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Death on a Distant Frontier: A Lost Victory, 1944
“a provocative and stimulating addition to the study of World War II.” HistoryNet
Perfect for readers of Max Hastings, James Holland and Stephen E. Ambrose.
By September 1944 the Germany army in France had been decimated and survivors were streaming back to the Reich. The British SAS commanders were clearing the way for the American armies of George S. Patton, Alexander Patch and Courtney Hodges. By the afternoon of September 11, 1944, men of the U.S. 5th Armored Division penetrated the poorly defended Siegfried Line. Yet just when the Rhine was ripe for the taking General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered all further advances to be halted.
Could combination of American forces supported by the British SAS have crossed the Rhine and thrust into the heart of Germany in the autumn of 1944? Did Eisenhower’s rigid adherence to his broad-front strategy delay the end of the war by several months and cause thousands of men to lose their lives in the bloody struggles in the Ardennes and the Hurtgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge?
Charles Whiting’s brilliant book Death on a Distant Frontier is a hard-hitting reappraisal of Eisenhower’s tactics. Through extensive research Whiting shines a light on the conflicts of personalities between the various generals and explores how Eisenhower conducted the war to ensure that his insiders reaped the glory of being the first American army to cross the Rhine.
As a veteran of this campaign, Whiting was a witness to the turmoil that reigned during this fourth month period, yet through his fast-paced narrative and informed analysis he is able to provide vivid insight into this much-overlooked period of the Second World War when the Allies could have broken through into Nazi Germany.
Perfect for readers of Max Hastings, James Holland and Stephen E. Ambrose.
By September 1944 the Germany army in France had been decimated and survivors were streaming back to the Reich. The British SAS commanders were clearing the way for the American armies of George S. Patton, Alexander Patch and Courtney Hodges. By the afternoon of September 11, 1944, men of the U.S. 5th Armored Division penetrated the poorly defended Siegfried Line. Yet just when the Rhine was ripe for the taking General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered all further advances to be halted.
Could combination of American forces supported by the British SAS have crossed the Rhine and thrust into the heart of Germany in the autumn of 1944? Did Eisenhower’s rigid adherence to his broad-front strategy delay the end of the war by several months and cause thousands of men to lose their lives in the bloody struggles in the Ardennes and the Hurtgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge?
Charles Whiting’s brilliant book Death on a Distant Frontier is a hard-hitting reappraisal of Eisenhower’s tactics. Through extensive research Whiting shines a light on the conflicts of personalities between the various generals and explores how Eisenhower conducted the war to ensure that his insiders reaped the glory of being the first American army to cross the Rhine.
As a veteran of this campaign, Whiting was a witness to the turmoil that reigned during this fourth month period, yet through his fast-paced narrative and informed analysis he is able to provide vivid insight into this much-overlooked period of the Second World War when the Allies could have broken through into Nazi Germany.
- GenresHistoryWorld War II
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
290 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Charles Whiting
257 books52 followersCharles Whiting was a British writer and military historian and with some 350 books of fiction and non-fiction to his credit, under his own name and a variety of pseudonyms including Ian Harding, Duncan Harding, K.N. Kostov, John Kerrigan, Klaus Konrad, and Leo Kessler.
Born in the Bootham area of York, England, he was a pupil at the prestigious Nunthorpe Grammar School, leaving at the age of 16 to join the British Army by lying about his age. Keen to be in on the wartime action, Whiting was attached to the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment and by the age of 18 saw duty as a sergeant in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany in the latter stages of World War II. While still a soldier, he observed conflicts between the highest-ranking British and American generals which he would write about extensively in later years.
After the war, he stayed on in Germany completing his A-levels via correspondence course and teaching English before being enrolled at Leeds University reading History and German Language. As an undergraduate he was afforded opportunities for study at several European universities and, after gaining his degree, would go on to become an assistant professor of history. Elsewhere, Whiting held a variety of jobs which included working as a translator for a German chemical factory and spells as a publicist, a correspondent for The Times and feature writer for such diverse magazines as International Review of Linguistics, Soldier and Playboy.
