The Forgotten General: Sir Alan Cunningham GCMG, KCB, DSO, MC

General Sir Alan Cunningham was a celebrated British general in 1941 but was removed from command of the 8th Army by General Auchinleck after nine days. He was offered the prestigious job of High Commissioner in Palestine and successfully managed the British withdrawal for three years.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

General Sir Alan Cunningham, a celebrated British general in 1941, achieved fame for his dynamic leadership of the small East African Army that defeated the Italians. However, his renown faded by the end of the Second World War, and he was virtually unknown. Despite his success, Cunningham was selected to form and command the British Army's newest and most technically advanced formation, the 8th Army, the only British army fighting the Germans in 1941. He was given eight weeks to organize and train his new command, but his battle started exceptionally well. However, Cunningham lost the initiative and was removed from command by General Auchinleck just nine days into the campaign. His removal was controversial, with an official narrative of mental breakdown, but the author's research proves this not to be the case. Churchill took against Cunningham, and he spent nearly nine months unemployed before being offered a series of UK-based roles until the end of the War. As soon as Churchill lost power, Cunningham was offered the prestigious and incredibly challenging job of High Commissioner in Palestine and successfully managed the British withdrawal for the next three years. This is a fascinating story of military success and political jealousy, with notable supporters such as Alan Brooke and Smuts, but not Monty. The foreword has been kindly provided by Professor Sir John Cunningham, Dr Jane Cunningham, and Admiral Sir Jock Slater.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 167 x 243 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398113992