Mountbatten : Apprentice War Lord

A far-sighted war hero or an ambitious networker promoted above his talents? Deservedly celebrated as a naval officer and confidant of world leaders, nevertheless, for some, Mountbatten's talents remain questionable. In this timely new biography, Adrian Smith paints a different and convincing picture, of an essentially modern figure of a technocratic age, a nuts and bolts officer specialising in the technical branches of the Senior Service, and aristocrat perhaps, but devoted to professionalism and the lower deck. Smith brings Mountbatten to life and uncovers the essential qualities. Beneath the rich, aristocratic, pleasure-loving and privileged exterior there was a deeply human, even vulnerable but driven character -- and a pivotal figure in the imperial and military history of the twentieth century. "Was he a far-sighted war hero, or an ambitious networker promoted well above his natural talent? Admired as a modernising chief of staff, a timely decoloniser, and a genuine player on the world stage, Mountbatten nevertheless continues to attract fierce criticism. In this timely new biography, Adrian Smith offers a fresh and convincing perspective, depicting Mountbatten as a quintessentially modern, highly professional figure within the Royal Navy, and at Combined Operations and SE Asia Command, a hands-on officer who enthusiastically embraced new technology; someone who, although an aristocrat, was by instinct a progressive, innovative in his approach to man management. Smith brings Mountbatten to life, acknowledging the essential qualities as well as the obvious weaknesses. Beneath the rich, vain, often ruthless, embodiment of power and privilege could be found a very human, even vulnerable, character - the complex personality of a pivotal figure in the history of twentieth-century Britain and her empire."--Bloomsbury publishing. Introduction -- Lord Louis Mountbatten -- A Royal Parvenu? The First World War And The 1920s -- Fast-tracking In The 1930s -- Hms Kelly, 1939-40 -- Hms Kelly, 1941 -- From Adviser To Chief Of Combined Operations, 1941-42 -- The Dieppe Raid, 19 August 1942 -- Dieppe -- The Aftermath, The Inquest, And The Debate -- 'the Steel Hand From The Sea' -- Combined Operations At Its Zenith -- Conclusion. Adrian Smith. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Admired as a modernising chief of staff, a timely decoloniser, and a genuine player on the world stage, Mountbatten nevertheless continues to attract fierce criticism. This biography offers a fresh perspective, depicting Mountbatten as a quintessentially modern, and a highly professional figure within the Royal Navy.