Meet the Icons: British and American Irregular Warfare Campaigns and Commanders 39

The Rise of Irregular Warfare

Irregular warfare, also known as unconventional warfare, has been a significant part of military history, enabling smaller forces to combat larger and more powerful opponents through tactics such as guerrilla warfare and sabotage. The British and American military have witnessed numerous remarkable irregular warfare campaigns throughout history. From the formidable strategists like Sir Francis Drake to modern-day icons such as General David Petraeus, these commanders have left an indelible mark on the landscape of warfare.

1. Sir Francis Drake: Defying the Armada

One of the most celebrated British irregular warfare campaigns dates back to 1588, during the time of the Spanish Armada. Sir Francis Drake, a legendary English naval commander, masterminded a series of daring attacks on the formidable Spanish fleet. Employing his expert knowledge of maritime tactics and his ability to exploit the enemy's weaknesses, Drake successfully crippled the Armada, ensuring England's sovereignty and securing his place in history.

Special Operations in World War II: British and American Irregular Warfare (Campaigns and Commanders Series Book 39)

by Andrew L. Hargreaves (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4468 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages

FREE

2. The American Revolution: The Spirit of Independence

The American Revolution against British colonial rule saw irregular warfare come to the forefront. Iconic figures like George Washington and Nathanael Greene led the Continental Army with strategic brilliance, incorporating unconventional tactics to outwit the British forces. Utilizing guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run tactics, and surprise attacks, the American revolutionaries successfully undermined the British army's traditional methods, securing their independence and establishing the United States of America.

3. T. E. Lawrence: The "Lawrence of Arabia"

During World War I, T. E. Lawrence emerged as a remarkable figure in the annals of irregular warfare. Known as "Lawrence of Arabia," he played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence united disparate Arab tribes, leading them in guerrilla warfare against the Turks, and effectively disrupting their supply lines. His bold tactics and unyielding determination earned him a prominent place among the icons of irregular warfare.

4. General David Petraeus: Modern Irregular Warfare Mastermind

In contemporary times, General David Petraeus, renowned for his counterinsurgency strategies, exemplifies the spirit of irregular warfare. His leadership during the Iraq War and subsequent implementation of the surge strategy showcased his ability to adapt and innovate. Petraeus emphasized building relationships with local communities, employing intelligence-driven operations, and developing indigenous forces, contributing to the reduction in violence and stabilization of war-torn regions.

British and American irregular warfare campaigns have challenged conventional military strategies, showcasing the power of innovation and adaptability. These iconic commanders, from Sir Francis Drake to General David Petraeus, have proven that unconventional tactics can bring about victory against formidable opponents. Whether on the high seas or in the deserts of the Middle East, these figures have left an enduring legacy in the annals of military history. Their stories serve as reminders that sometimes, thinking outside the box can lead to extraordinary triumphs.

Special Operations in World War II: British and American Irregular Warfare (Campaigns and Commanders Series Book 39)

by Andrew L. Hargreaves (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4468 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages

FREE

British and American commanders first used modern special forces in support of conventional military operations during World War II. Since then, although special ops have featured prominently in popular culture and media coverage of wars, the academic study of irregular warfare has remained as elusive as the practitioners of special operations themselves. This book is the first comprehensive study of the development, application, and value of Anglo-American commando and special forces units during the Second World War.

Special forces are intensively trained, specially selected military units performing unconventional and often high-risk missions. In this book, Andrew L. Hargreaves not only describes tactics and operations but also outlines the distinctions between commandos and special forces, traces their evolution during the war, explains how the Anglo-American alliance functioned in the creation and use of these units, looks at their command and control arrangements, evaluates their impact, and assesses their cost-effectiveness.

The first real impetus for the creation of British specialist formations came in the desperate summer of 1940 when, having been pushed out of Europe following defeat in France and the Low Countries, Britain began to turn to irregular forces in an effort to wrest back the strategic initiative from the enemy. The development of special forces by the United States was also a direct consequence of defeat. After Pearl Harbor, Hargreaves shows, the Americans found themselves in much the same position as Britain had been in 1940: shocked, outnumbered, and conventionally defeated, they were unable to come to grips with the enemy on a large scale. By the end of the war, a variety of these units had overcome a multitude of evolutionary hurdles and made valuable contributions to practically every theater of operation.

In describing how Britain and the United States worked independently and cooperatively to invent and put into practice a fundamentally new way of waging war, this book demonstrates the two nations’ flexibility, adaptability, and ability to innovate during World War II.