Alanbrooke The Reluctant Warrior

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  • Hardback with Dust Cover
  • 234 X 156MM
  • 632pp
  • 28 Photographs
  • £25

Release Date 28 March 2023

Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke was Chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS) and chairman of the British Chiefs of Staff Committee for most of the Second World War. As such, he was the principal military advisor to Winston Churchill and his cabinet and, in the event, he proved to be one of the key architects of Anglo-American military strategy in the War.

Alanbrooke is, perhaps, best known for his war diary which contained trenchant criticisms of various high-profile figures in the War, most notably Churchill. His diary has previously been published: in the late 1950s, it was used by Arthur Bryant as the foundation of his books, The Turn of the Tide and Triumph in the West, and in 2001 it was published in its full, unedited form.

The rationale behind Alanbrooke The Reluctant Warrior is two-fold. First, whilst Alanbrooke the soldier and strategist is a subject that has been well examined by historians, Alanbrooke the man is largely unexplored territory. The focus of the book is on the latter, and it offers a detailed character portrait of the man which presents him in a markedly different – and more sympathetic – light to the way he has been portrayed since 1945: the book, therefore, breaks new ground. Second, since he has been pushed into the shadows by the colossus that is Churchill, it gives Alanbrooke the recognition he deserves for the pivotal role he played in the Allied victory in World War II: he is a good example of the ‘unsung hero’.

The book comprises twenty-two chapters, laid out in three parts. Whilst it covers Alanbrooke’s entire life (1883-1963), it is not a biography.

Part One covers his childhood, his entry into the British Army, his First World War experiences and his army career between 1918 and 1939 in two chapters.

Part Two forms the backbone of the book. It covers the period from September 1939 through to Alanbrooke’s retirement in 1946 and contains sixteen chapters, all of which comprise edited extracts from his diary and autobiographical notes. The diary has been used as the foundation of this Part for three reasons. First, the character portrait of Alanbrooke is based on the author’s detailed analysis of his diary. Second, it narrates a fascinating and highly readable story of his personal experiences in the War: it should be stressed that this book is not a history of the conflict. Third, the author believes the value of Alanbrooke’s diary as an historical record has not been fully appreciated since there were a great many lessons to be learnt from his experiences in World War II.

19 November 1941

“Today, the papers published… my appointment as CIGS… I suppose I ought to be very grateful and happy at reaching the top of the ladder. I can’t say that I do… I had never hoped or aspired at reaching these dizzy heights and now that I am stepping up onto the plateau land of my military career, the landscape looks cold, black and lonely with a ghastly responsibility hanging as a black thunder cloud over me.”

-Alanbrooke

Late November 1943, at the Tehran conference

“After listening to the arguments put forward during the last 2 days, I feel more like entering a lunatic asylum or a nursing home than continuing with my present job. I am absolutely disgusted with the politicians’ methods of waging a war!! Why will they imagine that they are experts at a job they know nothing about! It is lamentable to listen to them… One thing is quite clear, the more politicians you put together to settle the prosecution of the war, the longer you postpone its conclusion!”

-Alanbrooke

10 September 1944

“We had another meeting with Winston… He knows no details, has only got half the picture in his mind, talks absurdities and makes my blood boil to listen to his nonsense. I find it hard to remain civil. And the wonderful thing is that ¾ of the population of the world imagine that Winston Churchill is one of the Strategists of History, a second Marlborough, and the other ¼ have no conception what a public menace he is and has been throughout this war! It is far better that the world should never know, and never suspect, the feet of clay of that otherwise superhuman being. Without him, England was lost for a certainty, with him England has been on the verge of disaster time and again.”

-Alanbrooke

Part Three contains four chapters. The first offers the detailed character portrait of Alanbrooke. The second opens with an analysis of his first year as CIGS – this identifies the one mistake he made – and then examines five aspects of Anglo-American military strategy. The third explains the reason behind Alanbrooke’s collaboration with Arthur Bryant in the publication of his diary in the late 1950s which proved so controversial. It argues that Bryant was guilty of a misjudgment namely, he should have used the diary to write a book setting out all the lessons that could have been learnt from Alanbrooke’s wartime experiences: these lessons are then identified and include the strained relationship that exists between political and military leaders, the weaknesses of politicians, the interplay between prime minister and cabinet and how military leaders should handle their political masters. The importance of these lessons is illustrated by showing how errors made in the War were repeated in the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. This chapter, which also offers a measured assessment of Churchill’s strengths and weaknesses, ends by listing Alanbrooke’s achievements in the Second World War. The final chapter explains why Alanbrooke was a reluctant warrior.

