canadian plodders still so much in evidence to this day.
Exactly so. it's not my intention to open old nationalistic wounds re who advanced further than the other, but it is way past time that said wounds were properly cauterised...1/2
I'm looking to write an account of the period from Falaise to the start of (but not including as it has been done to death) Market Garden. It'll focus on the closing of the Falaise Gap, 'The Great Swan' and associated 21AG ops. There is so much still to explore on the period and it's time it was.
Sorry if that sounds a bit strident but I'm trying like heck to pitch my follow up work to a larger publisher. There are several reasons why 'accepted wisdoms' stay accepted, one of which is publishers reticence to publish new thinking. The research time and expense of writing are not inconsiderable
I'll tell you exactly why, Jonathan: The publishing world is almost pathologically risk adverse, so they'd rather publish tosh from an established author with name recognition than take a punt on unknowns. This is understandable to a point but it does ensure new thinking is largely smothered.
Good plan...
Blue Bell Knoll is one of my all time favourite albums.
A sea turtle surfacing by a MASSIVE school of rays near Clearwater, Florida a couple days ago. Another post into the BluSky void. Maybe 2 or 3 people will see this one and my time won't have been wasted. I'll keep trying a little longer. #nature #animals #amazing #wildlife #awesome #ocean
There's certainly an argument for that approach.
I think you're more than likely right there, but if I absolutely had to pick a likely candidate from those already identified, then my money would be on Montague John Druitt.
I try to read as much as possible but how possible that is depends on the day/week I've had. When I write then I read more in preparation but there's a difference between reading for pleasure and reading because you 'have' to and sometimes the 'having to' spoils reading for pleasure.
Me too!
Do you have a 'favourite' candidate for Jack?
Thank you for your input, much obliged.
Thank you, Mark.
Thank you, Matt. I'll give them a look. There is a reason why so much history is repetitive, treading well worn paths. It is because publishing is so risk adverse, which in turn makes them less inclined to give new authors an opportunity to get their work out there. It's infuriating
2/2 (or 3) #histbookchat submit for sometime in 2028. The research required for a book of this type is pretty extensive as many of you will know, and it needs doing if the book is to be worth the reading. So, to the point: is anyone aware of an organisation I can approach who offer research grants?
#histbookchat experts, I would like to pick your collective brains: I have an idea for a follow up to Caen, Cobra and Confusion, published by @barnthorn.bsky.social this year. The only issue is I can't work AND research & write at the same time unless I was aiming for a submission date...1/2 (or 3)
Good plan.
We all have our own tottering towers of the unread which, somehow, get steadily added to. I put it down to osmosis. Or something.
You can't reason with the unreasonable, Meg - but against my better judgement it doesn't stop me from occasionally trying.
Well said, thank you for saying it.
Agreed, his writing and conclusions still have much to recommend him.
It's about time someone other than California's governor started to show a bit of fire in their belly on this subject. Please don't let Trumpington's Quislings get everything they want.
Improving my vocabulary, one day at a time...
D'Este went on to change his tune somewhat a few years later....as mentioned (rather conveniently) in my book wot I wrote. Good Reddit post, well put.
I always thought Canadians were too intelligent to partake in this sort of nonsense.
#histbookchat 2/2 The Invisible Campaign is very good indeed, thoroughly recommended. I returned to 'From Victory to Stalemate' to see if I'd been too harsh in my initial appreciation...no, no I hadn't been. Struggle For Europe is a classic account, a little dated maybe but still worth a read.
Apologies for the gap between posts, I just got caught up in 'stuff', you know how it is I'm sure. Glad to see my fellow historians have still been keeping the flag waving flying though. So, withut further ado, 3 offerings for #histbookchat 1/2
Do you know, I don't know?! I didn't realise until now that Galago Books had gone out of business so I'm not sure where that leaves me and the rights to my work.
youtu.be/2suBFKScqg8?... - some shameless self promotion....
I have and thought it quite good, especially as it didn't treat the Indochina War as a mere adjunct to the main American lead event. There's still so much to be learned and shared about the subject outside of France and this doco does a good job in encouraging fresh exploration on the campaign.
(Monty doing his Kenneth Williams impression).
Yes she is. My wife is all 'Monty'd Out'(!)
I did!
My wife thinks I'm weird about my interest in military history...'not bloody Monty/Normandy/Indochina again!'
They certainly look the part, I quite like the Staghound.
Greyhound, Hoa Binh area 1951. I wouldn't have said it was particularly suited to a theatre where metalled roads were in short supply.
A lack of critical thinking, enabling people to challenge what is said or written doesn't help, but that's a common problem worldwide.
A walking tour of St. Lambert sur Dives. Follow in the footsteps of Major David Currie, who was was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and actions at the closing of the Falaise Gap in August 1944. #history Watch it here: youtu.be/49iKeabV-0U
Going back in time to my glory days when life was simpler.....#HistBookChat #ThoseWereTheDays
By order of The Empire, I hope you have all had an excellent 4th of May....may the Force be with you. Always. Or something. #501stLegion
That's excellent news, very well done indeed.
