?Crossland provides an important contribution to the relatively recent turn to writing the history of humanitarianism and of international humanitarian organizations. ? This book is a valuable text both for its detailed analysis of the ICRC and its connections with the British government during the Second World War, and for its broader approach, which focuses on logistics and coordination as well as the ethical dilemmas and dominant personalities of the ICRC during this time.? (Journal of Contemporary History, Vol. 52 (3), 2017)

?This study highlights the importance of individuals and leadership in the history of humanitarianism. ? this book can be read as an informative study in humanitarian diplomacy, and its lessons are of timeless relevance.? (Lukas Schemper, Diplomacy & Statecraft, Vol. 27 (1), 2016)

James Crossland is Lecturer in Modern European History and Director of the World Wars Research Group at Murdoch University, Australia.