His first novel was written while still an undergraduate, was published in 1954 and by 1958 had been followed by three wartime thrillers. Between 1960 and 2007 Charles went on to write over 350 titles, including 70 non-fiction titles covering varied topics from the Nazi intelligence service to British Regiments during World War II.
One of his publishers, Easingwold-based Rupert Smith of GH Smith & Son said he was a quiet man and prolific writer.
"He's one of a band of forgotten authors because he sold millions of copies and still, up to his death was doing publishing deals.He was the kind of man who was very self-effacing, one of Britain's forgotten authors, still working at 80 years of age, with his nose down and kicking out books."
Charles Henry Whiting, author and military historian died on July 24 2007, leaving his wife and son.
Born in the Bootham area of York, England, he was a pupil at the prestigious Nunthorpe Grammar School, leaving at the age of 16 to join the British Army by lying about his age. Keen to be in on the wartime action, Whiting was attached to the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment and by the age of 18 saw duty as a sergeant in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany in the latter stages of World War II. While still a soldier, he observed conflicts between the highest-ranking British and American generals which he would write about extensively in later years.
After the war, he stayed on in Germany completing his A-levels via correspondence course and teaching English before being enrolled at Leeds University reading History and German Language. As an undergraduate he was afforded opportunities for study at several European universities and, after gaining his degree, would go on to become an assistant professor of history. Elsewhere, Whiting held a variety of jobs which included working as a translator for a German chemical factory and spells as a publicist, a correspondent for The Times and feature writer for such diverse magazines as International Review of Linguistics, Soldier and Playboy.
His first novel was written while still an undergraduate, was published in 1954 and by 1958 had been followed by three wartime thrillers. Between 1960 and 2007 Charles went on to write over 350 titles, including 70 non-fiction titles covering varied topics from the Nazi intelligence service to British Regiments during World War II.
One of his publishers, Easingwold-based Rupert Smith of GH Smith & Son said he was a quiet man and prolific writer.
"He's one of a band of forgotten authors because he sold millions of copies and still, up to his death was doing publishing deals.He was the kind of man who was very self-effacing, one of Britain's forgotten authors, still working at 80 years of age, with his nose down and kicking out books."
Charles Henry Whiting, author and military historian died on July 24 2007, leaving his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 20, 2023
They were just humans, in the end.
The Second World War on Europe has been thoroughly mythologised in my lifetime and distilled into a familiar narrative division between the heroic Allied victors and the stubborn Nazi oppressors. This simplified dichotomy does not stand more than a cursory analysis, and yet the war in France has never been held up for examination in public beyond the events of D-Day.
Charles Whiting succeeds with this book in portraying the humanity of those tasked with exploiting the invasions of France, primarily their human weakness. That the weaknesses (vainglory, hubris, dithering, political rivalry and selfishness) were paid for in the blood and misery of thousands of citizen soldiers, primarily young Americans, is a point hammered home time and again by Whiting's impatient narrative.
The central and shocking fact of the book is, were it not for the previously mentioned weakness of its leadership (and a single, angry prohibitive order by Eisenhower), the Allies could have crossed the Rhein and flanked the German West Wall as early as November 1944, not only bypassing the fearsome Siegfried Line but almost certainly derailing Hitler's planned Ardennes offensive which led to the costly Battle of the Bulge less than a month later. Thousands of Allied casualties could have been avoided, and the possibility of a swift decision in the West might have completely altered the balance of power in Europe in the post-war period.
A lost victory indeed, and small wonder this costly, ugly part of the war has been conveniently swept under the carpet in favour of more 'glorious' stories like D-Day.
Well-written, controversial and compassionate, I highly recommend this book.
The Second World War on Europe has been thoroughly mythologised in my lifetime and distilled into a familiar narrative division between the heroic Allied victors and the stubborn Nazi oppressors. This simplified dichotomy does not stand more than a cursory analysis, and yet the war in France has never been held up for examination in public beyond the events of D-Day.
