On 25th December 1941, General Alan Brooke (or Alanbrooke) was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the commanding officer of the British Army during the Second World War. His new boss, Winston Spencer Churchill was a hard taskmaster with high standards who had no problem with sacking generals. But, he had a helping hand in the form of General Pug Ismay, soldier, statesman and diplomat.

Joining today are two historians, John Kiszely, the author of a biography of Ismay, and Gordon Corrigan, author of a book on Churchill. Today we discuss the dynamics between the three men and other generals such as Montgomery, Wavell and Auchinleck.

John Kiszely Links

Ismay: Soldier, Statesman, Diplomat, by John Kiszely

Gordon Corrigan Links

Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War

Aspects of History Links

Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99

Ollie on X

Aspects of History on Instagram

Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices