War Diaries : Let's to know about strategics, plans and tactics used by Alliance army in World War II

This is not a book to be read cover-to-cover. Instead it is a wonderful companion volume to the study of the war, especially if one is studying some of the key personalities involved; such as Montgomery, Eisenhower, Churchill, or George C Marshall. Part of the value of a work like this is in what is not addressed as we'll as what is covered. Also, it is fascinating to watch how Alan Brooke's views evolve over time-especially toward Churchill and Eisenhower. 

If you read this book, or even use sections for reference, be sure to read the editor's notes concerning the different fonts and typefaces, which represent various revisions made to (or added to) the diaries after the war. these diaries has gave an extraordinary insight into the day to day working of the war rooms; they gave a great insight into Allan Brooke's doubts about Churchill. But they also gave an insight into an older world. Must read if you want to know why the launch of the Second Front was postponed for 3 years, how Sevastopol in 1944 looked like, how allies became enemies, and many other things. 

Alan Brooke is the brains behind the Allied victory in WWII, according to these diaries. He published them in response to Churchill's self-glorification in his history of WWII. They show that Churchill was quite eccentric and almost mad, but then it would take a genius bordering on the brink of madness to have the courage and determination to see the war through. If it was not for Alan Brooke, what may have happened? 

The first 50 pages are rather boring, and it is not until he is made Chief of Imperial General Staff in British Armed Forces, that the history comes alive. The fight with the Americans troops over Italy and Stalin over the opening of a second front is vividly described, but in the end, Alan Brooke is vindicated as one of the greatest military strategist ever, and the real reason that Britain and the Allies won the war in Europe. 

Some entries are very banal and almost boring, but you also get fascinating in sites into how the top brass in Britain in World War II worked, thought, disagreed etc. It's very good. 

It's a strange reading material, mostly for any student of WWII and military history researcher like me.