Major Blunders of the Second World War

New Insights into Mistakes and their Consequences

By Andrew Sangster

Published by Big Sky Publishing

RRP $34.99 in paperback | ISBN 9781923300569

We learn from the various case studies in this book that the consequences of misjudgements can be catastrophic, especially when those errors escalate to blunders caused by carelessness or ignorance.

In the Second World War, these blunders often led to devastating loss of life, strategic failures, and enduring controversies. This book delves into such incidents, from obscure mishaps to high-profile missteps.

Among the case studies is the shocking story of an American destroyer accidentally firing a live torpedo at a battleship carrying President Roosevelt.

Overconfidence played a key role in many tragedies, such as a Luftwaffe raid that struck American gas shells, causing widespread casualties, and the Dieppe raid, which became a planning disaster.

Some incidents remain fiercely debated.

The British sinking of the French fleet continues to raise questions about necessity versus error.

There is an interesting chapter on King Edward VIII’s, later Duke of Windsor’s, alleged treachery. Did it stem more from naivety than intent? Was it simply the actions and motivations of a man of limited intellect who was totally unsuited to the role to which he had been born? He was certainly self-centred, indiscreet and not to be trusted with state secrets, but would the accusation of being a traitor to his country stand up in a court of law? 

In summing up, Sangster concludes: “‘The unhappy nature of human misjudgement comes to light all too vividly and significantly in war, at the individual, national, and international level as can be seen in these collected case studies. The tragedy is that as humans we fail to recall the lessons of history.”

War brutally exposes human frailty. 

VERDICT

I’m sure readers with an interest in military history will find this book enlightening. Mistakes in war often have deadly consequences. Sadly, throughout history, there are too many examples of such blunders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Dr Andrew Sangster, who holds a doctorate in Modern European History as well as degrees in Law, Theology, History and English, has written numerous books on World War 2. To check these out, go to Casemate Publishers.

Australian publisher Big Sky Publishing has published one of these titles, Major Blunders of the Second World War.