Who was this said about?

[Sean N]

I recall reading a book some time ago, in which a very senior British officer or officers were quoted as saying of another 'He doesn't so much give orders as make requests'.

Memory is hazy, but it may have been about the invasion of Italy and discussing the replacement of one commander with another.

Does anyone know this quote, and of whom it was said?

[Dupplin Muir]

I don't know the book but the comment sounds like it might have referred to General Alexander.

[Peedeel]

Yes, said about General Alexander and reported in “Fatal Decision: Anzio and the Battle for Rome” by Carlo D' Este .

[Sean N]

Thanks chaps. I can see that in some circumstances it might be a compliment, suggesting that someone was able to get people to do his will collaboratively without having to rely on pulling rank; but given Alexander was seen as ineffectual in some quarters, I assume it was a criticism. Who said it - Mark Clark?

[Tom from Cornwall]

Hi,

IIRC, Monty said something along those lines to Clark allegedly.

Regards

[Sean N]

Thanks Tom. That rings a bell now.

[Steen Ammentorp]

I think that the quote you are looking for is this one. Montgomery to Patton (though the sources don't agree on whether he wrote it or said it to Patton) on Sicily.

"George, let me give you some advice. If you get an order from Army Group that you don't like, why just ignore it. That's what I do."

[Sean N]

Hi Steen, thanks, but no, it's not that; although I couldn't recall where it came from, I'm reasonably sure about the quote!