B. H. Liddell Hart
Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart (31 October 1895 – 29 January 1970), commonly known throughout most of his career as Captain B. H. Liddell Hart, was a British soldier, military historian, and military theorist. He wrote a series of military histories that proved influential among strategists. Arguing that frontal assault was bound to fail at great cost in lives, as proven in World War I, he recommended the "indirect approach" and reliance on fast-moving armoured formations.
Basil Liddell Hart | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 October 1895 Paris, France |
| Died | 29 January 1970 (aged 74) Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Resting place | St Peter and St Paul Churchyard, Medmenham, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Corpus Christi College, Cambridge |
| Occupation(s) | Soldier, military historian |
| Spouse |
Jessie Stone (m. 1918) |
| Children | Adrian Liddell Hart |
| Military career | |
| Service/ | British Army |
| Years of service | 1914 – 1927 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
His pre-war publications are known to have influenced German World War II strategy, though he was accused of prompting captured generals to exaggerate his part in the development of blitzkrieg tactics. He also helped promote the Rommel myth and the "clean Wehrmacht" argument for political purposes, when the Cold War necessitated the recruitment of a new West German army.