This biography of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound, first published by Leo Cooper 2000, has been reprinted by Pen and Sword and is to be welcomed as it sheds light on that somewhat shadowy figure in the naval uniform who is often seen in photographs trailing in Winston's Churchill's wake. It also provides a fresh angle on some of the hugely controversial decisions taken at the highest level during the Second World War.

Warship annual - Jon Wise

After all of the books about WWII, published over some 70 years, it is surprising that there are still important figures and events that have either not been covered, or have received brief mention. Sir Dudley Pound is one such figure. This book goes a long way to correcting the omission in respect of Sir Dudley, and also sheds fresh light on key events. It is an easy read and includes some good photo plates in support. Essential reading and strongly recommended.

Firetrench

This books aims to put Dudley's achievements into context. He was at the centre of naval affairs from 1914 until his death in 1943.

Warship World

Pound was First Sea Lord from 1939 until his death in 1943, in an absolutely pivotal position in the crucial early years of the War. This period takes up, quite rightly, 60% of the book but first we are led very capably through Pound’s earlier years. From young naval cadet to early-promoted Commander and then Captain his reports show him as a brainy, far-sighted, thoughtful and innovative officer. He climbed the ladder entirely on his own ability, having neither interest nor private money; his virtues however were clear to his seniors.

As a Flag Officer Pound proved himself a driver, and to some extent a micro-manager, and sometimes given to unfair criticism of juniors who could not answer back, although he was willing, on advice, to make handsome amends for the last. One thing he could not stand, and that was want of initiative in Command - this, we are told, is what justified the controversial dismissal of Admiral North in 1940. Pound progressed through key appointments in the Admiralty - in the lean years of want of defence investment, particularly with Churchill at the Treasury - and at sea until, after three years as C-in-C Mediterranean he was translated to face the greatest professional challenge on offer in the Royal Navy, arguably the greatest since the Napoleonic Wars. In this key station and our most prestigious Fleet a galaxy of future stars served under Pound at various times - Creasy, Cunningham, Horton, Forbes, Fraser, Godfrey, Grantham, Layton, Somerville, Tovey, Willis, Vian and others all went on to key posts in the War and, deservedly, very high rank. The Mediterranean command provided a useful education in politics via Mussolini’s invasions of Abyssinia and Albania, and the Spanish Civil War...

This work is a well-compiled, and long overdue tribute to a man who put duty before all else - and expected others to do the same. In rehearsing Sir Dudley Pound’s career it brings all manner of detail that subtly changes even the well-informed reader’s perception of the first four years of the war at sea, while at the same time being remarkable sound and informative on the political and global strategic background, and on other personalities such as Brooke, Portal and the American admiral Ernie King. I warmly endorse this book for all with an interest in our naval history.

Army Rumour Service

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