From left: Major General Kelly, Professor Harper and Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith.
Some of New Zealand’s top-ranking Army officers turned out last week to celebrate the launch of the latest book from best-selling author and Massey University’s Professor of War Studies Glyn Harper.
New Zealand Army head, Major General Peter Kelly launched The Battle for North Africa (Massey University Press) in front of more than 200 people at Te Manawa Museum in Palmerston North.
Major General Kelly said the book, which explores the El Alamein campaign that occurred in the North African desert during World War Two and featured New Zealand and Australian troops, would be compulsory reading for all military personnel were a similar battle to occur again.
The publication of the book coincides with the 75th anniversary of the campaign, which Professor Harper regards as a turning point in the war.
Professor Harper is currently the project manager of the New Zealand and the First World War Centenary History Project and has previously authored other books about the experiences of war, including Johnny Enzed, Images of War, and Letters from the Battlefield.
The Battle for North Africa hits bookstore shelves this month and is available for purchase online.
For more information, read 10 Questions with Glyn Harper.