Victory in the Desert: Montgomery and the Eighth Army 1942-1943

by Adrian Stewart

The end of the beginning… An epic conflictNorth Africa was a turning point for the British in the Second World a harsh landscape of sand and enemy tanks, but ultimately a place of victory, that Churchill famously called ‘the end of the beginning.’

When General Montgomery became commander of the Allied Eighth Army in 1942, he found the troops dispirited after a series of defeats by his nemesis, General Rommel. However, under Monty’s inspired leadership the army turned their fortunes around, going on to win seven battles and driving the enemy out of North Africa.

However, little credit has been attributed to the Eighth Army for its victories, and even the legendary Battle of El Alamein has been consistently underrated. This highly informed and gripping account brings to light how the troops, and their leaders, won these decisive battles, and helped to win the war.

Lucid and accessible, this masterly account is vital reading for all enthusiasts of military history. Perfect for readers of Jonathan Dimbleby and Max Hastings.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2022

Reviews

[Sean Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book starts slowly with lots of information about forces that is hard to keep following however gets more descriptive of scenario later making read pleasant and interesting.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the war in Egypt and later northern Africa.

I maybe making this up but I'm sure most books I've read on the Desert campaign tend to stop at El Alamein.

However, this book goes into great deal of the follow-up battles, right up to the final victory in Tunisia.

I really enjoyed this book, it's a great insight into Monty and 8th army.

Some maps and an insight into the special raiding squadrons would have been preferred.

[Paul Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise and at the same time detailed account of the eighth army in North Africa. Highlights how this important battle helped turn the tide of the war, a battle that seems to be rather over looked. It helped pull important axis forces away from the Eastern front and more importantly from around Stalingrad. The turning point of world war 2 in my eyes.

[Steve Dempsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for the detail of the north Africa campaign but 1 star for lack of diagrams and maps to help explain the campaign. I spent more time trying to work out the detail on Google maps and images than I spent reading the book. As an example, the author mentions places like ' Point 102', and there is no chance of finding that.

[Mark Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good overview of 8th Army’s exploits in North Africa. It’s short on personal detail, going more for the bigger units (Divisions and Corps) rather than smaller though some do get a mention. It’s a good introduction into the campaign. I knocked off one star for one reason only. The book lacks any maps, diagrams or photos which would have enhanced it greatly.

[Cropredy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother. An account of the battles in North Africa from 1940-43 between the British-led forces and the Axis. Not a single map. Focus is on El Alamein. Writing style is unengaging. I could not finish this.

I'm going to try Pendulum of War: The Three Battles of El Alamein by Niall Barr