Archibald Wavell's life and career makes a marvellous subject. Not
only did he reach the highest rank (Field Marshal) and become an
Earl and Viceroy of India but his character was complex. He joined
the Black Watch in 1901. He stood out during the Great War, quickly
earning the Military Cross but losing an eye. He was at Versailles
in 1918 but between the Wars his career advanced with Brigade and
General commands notably in Palestine where he spotted Orde
Wingate. By the outbreak of war he was GOC-in-C Middle East. Early
successes against the Italians turned into costly failures in
Greece and Crete and Wavell lost the confidence of Churchill; their
temperaments differed completely. Wavell was sent to India as
C-in-C. After Pearl Harbour Wavell was made Supreme Allied
Commander for the SW Pacific and bore responsibility for the
humiliating loss of Singapore (he quickly recognized that it could
not be held). Problems in Burma tested Churchills patience and he
was removed from command to be Viceroy and Governor General of
India. As civil unrest and demands for independence grew, in 1947
Prime Minister Attlee replaced Wavell with Mountbatten who oversaw
Partition. Wavell died in 1950, after a life of huge achievement
tempered with many reverses, most of which were not of his making.
General
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