Charming guest, one would like to be with at a pub talking away the night anecdotes about WWII. This was a refreshing video and my only wish was that I could have viewed it live. Thanks so much for an entertaining and thoughtful hour WW2TV.
Al is a very underrated historian in his own right. It's a shame that its only down to his other persona that he has been given the platform to come to the attention of a mass audience. He has the rare ability to make academic debate accessible, let's be honest most academic historians with a lot of worthy discussion can be dull as dishwater, others often fall into the populist / sensationist trap in order to sell their books. His own academic background (was it Oxford, I can't remember) has installed within him the ability to make structured analysis, whilst his obvious skill to convey information makes it accessible to those who, to put it bluntly, do not possess themselves the analytical skills to see through the myth which engulfs much of the subject matter he addresses. Some of you may be interested in this lecture he gave on Montgomery a few years ago at Chalke Valley, I quoted part of his summary in my own book 'Command and Valour' published in 2019... cvhf.org.uk/history-hub/video-al-murray-monty/
Have Mr. Murray slip into a suit and jauntily brandish a Cuban cigar, add a little lisp and he could pull of a wonderful Churchill. Thanks for an excellent broadcast.
Al, i did my first open mike night in a pub in whitechapel circa 1989. jumpimg from a plane is a doddle compared to facing a bored silent audience of 23 people. laughter is also a military weapon to be used as the GI's did for morale.
I'm definitely a consumer of history, and when Waterstones finally get round to dispatching my pre-order, I'm sure Al's book will be an important part of my SWW library!
Monty’s position in WW2 should be perhaps be compared with Douglas Haig’s of the previous world war! There are probably more parallels in both of their respective types of command, more in fact perhaps, than any other two comparative commanders of a similar military & historical contexts or standing! PS. Thoroughly enjoyed this show with you & Al Murray here! 🙏🏼👍👏
Mr Murray is quite a lively chap, very enjoyable broadcast thank you ! Loved his cliche darts that would come out of nowhere. I've been fascinated myself with how badly we allies were getting creamed for so long, then whammo- just look at us now. Like author's investigative POVs, and familiarity with irony on a grand scale midst the enormous tragedies of war.
History is interesting in that it's often people with an enthusiasm for a given area who have a lot to bring to the table, regardless their academic qualifications. Love Al's stand up and look forward to reading his book. Thanks as ever WWII TV.
Agreed. As a fan of Al's comedy and self-proclaimed expert on command, I was expecting to be disillusioned and then grumpy. But no! He has his stuff in the right sock. One more book sold! 🌟🌟🌟
This video has stirred some thought, and there are a few people that I would like to hear more about. . Generals: Wavell and Stilwell. Admirals: Cunningham and Lee (British - American) If I had to chose one of each... ... I think that I would choose Wavell and Lee.
Thanks so much for this, great and insightful questions that bought the book to life. Saw Al Murray and James Holland, in Guildford which was great but a different format that did not explore the thesis of the book so much as this My only criticism, as some one in the NHS was your reference to the lack of PPE during Covid, and I think you MUST put a correction for what you said. Such a pandemic has been high on the Govt risk register for many years, and so we knew it would happen and it would result in unexpected deaths and I think the enquiry will find that a lack of preparation particularly relating to PPE availability will be a significant failing. Sorry to be a bore, but that stood out as a throw away comment that could become the story and really should be corrected if you can Keep up the good work on the Channel Kind regards Chris NHS Guildford
Neil Ritchie is someone who I’m a massive fan of tbh. Even though he (he said as much at the time) shouldn’t have been commanding Eighth army then, and it went terribly. Due in no small part to him being, at the time, unsuited to command an army (no doubt compounded by his own lack of confidence/knowing he shouldn’t be GOC). He gets fired, correctly. I read somewhere (forget where) awhile ago that he thought it was the end of his career, which makes sense as to why he thought that. He then totally devotes himself to learning, improving, just figuring out what he did wrong, and is determined (in my mind at least) to not let that end his career. He does well enough to be given XII Corps, though I’m sure with some eyebrows raised. Once he’s back in action, he doesn’t really put a foot wrong. I hugely admire the work-ethic, drive, determination, and dedication to learning and improvement. For me, that doesn’t get talked about enough either.
This brings to mind that the ground forces of the UK in all their diversity were having to evolve from a colonial policy enforcement force into a force capable of sustained land campaigns. That process was a steep learning curve and that command and commanders who seemed most adept and had good peer review, those who didn't guess right got the can. Battlefield intelligence and logistics were at the same time being relearned and reprioritized. Overall this is one to make you think.
The WW2 criticism on Montgomery is overwhelmingly driven by score-settling in post war US Military memoirs. It is sad to see this totally skewed view of the man being uncritically accepted as the default view.
@@nickdanger3802 Try Ralph lngersoll, a former member of Bradley's staff. His book 'Top Secret' can be considered all the crazy anti-Monty bile scooped together in one big dollop.
