A Noble Crusade The History of the Eighth Army 1941-45

This study provides a comprehensive history of the Eighth Army, one of the most famous of all British armies. Richard Doherty uses official records, personal accounts, and Victoria Cross winners' stories to deliver a complete tale of the Eighth Army from its beginnings in the sands of North Africa through the victory of El Alamein to the end of the war and eventual victory. The army, under the inspiration of Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery, launched a major offensive in El Alamein before taking part in the successful invasion of Sicily and the long and bloody campaign to defeat the Axis forces in Italy. Under Montgomery and later Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver Leese and Lieutenant-General Sir Richard McCreery the Eighth Army consisted of soldiers of the British Commonwealth and Empire, as well as those from occupied countries in Europe. By the time the war ended the Army had won an astounding 34 Victoria Crosses.

Historian, writer and broadcaster Richard Doherty's published works include several books such as The Sound of History El Alamein 1942: The Turning Point of the Second World War, Normandy 1944: The Road to Victory, and None Bolder: The History of the 51st (Highland) Division. He has researched and presented a number series for BBC Radio as well as working on TV programmes on the battle of the Boyne. The son of an Eighth Army soldier he is a member of the military historical societies in the UK, Ireland and the USA.