Point of Failure - British Brigadiers in France and Norway 1940

[@davidlavigne207]

I only met one of my Brigadier Generals once when I was a member of the 229th Attack Helicopter BN, 101st Airborne Division in 1982. A Brigadier General Allen appeared one morning before a Battalion level run. He gave us a rousing talk, including some old fashioned cheer leader type motivation. He then proceeded to lead the run of 5 miles at an 8 minute per mile pace, which considering he was in his 60s was pretty good. He was our Assistant Division Commander at the time. A famous American Brigadier I think of often was BG Anthony McAuliffe, the Artillery Commander of the 101st Airborne who commanded the unit at Bastogne in December, 1944. It was rare for the average enlisted soldier to have met one's Brigadier.

[@garyaugust1953]

Excellent show, Phil delivered a depth of knowledge of a subject that one would not nessacarily think of.

[@KrisV385]

Good show on a topic I didn't know about...per the usual WW2TV MO! Thanks Woody!!

[@Shippo78]

I spotted ‘Ginger’ Hawkesworth right away, always good to see the GOC of the mighty 46th Division mentioned! A great presentation, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Na808Koa]

Unusual topic but had me hooked, such knowledge and insight from Phil, thanks for the presentation Woody.

[@ericsprengle5895]

For those interested, "Point of Failure" will be available through Amazon in the United States on 31 January 2025 for $36.11

[@johnlucas8479]

Excellent presentation Woody, the level of details is amazing on a subject that is often overlook. I recently see a presentation on US Submarine Commander at the start of the War. A large percentage were beached due to be caution.

[@richardschaffer5588]

Brilliant! This gave me insight into the importance of Monty’s ‘tidying up’ of the British Army.

[@colinellis5243]

Woody another great historian with a refreshing and interesting path of research! I had no idea that Brigadier had become an appointment not a formal rank! This was a very interesting presentation! Thanks to you both!!

[@anselmdanker9519]

Excellent topic and well discussed 😊

[@Chiller11]

One of the major contributions ascribed to George Marshall was the “retirement” of large numbers of US Army senior officers who were considered too old or incompetent prior to the official American entrance into WW2. Though he had major institutional obstacles to overcome I’m betting the obstacles in the British Army were even greater precisely because of its long history and sense of tradition.

[@PorqueNoLosDos]

My God this was brilliant! At only 12 minutes in... Btw pause often to read the entire slide.

[@abrahamoyevaar2226]

As Salaam. What a presentation Phil and Woody. So much information, so many pre conceived ideas broken, and more questions arising, all presented in a academic yet casual style. Thank you so very much for this insightful presentation on what would become the upper echelon of the British staff in 1943 onwards. thanks again gentleman.

[@mmapunx]

Brooke needs his own episode on WW2TV... is Andrew Sangster available?

[@bargunner18]

Very interesting subject. Great show

[@sobobwas6871]

A great debunk, strangely compelling.

[@marks_sparks1]

Great research by Phil. Some familiar names and not so familiar names brought to light. Some myths confirmed - Monty/Brooke patronage, other myths deunked - e.g. age of brigadier increasing in war. Great stuff.

[@cybertronian2005]

I got Montagu Stopford but struggled with the others! McCreery is pretty underrated but I wouldn't recognise him right off the bat

[@michealohaodha9351]

You had me at Norway! 😁💪

[@mjinoz1677]

Great stuff! I would love to see a comparison with the AIF / AMF given the stereotype of the Australian forces being more egalitarian.