"C S Forester: The General" Topic

"Written in 1936, THE GENERAL describes the career of Herbert Curzon from his experiences as a young Lieutenant in the Second Boer War (where he wins a DSO at the Battle of Volkslaagte) until he is seriously wounded in 1918, by which time he is Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Curzon, K.C.M.G., C.B ., D.S.O.

Curzon is a good regimental soldier who is brave and honest but also stubborn and unimaginative. As a result of a series of serendipitous events Curzon becomes Colonel of his regiment when the First World War breaks out – the previous incumbent being regarded by the War Office as too old – and then – as a result of the death or incapacity of the other senior officers available – temporary commander of the brigade of which his regiment forms a part.

On his return to England he is given command of an Infantry Brigade, but when the Divisional Commander proves to be incapable, Curzon take over command of the Division. As a result of Curzon's no-nonsense approach his Division (which is made up of Kitchener battalions) proves to be a tough, hard-fighting formation, and he is soon promoted to command of a Corps…"

Full review here
link

Amicalement
Armand

This is an outstanding book – I think it is one of Forester's best books and shows the massive transition the British Army made from pre-WWI as a small, all volunteer army largely concerned with colonial fighting and pomp to a large citizen's army in a very, very tough war

General Curzon is honourable, hard working and not very bright but you get a lot of sympathy for him as you read through the book – highly recommended read

Thanks for the comments my friend.

Amicalement
Armand

I think it's time for BBC to do this one; say, 6 or 8 episodes. (Okay, I'd settle for 4.)

Played by John Cleese.