Description
Book SynopsisForgotten Soldiers is an enthralling work of military history that shows how the courage, intelligence or simple good fortune of the individual can exert a decisive influence on the outcome of a battle or campaign. It tells the stories of fifteen unsung heroes, none of a rank higher than major, whose deeds changed the course of important battles and - arguably - the course of history. These vivid and gripping accounts - largely drawn from the Second World War, but with tales too from other conflicts - have each been selected to illustrate one of the dictums of the great Prussian theorist of war, Carl von Clausewitz, about the importance of having the right man in the right place at the right time. From the Roman standard bearer who plunged into the waves off Deal in 55 BC, saving Julius Caesar's military honour and political career, to the young Israeli tank lieutenant who almost single-handedly stalled the advancing Syrian armour in 1973, these are above all tales of courage. But it is not just courage that wins wars, as these stories demonstrate: such elements as surprise, determination, good intelligence, chance, insight, inventiveness and clear thinking all play their parts in eventual victory. And it may only take one man, often of lowly rank, his name largely forgotten, to embody such qualities for the effect to be felt around the world.
Trade ReviewMany insights...are at the heart of Brian Moynahan's Forgotten Soldiers...It is the value of this book to show how the individual can still have a decisive impact - General Sir Mike Jackson, Daily Telegraph * Daily Telegraph *
An excellent study of war at the sharp end - Mail on Sunday * Mail on Sunday *
Table of ContentsList of Maps Introduction The Sturmpionier - The sergeant who ensured the Fall of France Action, Action, Action! Promptitude! - The lieutenant who defied orders to raise his own army of tribesmen - and won Pavlov's House - A marathon of defiance The Field Marshal, the Prime Minister and the Sergeant - Saviour of France in one war, traitor in the next The Biplane and the Battleship - A man takes on a steel mountain Cast Net - Throw Spear - The squad leader who started the Vietnam War as we know it The One-Shot Wonder - Holding a bridge, like Horatius The Bearer of the Eagle - A standard bearer saves the reputation of Julius Caesar The Bicycle Blitzkrieg - The profound effect of pedal power The Loose Cannon of Yom Kippur - The hitchhiker who took on a division Blood for Eleanor! - Two sergeants and the turn of the tide Killed Cold-Dede and Casten Over-Bordes - An unknown predecessor of Drake defeats an earlier armada "Truly, this man is the new Noah" - The maker of the amphibious assault Konfrontasi - The sergeant major who defied a president Petals of Rare Beauty - A sublieutenant outwits Admiral Donitz Bibliography Index
