Description
Book Synopsis''Charles Guthrie has been one of Britain''s foremost soldiers as well as a terrific personality throughout his remarkable life. It is great that he is now telling his own story.'' - Sir Max Hastings
Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie commanded at every level in the British Army from platoon to army group, and was Britain''s senior military commander at a time of great change. He oversaw the modernization of the armed forces following the Cold War years and led Britain''s military involvement in operations in the Balkans and Sierra Leone.
Charles Guthrie was commissioned into the British Army in 1959 at a time when Britain''s influence was shrinking throughout the world, and Peace, War and Whitehall describes his operational experience with both the Welsh Guards and 22 SAS in Aden, Malaya, East Africa, Cyprus and Northern Ireland.
As a senior officer he commanded the Welsh Guards during an operational tour of the Bandit Country of South Armagh a
Trade Review
Pithy, humorous, engaging but above all wise… will guide future generations of our military leaders, but will also fascinate the general reader for their insights into how world-changing decisions are made. * Professor Andrew Roberts *
A lively and engaging account of a life well lived… [a] fascinating memoir. * Lady Antonia Fraser *
Charles Guthrie has been one of Britain’s foremost soldiers as well as a terrific personality throughout his remarkable life. It is great that he is now telling his own story. * Sir Max Hastings *
[Lord Guthrie’s] boldness and humour make the book fizz. * Michael Portillo *
There is profound wisdom in these engaging memoirs, written with wry humour and a deceptively light touch. -- Allan Mallinson * The Spectator *
Table of Contents
Foreword: HRH The Prince of Wales Preface: Major General Richard Stanford, CB, MBE, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Welsh Guards List of Illustrations Prologue 1. Harrow 2. The Welsh Guards 3. Aden 4. The SAS 5. Germany 6. Belfast 7. Military Assistant to the Chief of the General Staff 8. Cyprus 9. Brigade Major, The Household Division 10. Commanding the Welsh Guards in Berlin 11. Commanding the Welsh Guards in South Armagh 12. The Coconut War 13. Commander, 4th Armoured Brigade 14. Sport 15. Reflections on Command 16. Kate 17. Commander-in-Chief British Army of the Rhine 18. Chief of the General Staff 19. Gold Stick, Colonel of The Life Guards 20. Chief of the Defence Staff 21. The Hinterland Epilogue Acknowledgements Index
