The battle of El Alamein in World War II saw the shattering of Germany's hopes for victory in North Africa. From this point on the end was inevitable; as Rommel's forces began the long retreat that was to end in Tunisia in May 1943 when; hemmed in by British and American forces on all sides; over 250;000 Axis soldiers filed into prisoner of war camps; a number comparable to those captured at Stalingrad.In the six months that passed between Alamein and the final surrender there was much hard fighting; as the defeated German and Italian Panzer Army sought to hold off the encroaching Eighth Army in a series of defensive positions across the Western Desert. Rommel; his health suffering from the strains of command; fought a number of major actions during this campaign - at El Agheila; Mersa el Brega; Buerat and Medenine - before his forces settled into the pre-war French defensive position the Mareth Line. All the way he was pursued by an increasingly confident Eighth Army under the command of General Montgomery; but never was Montgomery able to outflank the retreating German and Italian forces decisively; and Rommel was even able to divert forces to inflict a sharp defeat on the newly arrived US forces at Kasserine Pass in February 1943. This was one of Rommel's last acts in the Desert War as his health problems forced his return to Germany shortly afterwards. The stage was now set for the last great battle of the Desert War as the veteran formations of the British Eighth Army took on their foes in the Afrikakorps for one last time in the major set-piece battle for the Mareth Line.
#721482 in Books 2014-06-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.81 x .6 x 5.06l; .8 #File Name: 162845217X24 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting historical document and a quick readBy Sligo McKlugeThis is the text of the original pamphlet published by lawyer Thomas Gray in 1831; and not the 1967 William Styron novel of the same title.Five stars because it's an important historical document.Note that there are two Kindle versions. One has a plain cover (ASIN B004TQZIM6) and the one I have has an image of a ship on the cover (ASIN B01M5ISROO). The latter version has some interesting images tacked on at the end; which were not part of Gray's original pamphlet. Gray published the pamphlet to give the curious residents of Virginia some insight regarding the slave rebellion.Some historians have questioned accuracy of Gray's account; although Gray claims that he wrote exactly what Turner confessed. Gray does put his spin on it; and it's confusing when; near the end; without warning; the first-person voice of Turner suddenly switches to Gray's first-person commentary about Turner's actions.*** SPOILER ALERT ***I was expecting Nat Turner to explain that mistreatment by slave owners led to the rebellion. Instead; he states that his actions were inspired by spiritual visions he had. This may be true; if Thomas Gray did not omit any parts of the confession. One could also view this as propaganda if Gray removed any comments Turner may have made about experiences with cruel masters; and/or the injustice of slavery leading to the rebellion.Perhaps it was more palatable to the frightened white populace to believe the "insanity defense" -- that strange visions made Turner lead a murderous rampage. If Gray had suggested; via Turner's alleged confession; that slaves were reacting to maltreatment; he may have been vilified for this. Gray had to show appropriate horror at the murder of numerous whites; including women and children; with many slaughtered while asleep. It was horrible; and I imagine Turner and some slaves viewed this as a war tactic ("collateral damage"); as they were on their way to attack the town of Jerusalem.We may never know the truth about the Turner's intentions in leading the revolt; but it is a documented fact that the roving bands of slaves killed at least 55 white folks; and roughly 200 slaves were killed in the suppression of the rebellion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ZenBy CustomerI believe this is a good book it is direct. If I read it correctly; there was not a trail; the transcripts of the court proceedings would have been nice to add with his confession.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read and trueBy C. WhiteGreat read and true. unfortunately not many folks even know what a hero Turner really was; sacrificed himself to take a standagainst inhumane treatment of slaves
