Command and Valour

Reviews / Votes

Stuart Robertson's deep knowledge of his subject oozes off every page. This is not just a gripping account of individual heroism it is also a book that contains plenty of fresh perspectives, fascinating insights and lots of very sound historical judgement. 'Command and Valour' is a fine book that puts right a lot of historical injustices - James Holland - historian, author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; Stuart Robertson is a doyen of the Battlefield Guide Community, renowned for combining meticulous research, understanding and a rare ability to communicate. In `Command and Valour', Robertson confronts issues which have previously generated much ill-informed discussion before presenting his own considered perspectives. Also included are the stories of those who were awarded their nation's highest awards for bravery, actions which often unlock a chain reaction which determines the outcome of military engagements. Whilst some may find this book challenging, `Command and Valour' offers a powerful account which, no-matter your pre-conceptions, is a significant addition to our understanding of what happened in Normandy in June 1944. This book deserves to be read - Major General Graham Hollands - Royal Artillery (retired); `Command and Valour' is a lively and accessible narrative of the 1944 Normandy campaign. Stuart Robertson makes an articulate, powerful and timely plea for renewed scholarly engagement with the complexities of Allied campaign planning and execution. A particular strength of the book is the way in which it bridges the gap between the tactical and strategic levels of war through its description of acts of astonishing gallantry that led to the award of no fewer than 22 Medals of Honor and Victoria Crosses to Allied military personnel. This book helps readers understand not only how choices at the highest command levels affected the course of the campaign, but also how individuals' courage and self-sacrifice was so often needed to translate the generals' plans for victory into military success on the ground. Highly recommended - Dr Simon Trew - Department of War Studies, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; Stuart Robertson's Command and Valour is not only a succinct depiction of the Normandy Campaign, but, more importantly, it masterfully dispels numerous myths which have become entrenched within the popular perception of the battle. A welcome breath of fresh air - Mark Zuehlke - Best-selling author of the Canadian Battle Series; Stuart Robertson's wonderfully insightful `Command and Valour' provides a balanced perspective of the Normandy campaign through meticulous research and detailing of the sequence of events. Cleverly interwoven with this are accounts of the actions by the men of all Allied nations who earned their country's highest awards for bravery. This book will certainly get people thinking. It deserves the widest circulation - Neil Barber - Author of The Day the Devils Dropped in.