Bert Hoffmeister at War: The Soldiers' General (review)

This book is a significant addition to Canadian military historiography. It examines the performance of Major-General Bert Hoffmeister, arguably Canada's most successful general in the Second World War. It chronicles Hoffmeister's exceptional war record and rapid advancement through the ranks from a pre-war militia captain to a division commander at the end of the conflict. The author successfully traces Hoffmeister's wartime career, but notably reveals the general's arduous personal effort, replete with its successes and failures, at becoming an effective senior operational officer. Doug Delaney succeeds by highlighting the factors and determinants that forged and shaped Hoffmeister into the dynamic leader he became – a commander who was respected by his soldiers, who recognized in the general a leader with courage and one who would not ask of them anything he would not do himself. In essence, Delaney's book focuses on how Hoffmeister commanded – what he did, how he did it, and significantly, how he learned to do it. This is why this volume is such an important and welcome addition to Canadian military history literature. It provides a window on the development of a senior wartime commander and how he actually made his decisions.

The book is clearly well researched and superbly written. The text is succinct and clear and flows with a rapid rhythm. What resonates throughout is the author's obvious understanding and deep knowledge of military art and science. Delaney, an infantry officer with operational experience, clearly understands the material and, importantly, the context of operational decision making. He fully grasps the dynamics and difficulties of the 'friction of war,' the joys and tribulations of command, and the way in which the simplest of things at times, particularly in danger and crisis, can seem insurmountable.

This knowledge becomes evident immediately. Delaney begins his examination with a short treatise on command that provides context to the issue at hand. He then moves quickly into an excellent analysis of Hoffmeister's approach to not only developing himself professionally, but also how upon appointment as a commanding officer he transformed his regiment, which was rated by his immediate superior as the worst in the brigade, to its later reputable standing. This discourse provides an admirable analysis of the shortcomings of military leaders early on the war, as well as the weaknesses of the Canadian training system at the time. Significantly, the examination of Hoffmeister's progressive approach to correcting the problem within his unit offers an excellent template for sub-unit and unit commanders even today.

Equally informative is the author's handling of Hoffmeister's command ability in combat. Delaney scrutinizes Hoffmeister as a commanding officer of a battalion in Sicily and as a brigade and division commander during the difficult battles up the Italian boot against a skilled and tenacious enemy. Delaney clearly achieves what he set out to do: He explains Hoffmeister's accomplishments, but more importantly, how he achieved them. In the end, Hoffmeister's ability as a commander and leader stands out. His concern for his men, his courage and tactical acumen resonate throughout. Always well forward to make the necessary decisions and share the danger and hardships with his men, Hoffmeister clearly was a commander who could be trusted to 'get on with it.'

The text stands alone, but it is ably supported by myriad superb maps that graphically detail the actions described. In addition, a collection of very interesting photographs and detailed organization charts provide visual cues that further accentuate the analysis and story being told.

In sum, this excellent book is a must read for military personnel, scholars, and history buffs. It is well researched and written in a crisp easy flowing manner. Most importantly, Dr Delaney's handling of Hoffmeister's command and leadership abilities, in training and battle, provides a valuable education to the reader on many of the principles and nuances of preparing troops for, and leading them in, battle.