Does anyone know of a good biography of Field marshal Alexander of Tunis? I need it quite urgently, for my novel's research. And as it is kind of a British-biased forum, I think I'll ask here! :P
For Field Marshal Alexander's war service a good book to read is by Rupert Clark, his ADC during the war, it's called 'With Alex At War', ISBN 0850527171, and it's published by Pen & Sword, you might well be able to get one from their website Rod
There's a book called 'Alexander of Tunis' from the early 1970's I got from the Library a couple of years ago that covers all his military service including his time in the Baltic commanding German troops. It was written by a chap called WGF Jackson Cheers Adam
Thats the one. Pub in 1971. I havent read it, but if it is by Jackson it should be authoritative. He wrote an extremely good book on the politics and strategy of Overlord in 1978. Genaral Sir William Jackson was a WW2 veteran, having served in Norway, N Africa, Italy (winnng a bar to MC at Cassino) and was on the staffs of both Alexander and Eisenhower. He retired from the Army in 1978 and joined the Historical Section of the Cabinet Office. In view of the fact that he was on Alex's staff, it would be interesting to see how his viewpoint would compare with a more recent writer using full access to archival material released since 1971.
Any work by General Sir William Jackson makes for great reading. His "the Battle for North Africa, 1940-43" is superb!
Given that the last audio post I put up seemed to work properly, I'll upload Alexander's Christmas Broadcast 1943. I think it's fascinating to hear the voices of men you've read so much about, and Alex certainly sounds blue-blooded enough in this recording. Class aside, it's amazing how much farther forward in the mouth vowels were pronounced -- it gives the voice a much breathier and much less bass-y tone. Vocaroo | Voice message
Haven't actually got it yet, but the current Naval and Military Press sale includes an edited version of his diaries for around a fiver.
I think I've written this elsewhere, but his 'memoirs' are not worthy of the title or the man. Many of his contemporaries speak of his charm and charisma, but his writing is superficial and unadorned by the type of anecdotes that would reveal his character or mind. There is some speculation that he may have put pen to paper for financial reasons, but irrespective of motivation there is little in the way of insight into either his personality or his conceptions of military strategy -- at least nothing not already available elsewhere. It's also noteworthy that the book has a most peculiar structure: an overview of each theatre of war (in which North Africa and Italy precede France) followed by a dry exposition of the movements and battles that took place. You feel as if the story is only just beginning when he figuratively walks off to the blackboard and starts pointing at arrows. Some of the chapters are also far too short. The only thing to be said of the publication are a) It has a lot of photographs, b) It has a lot of decent maps, c) It is widely available at a good price. The available biographies are: - Alex: The Life Of Field Marshal Earl Alexander Of Tunis by Nigel Nicolson. - Alexander of Tunis as Military Commander by W.G.F. Jackson (mentioned upthread). - Alexander of Tunis: A Biographical Portrait by Normal Hilson. The first two are both interesting and present much more of the man than he was willing to himself, the last I have not read. To which I might add: - To War With Alex: From the Irrawaddy to the Po by Rupert Clarke (his ADC from 1940) Which is very light and anecdotal, but (possibly as a result) quite enjoyable (and has good photographs).
Slightly off specific topic but like so many others, my father would speak glowingly of Alex... My Dad first met Alex "near" Tunis in May 1943 and would remember: “The Irish Brigade was given the distinction of being the first marching troops into Tunis. The London Irish entered the town in buses through the crossroads at La Mornaghia. A senior officer in immaculate uniform stood beside his jeep. It was the ‘boss’, General Sir Harold Alexander..." He would become Honorary Colonel of the London Irish Rifles in 1947 and looks down at us whenever we meet up at Connaught House.