@@michaelkenny8540 That is one example. It appears he was quite the tool and was as unkind to Eisenhower as he was to Montgomery. In a terse reply to a scathing review, which seemed to be concerned mostly with punctuation, he had this to say about Montgomery which IMHO is not far off. "He knows very well that General Montgomery’s own British Army failed at Caen in the opening days of the campaign - and failed again when General Eisenhower bet all the chips he had on him at Arnheim - and grossly and insultingly exaggerated his contributions to the American victory in the Ardennes. Yet, in the Professor’s attack on Top Secret, he appears to deny these facts. The position he takes is in defense of their suppression."
Allies became good at logistics and operational movement. Competent but not brilliant at battlefield command. Most bsttles won by having the most stuff and constant application. Eisenhower's briad front was almost the best option from the german point of view.
Lovin' the Strat on the wall.
What a cool guy, an agile thinker.
A Stratofort would go well with that Stratocaster :D
Don't know how I missed this at the time. Great chemistry
Charming guest, one would like to be with at a pub talking away the night anecdotes about WWII. This was a refreshing video and my only wish was that I could have viewed it live. Thanks so much for an entertaining and thoughtful hour WW2TV.
Yes, the real Al is quite different from his crafted comedy character
Al is a very underrated historian in his own right. It's a shame that its only down to his other persona that he has been given the platform to come to the attention of a mass audience. He has the rare ability to make academic debate accessible, let's be honest most academic historians with a lot of worthy discussion can be dull as dishwater, others often fall into the populist / sensationist trap in order to sell their books. His own academic background (was it Oxford, I can't remember) has installed within him the ability to make structured analysis, whilst his obvious skill to convey information makes it accessible to those who, to put it bluntly, do not possess themselves the analytical skills to see through the myth which engulfs much of the subject matter he addresses. Some of you may be interested in this lecture he gave on Montgomery a few years ago at Chalke Valley, I quoted part of his summary in my own book 'Command and Valour' published in 2019... cvhf.org.uk/history-hub/video-al-murray-monty/
terrific show, very engaging conversation. any day with a ww2tv show is a good day!
WW2TV meets We have ways of making you talk. How can it be anything other than brilliant?
Yes indeed
Whats not to like?
Have Mr. Murray slip into a suit and jauntily brandish a Cuban cigar, add a little lisp and he could pull of a wonderful Churchill. Thanks for an excellent broadcast.
Woody/Al. Great presentation. I think everyone will have their ‘Favourites.’ Regards, Bob
Just got this on catch up. Al has such an infectious enthusiasm it’s impossible not to be swept along, love the comedy comparisons too.
Great Episode, not to be missed. Al is far, far better as a historian than I expected.
agree!
He certainly knows his onions
Great episode. Look forward to getting Al's book
Al, i did my first open mike night in a pub in whitechapel circa 1989. jumpimg from a plane is a doddle compared to facing a bored silent audience of 23 people. laughter is also a military weapon to be used as the GI's did for morale.
Two of my favorite WW2 experts, I love both of your approaches to history. Keep up the great work!
Just watched the re run of Al’s presentation brilliant, bring him back. Thanks Paul and Al
Brilliantly British, Paul your guest Al Murray, what an absolute legend.. 👍
Howdy folks. Two of my favorite historians bantering about the WW2. Greatly entertaining.
1:00:21 haha Paul, I never saw you with glasses. like it :D
I need them to read stuff
I'm definitely a consumer of history, and when Waterstones finally get round to dispatching my pre-order, I'm sure Al's book will be an important part of my SWW library!
Enjoyed this very interesting viewpoint.
Monty’s position in WW2 should be perhaps be compared with Douglas Haig’s of the previous world war! There are probably more parallels in both of their respective types of command, more in fact perhaps, than any other two comparative commanders of a similar military & historical contexts or standing! PS. Thoroughly enjoyed this show with you & Al Murray here! 🙏🏼👍👏
Great show, thank you! Looking forward to reading the book
Don't drive the trawler, just eat the fish and chips. Love it.
Very interesting discussion. Now will have to buy the book.
The Pub Landlord :D Al is such an intelligent, enlightened and funny chap.
Mr Murray is quite a
lively chap, very enjoyable broadcast thank you ! Loved his cliche darts that would come out of nowhere. I've been fascinated myself with how badly we allies were getting creamed for so long, then whammo- just look
at us now. Like author's investigative
POVs, and familiarity with irony on a grand scale midst the enormous tragedies of war.
5min in and I love the chemistry :D :)
History is interesting in that it's often people with an enthusiasm for a given area who have a lot to bring to the table, regardless their academic qualifications. Love Al's stand up and look forward to reading his book. Thanks as ever WWII TV.
The thing is Al does have a History degree, so he's not really an amateur
@@WW2TV Nice one Al, i didn't know that, but i think my point's still valid. Cheers
@@morningstar9233 Most of us are probably better at our favorite hobby than our mundane jobs.
@@billkapaun4149 Personally i enjoy my job and i'm mediocre at my hobbies, but i agree with you.
