The First Victory

The Second World War and the East Africa Campaign

By: Andrew Stewart

Narrated by: Michael Page

Surprisingly neglected in accounts of Allied wartime triumphs, in 1941 British and Commonwealth forces completed a stunning and important victory in East Africa against an overwhelmingly superior Italian opponent. A hastily formed British-led force, never larger than 70,000 strong, advanced along two fronts to defeat nearly 300,000 Italian and colonial troops. This compelling book draws on an array of previously unseen documents to provide both a detailed campaign history and a fresh appreciation of the first significant Allied success of the war. Andrew Stewart investigates such topics as Britain's African wartime strategy; how the fighting forces were assembled (most from British colonies, none from the US); General Archibald Wavell's command abilities and his difficult relationship with Winston Churchill; the resolute Italian defense at Keren, one of the most bitterly fought battles of the entire war; the legacy of the campaign in East Africa; and much more.

©2016 Andrew Stewart (P)2017 Tantor

Great look at a forgotten theater

Great look at the East African theater in WWII. Well narrated, would recommend to anyone interested in WWII.

A fascinating campaign well told by this book.

At a reasonable length, it tells about a campaign as important as the western desert that receives far more attention. Its success was overshadowed by failures in over places, such as Greece, Crete, and the Western Desert, so didn't get the attention it deserved, but it had large strategic consequences. The principle actors are well drawn, particularly Gen. Wavell-- all three principle architects of this first victory were under appreciated by the British High Command.