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Boots on the Ground
On Lüneberg Heath in 1945, the German High Command surrendered to Field Marshall Montgomery; in 2015, seventy years after this historic triumph, the last combat units of the British Army finally left their garrisons next to Lüneberg Heath.
Boots on the Ground is the story of those years, following the British Army against the backdrop of Britain's shifting security and defence policies. From the decolonisation of India to the two interventions in Iraq, and, of course, Northern Ireland, the book tracks the key historical conflicts, big and small, of Britain's transformation from a leading nation with some 2 million troops in 1945, to a significantly reduced place on the world stage and fewer than 82,000 troops in 2015. Despite this apparent de-escalation, at no point since WWII has Britain not had 'boots on the ground' - and with the current tensions in the Middle East, and the rise of terrorism, this situation is unlikely to change.
Sir Richard Dannatt brings forty years of military service, including as Chief of the General Staff, to tell the fascinating story of how the British Army has shaped, and been shaped by, world events from the Cold War to the Good Friday Agreement to the EU Referendum. Whether examining the fallout of empire in the insurgencies of Malaya, Kenya and Dhofar, the extraordinary battle for the Falklands, the long-standing conflict in Northern Ireland or Britain's relationship with NATO and experience of fighting with - or for - America, Dannatt examines the complexity of a great British institution.
Boots on the Ground is the story of those years, following the British Army against the backdrop of Britain's shifting security and defence policies. From the decolonisation of India to the two interventions in Iraq, and, of course, Northern Ireland, the book tracks the key historical conflicts, big and small, of Britain's transformation from a leading nation with some 2 million troops in 1945, to a significantly reduced place on the world stage and fewer than 82,000 troops in 2015. Despite this apparent de-escalation, at no point since WWII has Britain not had 'boots on the ground' - and with the current tensions in the Middle East, and the rise of terrorism, this situation is unlikely to change.
Sir Richard Dannatt brings forty years of military service, including as Chief of the General Staff, to tell the fascinating story of how the British Army has shaped, and been shaped by, world events from the Cold War to the Good Friday Agreement to the EU Referendum. Whether examining the fallout of empire in the insurgencies of Malaya, Kenya and Dhofar, the extraordinary battle for the Falklands, the long-standing conflict in Northern Ireland or Britain's relationship with NATO and experience of fighting with - or for - America, Dannatt examines the complexity of a great British institution.
420 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 7, 2018
In 1945 Britain was a major power with an empire that spanned the globe and armed forces that had contributed to the defeat of Hitler. This book tells the story of the part the army played in helping the country to retreat from empire whilst retaining a role on the world stage.
It takes in the small wars in places like Kenya and Borneo that made the, mostly, peaceful transition from colonial rule to independence possible. Along with the embarrassment of Suez, the remarkable gamble of sending a task force to the Falklands and the 'interventions' in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Richard Dannatt belongs to the long tradition of generals who turn to writing history when they put up their sword. This allows him to bring to his subject matter the unique perspective of having led soldiers into action, and, as a senior officer, mixed with the political players.
He shows commendable even handedness in, justly, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the army in action, whilst being fully honest about those instances when the institution or individuals associated with it have fallen below expected standards.
Dannatt also writes perceptively about the relationship between the army and wider British society. One lives and breathes through its traditions; the other has changed beyond recognition over the past seventy odd years.
What shines through most clearly from every page is his deep respect for the courage and stoicism of the ordinary British soldier, and his belief that the army still has a role to play in our national life.
This is a fitting tribute to the generations of Britons who have answered the bugles calling them from quiet lives in the shires.
It takes in the small wars in places like Kenya and Borneo that made the, mostly, peaceful transition from colonial rule to independence possible. Along with the embarrassment of Suez, the remarkable gamble of sending a task force to the Falklands and the 'interventions' in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Richard Dannatt belongs to the long tradition of generals who turn to writing history when they put up their sword. This allows him to bring to his subject matter the unique perspective of having led soldiers into action, and, as a senior officer, mixed with the political players.
