Wow! eBook
Wavell: Soldier and Statesman
Author(s): Victoria Schofield (Author)
- Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
- Publication Date: 20 Nov. 2010
- Language: English
- Print length: 512 pages
- ISBN-10: 1848843208
- ISBN-13: 9781848843202
Book Description
Archibald Wavell’s life and career makes a marvellous subject. Not only did he reach the highest rank (Field Marshal) and become an Earl and Viceroy of India but his character was complex. He joined the Black Watch in 1901. He stood out during the Great War, quickly earning the Military Cross but losing an eye. He was at Versailles in 1918 but between the Wars his career advanced with Brigade and General commands notably in Palestine where he spotted Orde Wingate. By the outbreak of war he was GOC-in-C Middle East. Early successes against the Italians turned into costly failures in Greece and Crete and Wavell lost the confidence of Churchill; their temperaments differed completely. Wavell was sent to India as C-in-C. After Pearl Harbour Wavell was made Supreme Allied Commander for the SW Pacific and bore responsibility for the humiliating loss of Singapore (he quickly recognized that it could not be held). Problems in Burma tested Churchill’s patience and he was removed from command to be Viceroy and Governor General of India.As civil unrest and demands for independence grew, in 1947 Prime Minister Attlee replaced Wavell with Mountbatten who oversaw Partition. Wavell died in 1950, after a life of huge achievement tempered with many reverses, most of which were not of his making.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Eminently fair, Victoria Schofield describes his campaigns lucidly and concisely’
(Philip Ziegler, The Spectator )
‘Well written and based on detailed research’
(Jad Adams, BBC History Magazine )
‘In this excellent biography, Victoria Schofield puts the record straight’
(Hugh Massingberd, Country Life 20060427)
‘Schofield’s biography is sympathetic towards Wavell without becoming adulatory’
(Justin Wintle, Financial Times Magazine 20060429) –Financial Times Magazine
About the Author
Victoria Schofield has worked extensively as a journalist and broadcaster, specialising in international affairs, especially in South Asia. As well as travelling widely for the BBC, she has contributed to The Times, Spectator, Independent and Financial Times. This is her first book.
