This book by David Rooney is quite a good book. David Rooney has slanted the book in favour of Orde Wingate. I assume that this is fair, considering the shabby treatment he has received at the hands of people like Field Marshall Slim, and some others.

The book runs through Orde Wingate’s life, from the early days to the military campaigns he was involved in. David Rooney does not go into the details of the campaigns but gives us a good overview of the activities, and Wingate’s contributions to each.

Wingate’s contributions to developing innovative techniques in war have often been underplayed by people like Field Marshall Slim. I would advise anyone who wants to learn more, to start with this book, and then read others. Israel has, however, honoured Orde Wingate for his contributions to their country.

My suggestion, for people interested in studying the war in Burma and Kohima is – start with this book, and then dive deeper into the subject. ( )

A biography of a fascinating man, one of the most determined and unorthodox military leaders of WWII, who to this day can inspire extreme love or loathing. While intersitng to read about, he would have been very annoying to work with.

This book covers both his upbringing and the miliary campaigns he was involved in. (I especially found the influence of religion interesting - he was instrumental in the early ideas on the founding of Israel) Fascinating topic, not so fascinatingly written - could have done with much tighter editing and explanation of many miliary terms and acronymns.

Still, i am pleased i read it to learn more about Wingate, and the interesting story about his reputation, and like T E Lawrence, how it was shaped before and after his death ( )