Auchinleck, General Sir Claude

Auchinleck, General Sir Claude (1884–1981),British army officer who served for most of his career in the Indian Army and who became C-in-C Middle East Command at a crucial stage in the Western Desert campaigns against Rommel.

Auchinleck's successful career in the Indian Army had, by 1939, raised him to the rank of maj-general. He returned to the UK to command 4th Corps, British troops in the Norwegian campaign (from 13 May 1940), then 5th Corps and Southern Command in England where one of his tasks was organizing the Home Guard (see UK, 6). He was promoted lt-general in July 1940 and then general that November when he was appointed C-in-C India. In April 1941 he dispatched troops to quell the revolt in Iraq and his swift response to this crisis pleased Churchill who that June appointed him C-in-C Middle East Command in place of Wavell. But though Auchinleck acted with panache when necessary—as C-in-C, he authorized the formation of the Special Air Service—differences between the two men then arose. Churchill urged immediate action; Auchinleck refused to budge until he was ready. This was not until November 1941 but the success of his offensive (CRUSADER) was shortlived and the ground gained was lost again the following summer, as was Tobruk, and twice during this period Auchinleck had to replace his Eighth Army commander. On the second occasion he assumed personal command and in the first El Alamein battle that July stopped Rommel in his tracks. It was also at least partly his plan that led to Rommel's defeat at Alam Halfa in September, but by then Churchill had replaced him with Alexander. He was offered, but refused, the Iran–Iraq theatre (see Paiforce) as a separate command and was on leave until June 1943 when he became C-in-C India again. Now an administrative post, it was also one of his most important: he mobilized India's resources, trained troops for the Burma campaign, and supplied South-East Asia Command. He remained C-in-C until 1947 having been promoted field marshal in 1946.

Auchinleck was a man of great charm and ability who had scant respect for traditional and orthodox military methods. Though his time as C-in-C Middle East was not very successful, and nor was his selection or handling of subordinate commanders, his defensive victory at El Alamein was crucial to eventual British success in the Western Desert. He was knighted in 1940. See also land power.

Bibliography

Connell, J. , Auchinleck (London, 1959).
Keegan, J. (ed.), Churchill's Generals (London, 1991).