A British Achilles: The Story of George, 2nd Earl Jellicoe KBE DSO MC FRS 20th Century Soldier, Politician, Statesman

A British Achilles: The Story of George, 2nd Earl Jellicoe KBE DSO MC FRS 20th Century Soldier, Politician, Statesman

by Lorna Almonds Windmill (Author)

Synopsis

Son of the victor of Jutland, George Jellicoe has enjoyed power and privilege but never shirked his duty. His war exploits are legendary and, as a founder member of Stirling's SAS and first Commander of the Special Boat Service, he saw action a-plenty. A brigadier at 26 with a DSO and MC he liberated Athens as the Germans withdrew and saved Greece from a Communist revolution.After the war Jellicoe joined the Foreign Office and worked with spies Burgess, Philby and Maclean in Washington and on the Soviet Desk. His political life saw him in the Cabinet of the Heath Government and he is frank with his biographer over the issues and characters of his fellow ministers.Jellicoe's Achilles heel is his weakness for, and attraction to, women. His resignation over an involvement with a prostitute was a national scandal but he is refreshingly honest and devoid of self-justification. He remained an active member of the Lords pursuing a top level business career.A British Achilles is a superb biography of a major public figure and exemplary wartime soldier.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Published: 23 Nov 2008

ISBN 10: 1844158810
ISBN 13: 9781844158812

Author Bio
Lorna Almonds-Windmill is an author and historian. She wrote the best-selling wartime story of her father, SAS hero and `L Detachment Original' Jim Almonds entitled `Gentleman Jim: The Wartime Story of a Founder of the SAS'. It is still the only book about one of the Founders which makes use of an Original, the only personal diary ever kept at the time of the founding of the Regiment and is fully sourced. Lorna's other book to date is `A British Achilles: The Story of George, the Second Earl Jellicoe'. This is an authorized full biography about the wartime founder of the Special Boat Service (SBS). Lorna enjoyed the full cooperation of the Earl Jellicoe, and access to his papers, and interviewed his many friends, acquaintances and contacts while writing this book. Lorna served as a Regular Army Officer and in Whitehall (DTI and HM Treasury) and in the European Commission in Brussels. She has a BA (First Class Honours) from the University of London and is a past winner of the European Union of Women/IBM Woman of Achievement Award. She is a member of the Special Forces Club.