Godley

by Terry Kinloch

A comprehensive biography of General Sir Alexander Godley, presenting for the first time a fair and balanced look at his time as commander of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) and II ANZAC Corps during World War I. While Godley is generally remembered as being a poor field commander, Terry Kinloch argues that he was in fact a capable one who had little or no ability to influence the failed battles at Gallipoli and Passchendaele that he is often seen as responsible for. Kinloch also presents, for the first time, a detailed account of Godley's long pre- and post-World War I career in the British Army. After the war Godley returned to the British Army, eventually reaching the rank of general before retiring in 1933. During his 48-year military career, he also served on operations in Rhodesia and South Africa, as a mounted infantry instructor, in the post-war British occupation force in Germany, and as the Governor of Gibraltar.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful biography that provides greater context on the life and career of General Godley. To my mind Kinloch successfully ripostes some of the more hysterical accusations of Godley's record and character, such as those regarding his personality and motivations. He also fairly gives Godley credit for his administrative abilities and peacetime successes. But whilst acknowledging the 'inexcusable' actions made by Godley at the 1st battle of Passchendaele (12 October 1917), Kinloch essentially skirts over the affair, choosing not to dwell at length on Godley's outrageously negligent planning and interactions with Haig, et. al., which got thousands of New Zealanders and Australians under his command needlessly slaughtered in one of the most botched operations of the war. By not critically reflecting on that specific offense, Kinloch allows Godley's critics on Passchendaele to stand uncontested.