Ronald Lewin (1914–1984)

2289 Ultra Goes to War: the First Account of World War II's Greatest Secret Based on Official Documents, by Ronald Lewin (read 29 Apr 1990) This is a 1978 book by a British officer in World War Two. It tells the story of Ultra, which was the British system for deciphering Nazi coded messages. This was not mentioned publicly till 1974, and this book purports to be the first book thereon based on official documents. The book is interesting, but puts a very high value on Ultra: almost all that went right was due to Ultra and all that went wrong was because of disregard or lack of Ultra. The book is also very pro-British--and rather patronizing toward Americans. It is a good book, but I can hardly read enough to make myself an expert on World War II: there is so much interesting to read on that vast subject.… (mais)

This is a well written objective account of Rommel's ability as a commander and his tactics. The book starts with a short overview of Rommel's actions in World War I. Then takes us to his command of 7 Panzer in France and going right through the creation and command of the Africa Korps and the desert campaign. And continuing with his command at Normandy in 1944. Lewin uses as his notes the Rommel Papers edited by Liddel Hart to help make his case.

The book shows us the sterling victories and defeats and what surrounded them. He does not seem to hide any facts from the reader. And gives us a truly balanced perspective of what really transpired. I was pleased to see that this first class analysis of Rommel's command abilities was presented with such honesty.… (mais)