Churchill Flashcards
Why was Churchill out of office for so long 1929-1939?
He was in conflict with the bulk of his ow party and its leaders. He took up a series of unpopular causes and spoke about them in a reckless way.
He supported King Edward VIII on his marriage with Wallis Simpson and his abdication
Churchill consistently urged for rearmament
He also opposed appeasement which was popular amongst the population
What were Churchills views on India ?
Viewed India as the “Jewel in the crown” of the empire and that it had to be protected no matter what if Britain wanted to maintain its empire
General Brooke
Brooke was head of the army and was a highly competent organiser and a thorough professional
Brooke was often annoyed by Churchill ‘Thinking aloud’
When it came to disagreement there were fewer disagreements between Brooke and Churchill
Brooke and other generals supported Churchill decision to send troops to North Africa.
General Wavell
Churchill gave little credit to Wavell for the victories in North Africa due to a personal disliking
Churchill took forces away from him when Italy invaded Greece in 1940
Meant that Wavell didn’t have the resources to meet German forces under Romell who were sent to Africa.
Wavell took the blame and was demoted
General Auchinleck
Auchinleck was not prepared for a premature attack one the Germans and to Churchills annoyance insisted on delaying until he was ready
Despite effective defence against German attacks and thorough preparations for a counter attack, he too was sacked for his delays and nit being sufficiently daring or aggressive
General Montgomery (Monty)
Montgomery won over Churchill with his self confidence
Churchill nicknamed him ‘Monty’
Montgomery was very slow in following up his victory in El Alamein which allowed the Germans to retreat to Tunisia.
However Churchill still continued to favour him
