Title: The Last Hill
Author:
Spencer Dunmore
Publisher:
Pan
Pages:
188
Content:
The Last Hill by Spencer Dunmore touches upon a number of themes centering upon
the positives and negatives of crisis leadership. Additionally, he sheds light
upon a question rarely explored; at what point does a Commanders actions cross
the line between inspired leadership in the defence, and the needless sacrifice
of life? By extension, he also raises the question of the roles and
responsibilities of subordinate officers and what constitutes a legal command
(and therefore obligation to follow). The story centres on a makeshift company
of British Infantry as, out of communications, they retreat before the
advancing Japanese down the Malaysian peninsula towards Singapore.
Finding themselves established in a strong defensive position and under the
inspired leadership of an ‘old’ Major, they repel multiple efforts by the
Japanese to defeat them; this despite overwhelming odds. Conflict between a sense of duty and an
obligation to the welfare of one’s soldier’s results when the British Commander
is presented with information by the Japanese that Singapore has surrendered. What
then becomes the responsibility of the Commander and his Officers? An excellent
and thought-provoking book.
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