"Kip". Major General Sir Howard Kippenberger, KBE, CB, DSO and Bar, ED: A Study of Command

Abstract

This study examines the career of Major General Sir Howard Kippenberger who is often stated to have been the outstanding New Zealand civilian commander of the Second World War. It tests that assertion and asks what made him stand out amongst the other New Zealand commanders. The heart of the study is the campaign chapters where Kippenberger's military leadership is closely assessed. Kippenberger's performance as a battalion commander is examined in the Greece, Crete and Crusader Chapters, while his performance as a brigadier is assessed in the Minqar Qaim, Ruweisat, EI Alamein, Left Hooks, Takrouna and Italian campaign Chapters. Chapter 12 deals with Cassino, his only battle as a divisional commander.