Alanbrooke The Reluctant Warrior is likely to appeal to aficionados of World War II, military professionals and those interested in British military history, military strategy, Churchill, twentieth-century history, politics and government.

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Reviews

Splendid book… a tour de force. Alanbrooke – The Reluctant Warrior is an ambitious, sweeping examination of its subject’s character, life and career. This is a book in which readers interested in the life of Alanbrooke and in the Second World War will find much interesting material and well thought out analysis.
Dr. Linda ParkerBritish Modern Military History Society
Julian Horrocks has written a fascinating and illuminating portrait of Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke, one of the most influential British military leaders of the Second World War – but also one of the least known and least understood. Meticulously researched, using Alanbrooke’s detailed war diaries as primary source material, Horrocks has brought a complex, reserved and, on occasions, misunderstood man to life. This is a must-read for anyone interested in British military history in the 20th century and for anyone who wants to look for the man behind Alanbrooke’s mask. Despite the breadth and depth of military and operational information in Alanbrooke’s diaries, this is a character-driven narrative… Julian Horrocks’ wide-ranging, perceptive and sympathetic biography gives Alanbrooke the recognition he deserves. According to his contemporaries, Alanbrooke was a “most impenetrable man”. This splendid book, a work of genuine scholarship, challenges this assessment and presents the reader with the man behind the mask. Highly recommended.
Robert Beaumont
Alanbrooke’s diary and later autobiographical notes provide an enviable primary source for Julian Horrocks’ in-depth study of Alanbrooke’s character. Horrocks refers to Alanbrooke’s “dissective, analytical mind”, an attribute that Horrocks himself displays in his carefully considered forensic analysis of his subject. The fact that the diary was not written for publication – indeed it was a breach of army regulations – and was addressed and dedicated to Alanbrooke’s beloved and respected second wife, give it an unguarded authenticity that allows Horrocks to draw from it well-reasoned conclusions about a man who was central to probably the most significant military event of the twentieth century. It is not, as Horrocks makes clear, a critique of Alanbrooke as a soldier and strategist: the diary discloses many of Alanbrooke’s views on strategy but does not provide sufficient material for such an analysis. Nothing distracts Horrocks from his search for a detailed insight into the character Alanbrooke displayed in the face of adversity, as presented by the evidence in the diary and notes. Consequently, Horrocks’ clearly presented and expressed opinions are solidly founded and convincing. Horrocks also recounts how the diary and notes were used after the war, particularly by Sir Arthur Bryant; how they and Alanbrooke have been regarded as a result; the vital but often irreconcilable relationship between political leaders and military chiefs, and the lessons which Alanbrooke found had not been learnt from the First World War. Horrocks then applies these observations to more recent military events in Afghanistan and Iraq which emphasises the continuing relevance of Alanbrooke’s thinking and the extraordinary personal qualities he displayed. This is a substantial work which provides a significant contribution to our understanding of a man who reluctantly found himself having to cope with world events and the other leaders involved during a fascinating period of our history.
Jeremy Lowe
The author paints a very human picture of one of the greatest British military strategists in the 2nd world war. Using Alanbrooke’s own diary, he provides a very clear analysis of the entries and the clear evidence they provide of the man’s emotions, humour and doubts during his years as Britain’s CiC and before. It is an absolute must for people who are interested in the human aspects behind the grand political and military strategies of the 2nd WW. Excellent book. I think you very effectively redress the rather boring, dry image that is often painted of Lord Alanbrooke. The book is very readable… I did also very much appreciate the humour in the book.
Dick van Brummen
For all those like myself who enjoy reading WWII military history books, Julian Horrocks’ Alanbrooke is a MUST-READ. It brings to life (Field Marshal Alanbrooke) the man and his essential contribution to the eventual war success behind political closed doors… this book succinctly analyses the Alanbrooke war diaries drawing out fascinating lessons for how in a war political ambitions were and, as in Iraq for Blair and Bush, probably always are, at odds with sound military rationale and strategy. I found the book generally easy and hugely insightful to read… His diary of being a Field Commander in France in 1940 was really gripping… I was not aware of the role of CIGS nor fully the role of COS in the carrying out of the war. This book certainly unveiled these. Overall, I think you have done a duly proud and tremendous job, showing Alanbrooke to be the most brilliant total war strategist, and a most persuasive and unfailingly principled advisor to Churchill… It is a tremendous achievement by you Julian to write this book. It is as you say (and I think rather unique) that this is neither a straight biography of ‘Brookie’, nor (another) World War 2 history book. It is a book to give recognition of the man, and of his largely unsung achievements at the highest level during the war. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review your book. I enjoyed it enormously.
Irving Warnett
