The book is also a good encapsulation of American perceptions and attitudes towards a war many considered not to be ‘theirs’ – not just during the war but in the years after, it also highlights the disconnect between American units, Commanders and Generals, no doubt some of it felt keenly at the time but as mentioned previously, I can’t help feel there is a good amount of hindsight introduced in the intervening years so as to become ‘received memories’.

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Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

This was a fascinating book to read and certainly one most WW2 reading fans will enjoy, as we see how the Americans help take Italy with the Americans making their way up one side and the British making their way up the other to push the Germans further back. I specifically enjoyed this book because they followed and officer in Roswell Doughty and US Intelligence Officer with the 36th Infantry Division. Other books about ‘ordinary’ soldiers are just as good but when comes to an officer you get more of the planning or intelligence side of battle and warfare. This book was good and the writing and storytelling were excellent and reminded me of Fighting Through to Hitler’s Germany. I also enjoyed reading about the Italian side of things as most of my reading had involved reading France dominated stories or information. This was a thoroughly good read and will appeal to many WW2 readers.

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UK Historian

Review by Jason Hubbard

This is one of those books that will appeal to military historians more than a wargamer, though it’s an interesting read from a wargaming perspective. I think those interested in the history of World War 2 will enjoy this book more. I did like the fact it was a memoir from a HQ officer rather than a frontline combat soldier, it gave another perspective that I found interesting to read about.

Irregular Magazine | Spring Issue 2021

Impressively informative, expertly presented, and inherently interesting read that will be especially appreciated by both academia and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the World War II European Theatre operations.

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Midwest Book Review

I did not expect too much from the book but was pleasantly surprised. The author had the benefit of being part of the HQ reconnaissance team so was able to describe front line events with a significant overview, something that is often missing in the traditional accounts by soldiers with a ‘10 yard horizon’.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy

I have a close connection to the stories told in this memoir. Roswell Doughty was my grandfather. Although the stories he told his grandchildren were carefully chosen for children's ears, I recall his retelling of a few stories found in the chapters of this book. Once you're past the historical introductions, the book reads like an on-the-ground and in-his-boots-experience. It is as close as I've been able to get to feeling the atrocities of war. Roswell's retelling from training camp to post war Germany is a good read.

Laura Ford