This portrait is matched in a brilliant biography by Ronald Lewin. It documents the life of William Slim in the two World Wars, the inter-war years he spent in India and time spent in Burma, as leader of the 14th Army, where he was known as Uncle Bill to his soldiers.

Born into a Bristolian family, Field Marshal the Viscount Slim (1891-1970) was blessed with none of the advantages of wealth and social position that eased the progress of many army officers. With no armoury apart from his integrity, his personality and his intellect, he rose to the pinnacle of his profession as one of the finest fighting Generals of World War II on either side.

During World War II, he led the ‘Forgotten Army’ to victory, recapturing Burma in a series of brilliant campaigns: second Arakan, Imphal, Kohima and Mandalay.

Beloved by his troops, even the gallant but unruly Australians, with whom he had an uncanny understanding, he served as CIGS, as an ever-popular Governor-General of Australia, and finally as Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle.

Winner of WHSmith Literary Award