Churchill's War Lab

July 11, 2011
While Churchill's biography is the narrative force behind this book, great emphasis is placed on the technological advances made by scientific advisors in both World Wars. These included the methods for code-breaking, the first armored tanks, and the earliest radar systems, to name a few. Downing provides brief biographies of Churchill's most influential scientific advisors, including Professor Frederick Lindemann, later named Lord Cherwell, a physicist who headed the Statistical Branch. Henry Tizard, an early advocate of radar and later scientific ambassador to America, and Alan Turing, a mathematician instrumental in decoding, are among the many other advisors discussed. Churchill's most valuable generals are also recognized, including Gen. Alan Brooke and Gen. Bernard Montgomery. Most of the text, however, is dedicated to the Prime Minister himself and the details of his illustrious career. Descriptions of his meetings with Roosevelt and Stalin are particularly interesting, and the events surrounding D-Day, code-named "Overlord," make for an exciting read. Readers interested in the early stages of technological warfare will certainly find many worthwhile details in this book. For Churchill experts, though, this is probably familiar ground.

June 1, 2011

World War II saw the introduction of numerous new weapons and procedures, with the British prime minister desperate for ways to counter German strength. Churchill enthusiastically supported experiments, new military units, changes in procedures, and unorthodox thinkers who had been disregarded by the establishment. Downing (Battlestations: War Winning Weapons of the Second World War) shows here how, unlike President Roosevelt, Churchill took great pleasure in the details of weapons development and military operations. World War II was as much a scientific/mental war as one of sheer force, and Churchill strove to exploit British advantages. Downing reminds readers how Churchill's own military career had been marked by independence and daring. This well-researched book, organized by broad themes (e.g., the air war, the naval war), focuses on the contentious interactions between Churchill and his exasperated top officers and war cabinet, who resented his energetic interference in their departments. It is a good overview of how a visionary leader must encourage and coordinate the talents of various personalities and organizations to achieve a common goal. Readers will also enjoy Stuart Macrae's recently republished Winston Churchill's Toyshop. VERDICT General readers from high school up will enjoy this fast-paced and informative book. It won't give new information to specialists, but they may enjoy it nonetheless.--Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2011
A lot of words have been written about Winston Churchill, the British prime minister during WWII, and portions of this book will be familiar to devoted Churchill followers. But the author's main story, which focuses on Churchill's passion for scientific experimentation and his determination to win the war with intelligence (and not just force), is perhaps less well known. With the contributions of some of the greatest and often most radical-thinking minds of the time, Churchill spearheaded revolutions in code breaking (at the now-famous Bletchley Park facility), radar, explosives (including the entertainingly named but deadly Hedgehog), antiaircraft defense, and espionage. Churchill's passion for military history, too, is an important element to the story: by knowing how previous wars were fought and won (or lost), Churchill was able to anticipate what would be necessary to win this war. The book is a valuable addition to to WWII history, to the history of modern technology, and, of course, Churchilliana.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)