by Andrew Marshall

Caution, Certainty & Boldness…

“Their caution was not Montgomery’s, who obviously considered that insistence on 100 per cent certainty was to be preferred to a policy of boldness, which is true in questions of strategy, although certainly not in tactics.” (Rommel, 1953, p.515).   Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Plans & Policy: Reality vs Wishful Thinking…

“They did not base their plans on the real possibilities of the situation, but allowed the wish to father the thought.” (Rommel, 1953, p.409). A contemporary version: “To call it a fad would be unfair; at the moment it’s a fashionable policy in search of persuasive evidence that it really works.” (Hawkes, 2013, p.25). Field-Marshal Erwin… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Battles & Old Soldiers…

“…weit vom Schuss gibt alte Krieger – far from the battle makes old soldiers.” (Rommel, 1953, p.327). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies. Reference Rommel, E., Liddel Hart, B.H. (ed) &… Read More