Perilous Commitments: Britain's Involvement in Greece and Crete 1940-41

by Matthew Willingham

This book is concerned with the British military intervention in Greece and the subsequent defense of, and evacuation from Crete, outlining a comprehensive appraisal of events and is the first definitive guide to the whole Grecian conflict in World War II. The decision to defend Greece was a contentious one and the motives behind sending British forces to Greece are carefully explored. The political rhetoric concerning intervention in Greece is unravelled where Churchill, Eden and Wavell all played a fundamental part in the final decision. The battle for Crete quickly followed the evacuation of Greece when German paratroops descended, and this battle encapsulated the Allied spirit of resistance; Hitler had experienced a number of easy victories until the stubborn defence of Crete. Also covered is a study of the repercussions of the Allied retreat and the conditions under German occupation.

294 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[Sam Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic explanation of how Britain entered the fray in WWII and a timely reminder of the risks of allowing politically motivated obligations to lead us into strategically disastrous commitments, especially if without a plan or the resources to finish the job. Ironically, US opinion also played a part in Britain’s decision to send the military expedition to Greece which chimes with contemporary global politics.

[Tyler James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to the Grecian conflict in World War II, excellent!

[Paul W · Rating 1 out of 5]

While Australians are well aware of Gallipoli, and have more recently developed a knowledge of Pozieres and Fromelle from WW1 and Tobruk and Kokoda from WW2, the campaigns in Greece and Crete, perhaps because they resulted in a retreat and defeat, have been side-lined and ignored. Willingham together with two Australian authors, Hill (Diggers and Greeks) and Ewer (Forgotten Anzacs), have sought to address this.
Willingham uses a large number of secondary sources to support the points he outlines. Disappointingly, neither his lecturer not his publisher seem to have identified that significant sections of this book have been quoted without attribution from other texts.
This book is an academic thesis which has subsequently been published. As an academic theses it might have warranted a ‘B-’; as a book, it is a ‘Fail’. Avoid.