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Wartime Courage
In these eleven stories of courage in the Second World War, Prime Minister Gordon Brown marks the unforgettable heroism of British men and women who fought to overcome tyranny. Some are accounts of decisive action taken in the searing heat of battle while others are of innovative, strategic thought and endurance in the face of dangers met day after day. Tribute is paid to heroes such as John Bridge, a physics teacher turned mine- and bomb-disposal officer, and to the bravery of clandestine operatives like Major Hugh Seagrim in occupied Burma and Violette Szabo in France. Simply and directly told, these inspiring stories celebrate the extraordinary courage of an exceptional generation.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Gordon Brown
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 17, 2011
A concise and easily readable account of various characters from the Second World War whom the author has singled out for praise due to heroism or courage on their part.
Of course, reading this book comes with the baggage of Brown's disastrous tenure as UK Prime Minister, but I was pleased to find the man's political and writing careers are two entirely separate things. Although I don't think much of him as a politician, I like him as a writer: he has that lightness of touch that it sometimes seems that few authors possess.
I'm hardly an expert when it comes to WW2 chronicles but there's a lot of familiar material in this book, particularly the stories of SOE operatives in France which have been covered time and time again. Still, there are plenty of other intriguing snippets, particularly Slim's adventures against the Japanese in Burma and the decency shown by a squad of British soldiers in their dealings with a Jewish girl hiding out in a barn.
It might not be a book to set the world on fire but I found it a cosy read and an uplifting look at the heights to which mankind is occasionally raised.
Of course, reading this book comes with the baggage of Brown's disastrous tenure as UK Prime Minister, but I was pleased to find the man's political and writing careers are two entirely separate things. Although I don't think much of him as a politician, I like him as a writer: he has that lightness of touch that it sometimes seems that few authors possess.
I'm hardly an expert when it comes to WW2 chronicles but there's a lot of familiar material in this book, particularly the stories of SOE operatives in France which have been covered time and time again. Still, there are plenty of other intriguing snippets, particularly Slim's adventures against the Japanese in Burma and the decency shown by a squad of British soldiers in their dealings with a Jewish girl hiding out in a barn.
It might not be a book to set the world on fire but I found it a cosy read and an uplifting look at the heights to which mankind is occasionally raised.
Displaying 1 of 1 review