British forces in Libya had been roundly defeated by Rommel in mid-1942, and a reshuffle saw Bernard Montgomery take over the 8th Army dangerously close to Alexandria. Some essentials for success had been put in place by his predecessor, but Montgomery’s refusal to attack until he was ready, careful briefings, pep talks to troops and coordination of land and air power all strengthened his hand.
The battle began with a huge artillery bombardment on October 23, and owed much to Montgomery’s belief that, wherever possible, metal, not flesh, should do the work.
There was hard fighting in the middle phase as British and Dominion troops clawed through the German and Italian defences.
It’s easy to say that Monty, with over 200,000 troops to Rommel’s 100,000, should have won, but previously defeat had been snatched from the jaws of victory.
Alamein paved the way for Allied victory in North Africa, and Churchill was right to hail it as a turning point
Published by PB Military Adviser for Film and TV LTD
Military Advisor / Co-Ordinator for Film and TV
After a 24 year career in the UK Armed Forces I set out in the security industry as a close Protection and surveillance operative.
My knowledge became directly required on several high profile productions.
My vast historical military knowledge makes me a valuable asset to any production from Script Consultancy during the prep stage, through shooting, to project completion. Training large battle formation set pieces.
Key advisor in the following:
Script Consultancy: 24/7 advice to writers, producers, directors,art dept and all necessary crew with technical detail and terminology.
Conduct Bootcamps, assisting with the selection of extras suitable for the production. Training and advising lead cast.
Work with all departments on special action sequences to ensure the correct effect is achieved in a safe environment.
Deliver a realistic look from present day battlefield drill and tactics to historical battles.
AD support and on-set advice on correct military protocols, crowd marshalling and contextual behaviour
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