Churchill's relationships with his Generals

Question 1

What was Churchill’s other role in 1940?

Answer 1

Minister of Defense

Question 2

What was Churchill’s opinion of Wavell?

Answer 2

He personally disliked him

Question 3

Churchill’s Relationship with Wavell?

Answer 3

• Did not give him credit for success in Mediterranean strategy
• Did not give him enough time to prepare for the new Balkan front.
• Wavell took the blame and was demoted

Question 4

What was Churchill’s opinion of Auchinleck?

Answer 4

He disliked him

Question 5

What was Auchinleck’s strategy?

Answer 5

• ‘The Auk’ felt under prepared to attack the Germans and wanted to wait until he was prepared. Churchill disliked this.
• Despite his effective defence, Churchill sacked Auchinleck for taking too long.
• Believed he was not aggressive or daring.

Question 6

What was Auchinleck’s first major British victory, often miscredited to Montgomery?

Answer 6

The Victory at El Alamein
He made the preparations carried out by Montgomery.

Question 7

What was Churchill’s opinion of Montgomery?

Answer 7

He liked him and his self confidence

Question 8

What was Montgomery’s strategy?

Answer 8

Insisted on thorough preparations - accumulating double the men that Rommel had before attacking El Alamein.
Took Auchinleck’s strategy and won El Alamein.

Question 9

What was Churchill’s relationship with Brooke?

Answer 9

Opposite personalities, but greatest wartime partnership.

Question 10

Why did Brooke not get along with Churchill?

Answer 10

Annoyed by Churchill’s different military ideas and ‘thinking aloud.’
Found he tended to be difficult when coming up with major decisions.