 Although best known for his research on the Crimean War, according to "Publishers Weekly" it was his later work on the Second World War generals Patton, Montgomery and Rommel that moved him “into the top rank of general audience military writers”.The book uses the personal writings of the generals to argue that the explosive relationship between the allies Patton and Montgomery had a greater effect on the conduct and course of the war than the respectful relationship between the enemies Patton and Rommel.In October 2010 he was awarded the Imperial Service Medal.