Politics of Command

Lieutenant-General A.G.L. McNaughton and the Canadian Army, 1939-1943

By: John Nelson Rickard

Write A Review

Paperback | 11 January 2021

At a Glance

Paperback
416 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.0

Paperback

$61.50

or 4 interest-free payments of $15.38 with

Aims to ship in 15 to 25 business days

In December 1943, Lieutenant-General A.G.L. McNaughton resigned from command of the 1st Canadian Army amidst criticism of his poor generalship and of his abrasive personality. Despite McNaughton's importance to the Canadian Army during the first four years of the Second World War, little has been written about the man himself or the circumstances of his resignation.

In The Politics of Command, the first full-length study of the subject since 1969, John Nelson Rickard analyses McNaughton's performance during Exercise SPARTAN in March 1943 and assesses his relationships with key figures such as Sir Alan F. Brooke, Bernard Paget, and Harry Crerar. This detailed re-examination of McNaughton's command argues that the long-accepted reasons for his relief of duty require extensive modification.

Based on a wide range of sources, The Politics of Command will redefine how military historians and all Canadians look at not only "Andy" McNaughton but also the Canadian Army itself.

Industry Reviews

"Captain Rickard has provided a much-needed reassessment of Canada's top general during the formative years of the Canadian Army in the Second World War. Giving weight to both the systemic challenges that came with the rapid expansion of the army and the personality conflicts - the 'flame warfare' - in which McNaughton became engaged, Rickard offers refreshing insight into 'Andy.'" -- Christine E. Leppard, University of Calgary * Journal of Military and Strategic Studies *
"Through his nuanced analysis, Rickard's argument provides a radically different historical interpretation of McNaughton as a senior national commander between 1939 and 1943. Moreover, Rickard convincingly demonstrates that judgements by McNaughton's peers were greatly coloured by the effects of his dominant personality and by his earlier relationships ... Rickard adds significant and relevant context to earlier historical interpretations of McNaughton's obstinacy with keeping the Canadian Army intact for employment in a European invasion." -- Daniel Gosselin, Commander of the Canadian Defence Academy * Canadian Military Journal *

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.