Ah. Is that take on American history finding traction.
I don't know much about the subject of the American Civil War and it's historiography, what were /are the concerns affecting Foote?
Thank you. I read it once before a few years ago and always intended to return to it. It's not a subject I know loads about but it's good to leave your comfort zone occasionally.
Bless 'em!
Bless 'em!
Me too! Glad you're doing ok though. The house was built in 1895 and now I seem to be starring in one of those 'Victorian House' type reality shows complete with Victorian amenities (or lack thereof).
Thank you. A water leak last Sunday brought down the ceiling in the kitchen and the insurers have leapt on the opportunity to make a stressful situation worse (which is what they do best). Grr!! Anyhow, how're you doing?
I've had the week from hell which has pretty much precluded reading but this book has worked its way to the top of the TBR pile and is waiting patiently...#HistBookChat
Anson's Navy looks especially good.
Happy anniversary!!!
Three offerings for this week's #histbookchat - Stout Hearts is an invaluable addition to anyone's collection who is interested in the Normandy Campaign. Bella Bathurst's book is a really interesting read. I'm hoping to revisit Vimy Ridge next year so I'm hoping the Tim Cook work is good...
That looks an especially interesting read, I'd be interested in your thoughts after you've read and digested it, Mark (and Sam of course).
Without a word of a lie, I know exactly how you feel.
#histbookchat choice for this week is The Pursuit of History by John Tosh, a book I found most useful in preparation for my MA a couple of years ago. His conclusions and thinking isn't for everyone but I found it most useful and would recommend it to anyone contemplating a degree.
It pays more than lip service to France's battle with the Viet Minh so it's worth reading for that reason alone.
That looks interesting.
Monty v Dracula: who would be most likely to triumph in a face-off?? Fight!
More likely he means he'll make (golden) showers 'great', he is after all reputedly quite fond of them as Mr Putinski can attest from his home movies.
Correction...good as I remember. Blasted sausage fingers!
Curates Egg - good in parts (goodness knows where it comes from as a saying..!)
Valley of Decision and House to House I've read, quite good as U remember. I'd be interested to know what you think of the Hamburger Hill book when you get around to reading it....
I read Hell's Foundation about a year ago, it's a bit of a Curates Egg but mostly worth the reading.
"You boy! What tariff is it today?"
Listen to the latest episode of @authorsofhistory.bsky.social #podcast I talk to Workd War 2 #Historian @sarahloumiller.bsky.social about her journey in to writing and the #books she has written. On all you podcast platforms. play.acast.com/s/67c5cc6ab4...
Or #histbookchat even....
This week's time #hisybookchat offering....
Cartoon by @davewhamond.bsky.social. 🇨🇦
Typically, I missed Friday's #histbookchat so here are two book choices to make up for it. They're both good reads but 'And the Policeman Smiled' is especially recommended.
If, like Monty, you read no paper then you're in luck as my book is now available on Kindle..... @barnthorn.bsky.social #montgomery #normandy
An oldie but a goodie.
I've been after another copy of this for ages, finally dropped lucky in a charity shop a week or so ago. I'm hoping to visit Guernsey this year or next but in the meantime, this will make a good start. #histbookchat #channelislands #secondworldwar
This week's offering for #histbookchat is this classic account of the Battle of Midway.
We sat down with @andrew617.bsky.social to discuss one of the Second World War's most successful, brilliant, and polarizing figures: Bernard Law Montgomery. Links- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2ouc... YouTube: youtu.be/iBmLBSPdMZ4?...
The more one looks at what Trumpington and his de facto VP, Musky are doing (I won't say achieving), the more I am minded to compare them to Pol Pot rather than Mussolini or Hitler with MAGA being more closely aligned to the Khmer Rouge. They are fixed on the destruction of The US in a new Year One.
DOGE is like if Fyre Festival was a government agency.
What was your verdict?
In my latest Legion Magazine article, I speak to Canadian military historian Brad St. Croix of @otdmilhistory.bsky.social. Over the past few years, he has challenged falsehoods spread by certain online users about Canadian military history and similar topics. legionmagazine.com/history-in-a...
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more. It's good to see less well known corners of the conflict being illuminated by less established historians. Works such as this show there is so much more to be shared and learned on the subject and Jane is one such important historian.
Unfortunately you're right but that doesn't seem to make a difference to the 'thinking' of Trumpington and Co. For them, might is right, not reason or consideration.
“Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
Beyond reprehensible. Who, apart from bigots and fools, does this aid?
This week's #histbookchat offerings: Not many laughs in the Chernobyl book but nonetheless a riveting read. The end of Michael Wittmann's Tiger I is covered in depth in the other book in a way that leaves little doubt of how and why he came to his end.
Chocs away! Good choices, old bean... especially Master Bombers.
Thank you again gents for your kind hosting and the opportunity to talk Monty and Normandy...not to mention the chance to listen to your rockin' theme / opening credits.
I listened to it when I got home, I thoroughly recommend anyone even remotely interested in the subject to give it a listen too, you won't regret it.