A wonderful book… It was a very enjoyable read, delivered in a novel style which clearly achieved your two goals. Alanbrooke was not someone I had a deep understanding and awareness of, I confess, despite being reasonably well read around WW2. Yet, I warmed to him. It is clear that he managed stoically to handle the internal conflicts he faced and he came across as most humane in his outlook. What I had not anticipated to take away was the scope of the narrative arc, and the sheer duration of this terrible war. I particularly enjoyed the use of Alanbrooke’s diary excerpts and his descriptions of the cabinet, politicians in general, as well as occasional military leaders, were withering and comical. Additionally, his admiration/respect for Stalin, the German Army and Rommel were interesting insights which helped reinforce his balanced and candid perspective. I also liked the use of the post-War Notes to his diaries and the apparent honesty shown in areas where he either doubled down on his views, or transparently noted the harshness of his views at that time. Again, this shows Alanbrooke in a very fair-minded light and adds further to the illustration you seek to make of him. Finally, I have to commend you in painting a clear picture of the trials of navigating Churchill’s ad hoc approach (echoes of Boris, for sure) and the selfless manner of Alanbrooke’s approach. I found it thoroughly entertaining.
Duncan White
Most absorbing and enlightening. Casts much light on the tensions between the politicians and the military and how Alanbrooke coped with the various parties. Illustrates the inability of the politicians – UK, USA and French – to make sound decisions without input from the military. Astonished Alanbrooke has not received more accolades after the war – but I suppose Churchill and other leaders would not have wanted the spotlight shining elsewhere! Your book has made an excellent job of setting the record straight. Alanbrooke was a largely unsung hero of WWII.
David Thornton
A fascinating read about the life of a man and a soldier who surprises the reader in his compassionate, yet fiery approach to strategy during the second world war. The author has crafted a unique story that captivates the reader right from the beginning.
Amanda Guo
Really enjoyed it, liked the way you gently guided us through the diary entries… The book is beautifully presented and the print a pleasure to read.
John Scutt
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. You write very well which makes it so much easier to follow your arguments… May I congratulate you on a well written and very balanced book.
Mike Taylor
This is a refreshing change. Having grown up with book after book and film after film understandably involving the same important Second World War characters – Churchill, Montgomery, Dowding – this is a fascinating insight into someone who made a significant contribution to the war yet one we rarely hear about, which is surprising when you learn through this book just how important Alanbrooke was to the war effort. Julian Horrocks has written an in-depth account of Alanbrooke’s life incorporating his personal diaries which has resulted in not only a highly engaging insight into the role he played in the war but also into the character of the man himself. I learnt so much from this book.
Sheena Rawel
The dust cover of the book succinctly truly describes what the book is about and this is very well expanded on in the Introduction Chapter which describes clearly how the book is structured and what it has to offer the reader in its three parts. Having read that far I was looking forward to reading the body of the book and found Part 1 on Brooke’s life prior to WW2 an interesting précis of his first 56 years which promised well for Parts 2 and 3. I was amused by the numerical style of writing employed with an often repeated approach of stating the number of points being considered then listing them off firstly, secondly etc… It makes for easy reading like a step by step logical military briefing. The body of the book brings much interesting detail into the well covered problems faced by the leaders in WW2 and illuminates the influence of personalities and the effects of human attitudes on outcomes. I enjoyed reading Part 2 but had to cover it slowly over several short sessions. It is well written, covers what was promised, but it requires concentration as it plods steadily through the war. The final Part 3 covering detailed analysis of Brooke’s attitudes, foibles and sensitivities is well done and shows the breadth of his personality and why he was a reluctant warrior. The book as a whole lives up to its dust cover promise, justifies its title and is well worthy of reading for anyone with an interest in military matters and the associated politics… I have enjoyed reading it.
Ray Smith
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About The Author

Julian Horrocks is a debut author with a lifelong passion for history, especially twentieth-century history and military history. Aged 66, he is a lawyer by profession, married with two grown-up daughters and lives in North Yorkshire.

Julian wrote Alanbrooke – The Reluctant Warrior for two reasons. First, he felt his subject was a good example of an ‘unsung hero’ who, in the context of British military history, deserves far greater recognition and credit. Second, he believed there was a depth and complexity to Alanbrooke the man which has never before been explored. In the context of twentieth-century history, Alanbrooke is undoubtedly a minor figure when compared to the likes of Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler and Stalin, but that does not make him any less interesting. In truth, quite the reverse: he is a fascinating figure who makes a great subject for a book.

©2023. Julian Horrocks . All Rights Reserved.

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