Agreed. As a fan of Al's comedy and self-proclaimed expert on command, I was expecting to be disillusioned and then grumpy. But no! He has his stuff in the right sock. One more book sold! 🌟🌟🌟
"History consumer", simply well said.
Received my signed copy in the post this morning 👍👍
Hope you enjoy it!
This video has stirred some thought, and there are a few people that I would like to hear more about.
.
Generals: Wavell and Stilwell.
Admirals: Cunningham and Lee
(British - American)
If I had to chose one of each...
... I think that I would choose Wavell and Lee.
looking forward to audio book 😀
Montgomery goid at the big set piece.
Thanks so much for this, great and insightful questions that bought the book to life. Saw Al Murray and James Holland, in Guildford which was great but a different format that did not explore the thesis of the book so much as this
My only criticism, as some one in the NHS was your reference to the lack of PPE during Covid, and I think you MUST put a correction for what you said. Such a pandemic has been high on the Govt risk register for many years, and so we knew it would happen and it would result in unexpected deaths and I think the enquiry will find that a lack of preparation particularly relating to PPE availability will be a significant failing.
Sorry to be a bore, but that stood out as a throw away comment that could become the story and really should be corrected if you can
Keep up the good work on the Channel
Kind regards
Chris NHS Guildford
Thanks for the correction regarding masks
Neil Ritchie is someone who I’m a massive fan of tbh. Even though he (he said as much at the time) shouldn’t have been commanding Eighth army then, and it went terribly. Due in no small part to him being, at the time, unsuited to command an army (no doubt compounded by his own lack of confidence/knowing he shouldn’t be GOC).
He gets fired, correctly. I read somewhere (forget where) awhile ago that he thought it was the end of his career, which makes sense as to why he thought that.
He then totally devotes himself to learning, improving, just figuring out what he did wrong, and is determined (in my mind at least) to not let that end his career. He does well enough to be given XII Corps, though I’m sure with some eyebrows raised. Once he’s back in action, he doesn’t really put a foot wrong.
I hugely admire the work-ethic, drive, determination, and dedication to learning and improvement. For me, that doesn’t get talked about enough either.
D.U.K.E. officially nicked, thank you Mr Murray.
This brings to mind that the ground forces of the UK in all their diversity were having to evolve from a colonial policy enforcement force into a force capable of sustained land campaigns. That process was a steep learning curve and that command and commanders who seemed most adept and had good peer review, those who didn't guess right got the can. Battlefield intelligence and logistics were at the same time being relearned and reprioritized. Overall this is one to make you think.
You know, I can't think of a single Allied operation in WW II that depended on capturing supplies (of any kind) from the enemy during the advance.
The WW2 criticism on Montgomery is overwhelmingly driven by score-settling in post war US Military memoirs. It is sad to see this totally skewed view of the man being uncritically accepted as the default view.
"The WW2 criticism on Montgomery is overwhelmingly driven by score-settling in post war US Military memoirs."
Examples?
@@nickdanger3802 Try Ralph lngersoll, a former member of Bradley's staff. His book 'Top Secret' can be considered all the crazy anti-Monty bile scooped together in one big dollop.
@@michaelkenny8540 That is one example.
It appears he was quite the tool and was as unkind to Eisenhower as he was to Montgomery. In a terse reply to a scathing review, which seemed to be concerned mostly with punctuation, he had this to say about Montgomery which IMHO is not far off.
"He knows very well that General Montgomery’s own British Army failed at Caen in the opening days of the campaign - and failed again when General Eisenhower bet all the chips he had on him at Arnheim - and grossly and insultingly exaggerated his contributions to the American victory in the Ardennes. Yet, in the Professor’s attack on Top Secret, he appears to deny these facts. The position he takes is in defense of their suppression."
@@michaelkenny8540 hard to find many complements from men he worked with on British side
@@knoll9812 That is untrue. Its just that those who Google 'complaints against Monty' don't understand where they are going wrong.
Lovely stuff but can't believe you got no reaction from Al when you mentioned Monty's knockers. Prime 70s kid joke material.
So I guess he is a well known comedian in the UK? Pretty interesting!
He's a household name yes
DId Leslie Morshead make the book? He's a favorite of mine.
Don't think so
Is he a musician as well?
Yes he plays in the band Fat Cops twitter.com/thefatcops
And is an owner of the British Drum Company. He hosted a drum clinic featuring Steve Gadd in Reading I went to some years ago.
Allies became good at logistics and operational movement.
Competent but not brilliant at battlefield command.
Most bsttles won by having the most stuff and constant application.
Eisenhower's briad front was almost the best option from the german point of view.
Al, are you still coming round to the view that airborne troops eat resources whilst sitting on their arses most of the time? 😂😂👍👍
@@martindice5424 good as suprise in first year and then very expensive.
A lot of quality in huge parachute force when ordinary infantry struggling
What a great conversation - came here via We Have Ways Pod, stayed for the excellent range of videos... Hooked and subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing James