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Monash's Masterpiece

The battle of Le Hamel and the 93 minutes that changed the world
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Monash's Masterpiece by Peter FitzSimons recounts the remarkable leadership of General Sir John Monash during World War I. The book details how Monash orchestrated the pivotal battle at Hamel, significantly influencing the Allied victory. FitzSimons delves into Monash's innovative strategies and personal resilience, offering a captivating look at an often-overlooked military genius.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by historical figures, especially military leaders who made a significant impact during World War I. It offers an in-depth portrait of Sir John Monash, highlighting his strategic brilliance and leadership qualities, set against the backdrop of one of history's most complex conflicts. The narrative blends extensive research with captivating storytelling, making it a compelling read for those interested in biography and memoirs of influential historical personalities.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Battle of Le Hamel on 4 July 1918 was an Allied triumph, and strategically very important in the closing stages of WWI. A largely Australian force, commanded by the brilliant Sir John Monash, fought what has been described as the first modern battle — where infantry, tanks, artillery and planes operated together as a coordinated force.

Monash planned every detail meticulously, with nothing left to chance. Integrated use of tanks, planes, infantry, wireless (and even carrier pigeons!) was the basis, and it went on from there, down to the details: everyone used the same maps, with updated versions delivered by motorbike despatch riders to senior commanders, including Monash. Each infantry battalion was allocated to a tank group, and they advanced together. Supplies and ammunition were dropped as needed from planes. The losses were relatively few.

In the words of Monash: 'A perfected modern battle plan is like nothing so much as a score for an orchestral composition, where the various arms and units are the instruments, and the tasks they perform are their respective musical phrases.'

Monash planned for the battle to last for 90 minutes — in the end, it went for 93. What happened in those minutes changed for the rest of the war the way the British fought battles, and the tactics and strategies used by the Allies.

Peter FitzSimons brings this Allied triumph to life, and tells this magnificent story as it should be told.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Monash's Masterpiece by Peter FitzSimons is widely praised as a captivating and engaging account. The book offers a detailed exploration of historical events and figures, particularly shedding light on Sir John Monash's role in World War I. Critics commend its narrative style, making complex historical details accessible and enthralling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733640087

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 April 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Illustration: 16pp photos; maps

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 236.0mm

Weight: 560g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Peter FitzSimons AM is Australia's bestselling non-fiction writer, and for the past 39 years has also been a journalist and columnist with the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD and the SUN-HERALD.

He is the author of a number of highly successful books, including BREAKER MORANT, BURKE AND WILLS, MONASH'S MASTERPIECE, KOKODA, NED KELLY and GALLIPOLI, as well as biographies of such notable Australians as Sir Douglas Mawson, Nancy Wake and John Eales. His passion is to tell Australian stories, our own stories: of great men and women, of stirring events in our history.

Peter grew up on a farm north of Sydney, went to boarding school in Sydney and attended Sydney University. An ex-Wallaby, he also lived for several years in rural France and Italy, playing rugby for regional clubs. He and his wife, Lisa Wilkinson AM - journalist, magazine editor and television presenter - have three children; they live in Sydney.

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