Alamein

by C.E. Lucas Phillips

The Second Battle of El Alamein was a crucial turning point in the Second World War.

In the words of Winston ‘It may almost be “Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein, we never had a defeat”.’

How had Bernard Montgomery and the Eighth Army been able to turn back the might of Rommel’s Axis forces?

Alamein uncovers the actions of Allied and Axis forces before and during the ferocious battle in vivid detail. It explains who the commanders were, what forces they had, how they were arranged and what strategies were used by both sides to try to defeat their enemies.

Genres: History, War, Military History

434 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Cecil Ernest "Peter" Lucas Philips was an author.

During World War I, he served with the Royal Artillery in France and Flanders. During World War II, he served with Montgomery in the Western Desert, and in Italy. He wrote several war books including "Cockleshell Heroes," "Escape of the Amethyst," "Alamein," "The Greatest Raid of All," and "Springboard to Victory." He was a passionate gardener and has also written books on gardening including the much acclaimed "The Small Garden" and "Roses for the Small Garden."

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read Phillip's book years ago, when I still nurtured a very simplistic image of this complex desert battle, an image which had been strongly influenced by somewhat simplistic documentaries drawn from 1940s WWII allied propanganda . From his use of first-hand accounts and detailed unit histories, this author (a participant himself) shows how tough this battle was for the British and Commonwealth forces, and by no means a certain victory for the allies.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding documentary of the battle and actions taken by both sides. The author does an tremendous job of capturing the main combatants and the small group actions that took place. This book really helped me to understand the pivotal battle in the Middle East. A must read for the fan of WW2 battles.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Terence Lionel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

I have read this book several times and it is well worth the time to read it. The author knows his stuff. The fact that he interviewed Monty. Makes this the best book about the battle. The negative is he should followed the Eighth Army to It Algeria.

[Neil Brunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without doubt one of the best books I've ever read about ww2 , the detail is amazing,I also found it a very poignant book as these young men on both sides showed a form of heroism that later generations including my own cannot understand or even come close too. I would recommend this book to everyone who has a interest in ww2 .all I can say is thank you to these men who fought so we can have the freedoms we have now.

[D.M. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alamein in detail

Very detailed account of the Battle of El Alemain.
What I find significant is the callous loss of life on both sides.
Such brave men sacrificed to one man’s mad ideas.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An instructors manual

A over researched and written directory for assembling and development of an Army force.I enjoyed parts while skimming over others.

[Guy H Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding blow by blow account

I’m sure many military historians will quibble but I thoroughly enjoyed this and was utterly absorbed. Will read more of his output

[John Lovett Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want step by step detail of this huge battle it's a great read.

[David Sutherland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not like, nor will I willingly read "Historical Fiction"! This book was not about the battle of Eliquis Alamein, this book is literally trash!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call it 4.5 stars. Excellent for those who want a detailed account. Some minor quibbles that I will detail in a full review to come.