1. Churchill and his Generals
Archibald Wavell
Commander-in-Chief Middle East until
April 1941
Removed after defeat to Germans
in the Western desert
Reluctantly sent troops to
reinforce Greece in February
1941
Which WSC desperately
wanted, proved a disaster
Weakened North Africa, leading to siege
of Tobruk
Reluctant also to send troops to defend Iraq
Churchill unimpressed by his ‘defeatism’
Churchill was notably absent at his funeral
in 1950

2. “If they lose Egypt blood will flow! I will have firing parties to shoot the Generals!”
I have never heard such ideas! War is a contest of wills! It is pure defeatism
to speak as you have done!

4. Claude Auchinleck
Eventual successor to Wavell
Previously Commander of India
Impressed WSC with decisive action in Iraq,
sending troops from India
(job swap!)
Received a barrage of telegrams
from WSC throughout 1941 & 1942
telling him how to fight the war
WSC unimpressed by no offensive and
lack of success
Replaced in 1942 as WSC wanted a victory to impress allies and gain domestic support

5. Bernard Montgomery
Took over in 1942
Keen to persuade Churchill that time
was not being wasted
“we are in your hands and of course a
victorious battle makes amends for much
delay”
Won the battle of El-Alamein
Finally provided a victory that WSC was looking for
Not however chosen as CinC for Europe, much to his annoyance
WSC has him promoted to Field Marshall as apology