Johnny: The Legend and Tragedy of General Sir Ian Hamilton

by John Philip Jones

The Gallipoli campaign was launched in April 1915 in an effort to knock Turkey out of the war but the force that was deployed was too small to achieve its aim. Moreover, the commander, General Sir Ian Hamilton was at fault in the way he conducted his campaign. Never happier than when he was in the thick of action, Hamilton was an excellent tactician but, by 1915, and in a situation like Gallipoli, his style of leadership was outdated. This book examines why Hamilton failed at Gallipoli and shows how, in spite of that failure and it being his last command, he became a well-respected military prophet who many several perceptive predictions about the future of warfare.

Genres: History

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mark Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book and shows that Hamilton had an illustrious career before the debacle of Gallipoli, though there are sections where there is more explanation of the wars Hamilton was involved in rather than what he did during them!

[Mick Maye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers Ian Hamilton's earlier life up until the end of his military career. The author espouses a theory as to why he failed at Gallipoli. Whilst I can understand the theory and applaud his reasoning I don't fully subscribe to it. The book appears to give a full coverage of his life and exploits and his literary career as well. I found this book well argued and clear in his reasoning's and would recommend it fully. It has led me to follow up with Hamilton's diaries of the Gallipoli campaign.