British Commander-in-Chief Middle East who halted Rommel at the First Battle of El Alamein and was then dismissed
A career soldier who spent most of his service in India, he became commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in early 1941. In July 1941 he succeeded Wavell as Commander-in-Chief Middle East, and in November his Operation Crusader relieved Tobruk and forced Rommel back to El Agheila. After the defeat at Gazala and the fall of Tobruk in 1942 he took personal command of the Eighth Army and stopped the Axis advance into Egypt at the First Battle of El Alamein in July, but was relieved by Churchill in August. In June 1943 he again became Commander-in-Chief, India, and held the post until Partition in 1947.
Also known as: Claude John Eyre Auchinleck
Activities and affiliations
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1904–1948
United Kingdom state institutionsCommander-in-Chief Middle East and IndiaMain
Military command
Career Timeline
- 1941Commander-in-Chief India; Middle East from July
- 1942Commands at First Alamein; relieved in August
- 1943–1947Commander-in-Chief, India