Charles Whiting succeeds with this book in portraying the humanity of those tasked with exploiting the invasions of France, primarily their human weakness. That the weaknesses (vainglory, hubris, dithering, political rivalry and selfishness) were paid for in the blood and misery of thousands of citizen soldiers, primarily young Americans, is a point hammered home time and again by Whiting's impatient narrative.
The central and shocking fact of the book is, were it not for the previously mentioned weakness of its leadership (and a single, angry prohibitive order by Eisenhower), the Allies could have crossed the Rhein and flanked the German West Wall as early as November 1944, not only bypassing the fearsome Siegfried Line but almost certainly derailing Hitler's planned Ardennes offensive which led to the costly Battle of the Bulge less than a month later. Thousands of Allied casualties could have been avoided, and the possibility of a swift decision in the West might have completely altered the balance of power in Europe in the post-war period.
A lost victory indeed, and small wonder this costly, ugly part of the war has been conveniently swept under the carpet in favour of more 'glorious' stories like D-Day.
Well-written, controversial and compassionate, I highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2023
until the last battle
I liked the controversial rivalry between the allied commanders. The possibility of preventing the Ardennes counterattack and sparing 40,000 allied lives looms large as a fatal flaw in Gen. Eisenhower’s broad front strategy. The author’s unsparing criticism of the ego driven American commanders exposes that victory played 2nd fiddle to politics and giant ego struggles.
I liked the controversial rivalry between the allied commanders. The possibility of preventing the Ardennes counterattack and sparing 40,000 allied lives looms large as a fatal flaw in Gen. Eisenhower’s broad front strategy. The author’s unsparing criticism of the ego driven American commanders exposes that victory played 2nd fiddle to politics and giant ego struggles.
February 8, 2024
The Terrible Waste Of War
Being a WWII buff I found the author produced a very new in-depth approach to the brutal combat of the Western front of 1944-45. There was new insight into the allied (U.S., UK, French, Canadian, etc.) strategy and into General Eisenhower’s terrible weaknesses which caused mis- opportunities and unnecessary casualties, probably prolonging the War in Europe.
Being a WWII buff I found the author produced a very new in-depth approach to the brutal combat of the Western front of 1944-45. There was new insight into the allied (U.S., UK, French, Canadian, etc.) strategy and into General Eisenhower’s terrible weaknesses which caused mis- opportunities and unnecessary casualties, probably prolonging the War in Europe.
June 17, 2025
This book contains sharp criticism of US officers of the time, with the entire back half containing no reference to the SAS. This book, does and should advertise that it contains several heroic Nisei actions in European theatres. I had only hoped it would cover more SAS activities with partisan units. Again, spectacular coverage of the Nisei troops in europe, however little reference to 1 SAS throughout the book, and little on 2 SAS after the first third.
August 12, 2025
Egotism and Indecision
In school we read "whitewashed" accounts of the allies push across France into Germany. The names of Patton and Eisenhower were equated with heroism. This is not my first detailed factual account of the struggle, the suffering and carnage but the reality of the struggle remains a "hard swallow". And the egotism of those generals in charge which resulted in needless loss of life, tends to tarnish those stars on their uniforms.
In school we read "whitewashed" accounts of the allies push across France into Germany. The names of Patton and Eisenhower were equated with heroism. This is not my first detailed factual account of the struggle, the suffering and carnage but the reality of the struggle remains a "hard swallow". And the egotism of those generals in charge which resulted in needless loss of life, tends to tarnish those stars on their uniforms.
April 19, 2023
hidden history
Stationed in Germany during the Cold War. Crossed the border many times visiting France and thought I knew the history.
Much more going on then I was taught or learned from typical Books.
Worthy reading.
Stationed in Germany during the Cold War. Crossed the border many times visiting France and thought I knew the history.
