Who is history's greatest general?
Discussion
Eisenhower for the sheer scale of his command in the European theatre during the latter stages of the Second World War and his ability to effectively command across such a large and complex theatre whilst managing the politics of subordinate commanders of varying capability from multiple allies.
Zhukov for his absolutely single-minded focus on comprehensive defeat of the Nazi Germany on the Eastern front
Woolf for the sheer impact on over 250 years of global history and world affairs that his decisive victory precipitated
Torstenson, who’s victory at the 2nd battle of Breitenfeld still shapes the geo-politics of Europe to this day
For me, however, the General who ranks greatest of them all is Ware - not for his accomplishments as a commander in battle but because of his humanity and the enormity of his legacy in shaping the Anglo Saxon attitude and approach to commemorating war dead
Zhukov for his absolutely single-minded focus on comprehensive defeat of the Nazi Germany on the Eastern front
Woolf for the sheer impact on over 250 years of global history and world affairs that his decisive victory precipitated
Torstenson, who’s victory at the 2nd battle of Breitenfeld still shapes the geo-politics of Europe to this day
For me, however, the General who ranks greatest of them all is Ware - not for his accomplishments as a commander in battle but because of his humanity and the enormity of his legacy in shaping the Anglo Saxon attitude and approach to commemorating war dead
It’s a brave brave man who goes mentions Breitenfeld and goes for Torstenson over Gustavus!
I’d love your reasoning on that Clapham, this is my kind of geek talk.
The answer of course is Alexander. Nobody has remotely got close to his “accomplishments” except possibly Wellington. Wellington though was not really a great attacking General, but give him a ridge and he was simply unbeatable.
I’ve also always held a bit of a soft spot for the achievements of Stonewall and Lee in managing what they did for so long on relatively so little. And the utter loyalty they inspired in their troops.
I’d love your reasoning on that Clapham, this is my kind of geek talk.
The answer of course is Alexander. Nobody has remotely got close to his “accomplishments” except possibly Wellington. Wellington though was not really a great attacking General, but give him a ridge and he was simply unbeatable.
I’ve also always held a bit of a soft spot for the achievements of Stonewall and Lee in managing what they did for so long on relatively so little. And the utter loyalty they inspired in their troops.
If we're being honest about this then it is very difficult to look past the Chinese considering their long history. Obviously Sun Tzu springs to mind but he was a philosopher to most folks. If I had to name one as the greatest general then it has to be Han Xin. The Battle of Jingxing is his defining battle where he showed truly great tactical nous. His ability to overcome numeric inferiority is unrivalled.
Slim.
Given the mess he inherited, the resources he had available, the conditions he had to fight in and the enemy he faced I can think of no other theatre or campaign which is as seemingly impossible.
"A hardened field soldier who had learned his trade on the Western Front and in the Indian Army, Slim combined troop-leading and training skills with personal and moral courage as well as charm, a sound grasp of soldiering, and a solid appreciation of Asian warfare and the excellence of the Japanese Army. He had experienced the catastrophe of the 1942 retreat from Burma and the abortive attack on the Arakan. His honesty and character made him the obvious choice to reshape the Fourteenth Army, a force built on the Indian Army but including the ever-dependable Gurkha Rifles of Nepal, unproven infantry battalions from East and West Africa, and infantry battalions and supporting arms from the British Army."
(American historians Alan Millet and Williamson Murray description of him.)
Given the mess he inherited, the resources he had available, the conditions he had to fight in and the enemy he faced I can think of no other theatre or campaign which is as seemingly impossible.
"A hardened field soldier who had learned his trade on the Western Front and in the Indian Army, Slim combined troop-leading and training skills with personal and moral courage as well as charm, a sound grasp of soldiering, and a solid appreciation of Asian warfare and the excellence of the Japanese Army. He had experienced the catastrophe of the 1942 retreat from Burma and the abortive attack on the Arakan. His honesty and character made him the obvious choice to reshape the Fourteenth Army, a force built on the Indian Army but including the ever-dependable Gurkha Rifles of Nepal, unproven infantry battalions from East and West Africa, and infantry battalions and supporting arms from the British Army."
(American historians Alan Millet and Williamson Murray description of him.)
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