WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk The Best British General Of WW2
Aug 25, 2025
The conversation kicks off with a playful debate on Britain's top military commanders from World War II, examining figures like Harold Alexander and the controversial Percy Hobart. They dissect the distinctive leadership styles of generals and the nuances of their legacies. Audience engagement takes center stage with a poll on notable generals, while stories of strategy and innovation illustrate pivotal moments like the Dunkirk evacuation. Expect humor and surprise as they unravel the complex personalities behind the uniforms.
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Alexander: The Coalition Fixer
- Harold Alexander excelled at coalition command and multilingual diplomacy across theatres.
- He combined steady leadership with practical training reforms that improved Allied effectiveness.
Modernising The Army From Within
- Ronald Adam modernised officer selection and soldier education to meet wartime needs.
- His General Service Corps and ABCA reforms professionalised and standardised the British Army.
Alexander's Stoic Feats And Languages
- Harold Alexander once walked 64 miles in a day to prove his fitness after being wounded.
- He could speak seven languages and famously addressed troops in Urdu at a brigade sports day.