Much more going on then I was taught or learned from typical Books.
Worthy reading.
February 25, 2024
Distant Frontier
A very good history of a forgotten campaign, the battles should be remembered for the brave that fought and the ego,s of generals that caused more death than necessary for their vanities.
A very good history of a forgotten campaign, the battles should be remembered for the brave that fought and the ego,s of generals that caused more death than necessary for their vanities.
April 24, 2024
Forgotton Army
This book was a good read because it tells history as it happened and not as romored to have taken place.
History should be read or studied to let us be aware of what our ancestors gave their lives for. Our ancestors are our hero.
AAlth
This book was a good read because it tells history as it happened and not as romored to have taken place.
History should be read or studied to let us be aware of what our ancestors gave their lives for. Our ancestors are our hero.
AAlth
July 20, 2024
As always
More info. Than I want but well detailed a written, wish I could be member, PATTON nor Ike were the greatest. Others existed, Evan the French Leclure & especially Montgomery. Were major contributors with possibly less casualties, killed.
More info. Than I want but well detailed a written, wish I could be member, PATTON nor Ike were the greatest. Others existed, Evan the French Leclure & especially Montgomery. Were major contributors with possibly less casualties, killed.
May 30, 2025
A TERRIBLE INDICTMENT
The author no holds barred account of the fighting in late 1944. Few are spared in this description of the bickering and petty animosity amongst senior allied commanders. Not very edifying but chimes with what many of us have seen at first hand sadly.
The author no holds barred account of the fighting in late 1944. Few are spared in this description of the bickering and petty animosity amongst senior allied commanders. Not very edifying but chimes with what many of us have seen at first hand sadly.
September 24, 2023
Well done
It was interesting to read about how the Allies approached the west wall. Always easy to look back and see the mistakes and how various personalities affected the action.
It was interesting to read about how the Allies approached the west wall. Always easy to look back and see the mistakes and how various personalities affected the action.
October 1, 2023
How we won/lost WWII
It’s amazing to me how we won WWII with the idiots at the top each one of the generals were in it for glory no matter how many men died bc of their egos
It’s amazing to me how we won WWII with the idiots at the top each one of the generals were in it for glory no matter how many men died bc of their egos
October 3, 2023
A Suprise
A part of the war all stories skipped. Good research brought the information out of memoirs, meeting minutes, memories, ,and notes.
A part of the war all stories skipped. Good research brought the information out of memoirs, meeting minutes, memories, ,and notes.
March 8, 2023
I find Charles Whiting's military history very readable, but I was suprised to learn that Leo Kessler was one of his pseudonyms - I had always assumed the latter to be a German writer, but I guess it makes a certain sense.
Death on a Distant Frontier, covers the campaign following the Normandy landings and the attempt to breach the Siegfried line and cross the Rhine. It looks at how the wide front and Eisenhower's caution led to the stalling of this and the eventual counter attack by the Nazis, although the strength of the defenses clearly played their part. By this time German forces were depleted and groups of soldiers were formed out of the young, old, and infirm.
Whiting also points out the dissent and rivalry among the generals, and the prevalent perception (disputed) that Montgomery's forces in the north were given preferential treatment when it came to supplies.
Patton is shown to be a bit of a knobend, in case there was any doubt about that, and his hubris clearly led to loss of life on both sides for little gain.
Death on a Distant Frontier, covers the campaign following the Normandy landings and the attempt to breach the Siegfried line and cross the Rhine. It looks at how the wide front and Eisenhower's caution led to the stalling of this and the eventual counter attack by the Nazis, although the strength of the defenses clearly played their part. By this time German forces were depleted and groups of soldiers were formed out of the young, old, and infirm.
Whiting also points out the dissent and rivalry among the generals, and the prevalent perception (disputed) that Montgomery's forces in the north were given preferential treatment when it came to supplies.
Patton is shown to be a bit of a knobend, in case there was any doubt about that, and his hubris clearly led to loss of life on both sides for little gain.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews