4. Wavell becomes viceroy

Question 1

When did Wavell become viceroy?

Answer 1

• October 1943- just as the the Japanese struck South East Asia.

Question 2

What was Wavell’s clear role when he became viceroy?

Answer 2

• to hold the line- keep India within the Empire until the war ended, then independence could be considered.

Question 4

What was his previous profession?

Answer 4

• Field Marshal- he had been very successful in the Middle East until 1940.

Question 5

Why was Churchill’s choice to appoint Wavell not completely suitable?

Answer 5

• he was an able man but had been put in command against impossible odds.
• he was the wrong person to put in place at this particular time.
• a person with political and negotiating skills was more appropriate at this time.
• Churchill hoped choosing a military man meant he could be controlled from Whitehall- but Churchill got more than he bargained for.

Question 6

How did Wavell begin his time in office?

Answer 6

• by touring the subcontinent on a fact finding mission.
• he travelled as far as 1500km a weeks, particularly to troubled areas eg: the Punjab and Bengal, trying to settle disputes and fears, and boost morale.

Question 7

What was one of Wavell’s first moves following his tour of India? What did this entail?

Answer 7

• to reinstate regular meetings of the 11 governors of the provinces.
• Lithlingow had never called such a meeting during his 7 years in office.
• it enabled the Government of India to present the British government with advice and a unified point of view.
• it made it difficult for the British government to dismiss the views of provincial governors.