He shows commendable even handedness in, justly, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the army in action, whilst being fully honest about those instances when the institution or individuals associated with it have fallen below expected standards.
Dannatt also writes perceptively about the relationship between the army and wider British society. One lives and breathes through its traditions; the other has changed beyond recognition over the past seventy odd years.
What shines through most clearly from every page is his deep respect for the courage and stoicism of the ordinary British soldier, and his belief that the army still has a role to play in our national life.
This is a fitting tribute to the generations of Britons who have answered the bugles calling them from quiet lives in the shires.
January 16, 2018
General Dannatt tells the story of post-war Britain and its place in the world through the recent history of its Army. Informed, sometimes provocative, always readable, this made me realise how quickly we forget chunks of our own history (Korean War, Oman) and how much we sanitise other bits (Northern Ireland). Dannatt is fiercely partisan but far from the right-wing bigot some people might expect. You may not agree with all he says, but his views are worthy of respect and expressed in prose that reads more easily than many novels.
If you are interested in modern British history, the Army, or British diplomatic policy, this is a book you will enjoy reading.
If you are interested in modern British history, the Army, or British diplomatic policy, this is a book you will enjoy reading.
May 8, 2019
A useful and thoughtful look at not only the campaigns the British army has fought since 1945 - but also the political and public context at home and overseas. Amongst many conflicts the author looks at solo fighting to retake the Falklands, peacekeeping operations with NATO in Kosovo, the counter insurgency war in Malaysia, the first Gulf war, Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as the authors views on the successes and shortcomings of the operations, he also looks at the impact of political ambition vs budget allocated, human rights legislation and public support for the military. Well worth a read - especially for those in government!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2020
A solid read
This book gives an excellent overview of post-war British history through the lens of the army. I found it very strong on the wars up to the end of the Cold War, but it became quite fragmented the closer to the present day. That is curious, as this is the era when the author would have had firsthand experience of the material he is covering. Perhaps a case of being too close to have a clear perspective? The epilogue was the weakest section; a collection of seemingly random assorted comments that didn’t fit elsewhere in the book. But nonetheless a highly enjoyable read and one that is accessible to the non-military reader.
This book gives an excellent overview of post-war British history through the lens of the army. I found it very strong on the wars up to the end of the Cold War, but it became quite fragmented the closer to the present day. That is curious, as this is the era when the author would have had firsthand experience of the material he is covering. Perhaps a case of being too close to have a clear perspective? The epilogue was the weakest section; a collection of seemingly random assorted comments that didn’t fit elsewhere in the book. But nonetheless a highly enjoyable read and one that is accessible to the non-military reader.
April 24, 2018
an excellent read. filled with very informative detail. knowing nothing about the army but having an interest in military things. this was the first book non fiction book that i read about our military i was fascinated by it. i loved it a credit to the author. this is a must read
September 11, 2021
A great book from a General, there is a lack of reflective thinking from retired British generals and this goes a little way to addressing that.
Starts to lose analytical focus in the later half, but a great socio-military history for understanding post-war Britain.
Starts to lose analytical focus in the later half, but a great socio-military history for understanding post-war Britain.
January 4, 2020
Bloody interesting read.
January 23, 2021
Not the book I thought it was going to be. Yes it covers the British Army journey through history from 1945 to present.
It does briefly cover each of the conflicts it was involved in from peace keeping to war, it also has huge chunks on politics that shaped the military through savage cuts.
Personally I would have preferred more on the Army’s involvement in the conflicts and les on the politics which made it heavy going in parts
Yes it’s all relevant but a better balance would’ve been preferred.
It does briefly cover each of the conflicts it was involved in from peace keeping to war, it also has huge chunks on politics that shaped the military through savage cuts.
Personally I would have preferred more on the Army’s involvement in the conflicts and les on the politics which made it heavy going in parts
Yes it’s all relevant but a better balance would’ve been preferred.
October 26, 2021
Good show old chap
Food show old chap
Init diamond geezer
Thirteen more words required
Nine more words rechoired
Five more words required init
Food show old chap
Init diamond geezer
Thirteen more words required
Nine more words rechoired
Five more words required init
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews