Claude Auchinleck

Claude Auchinleck

Field Marshal Sir Claude John Eyre Auchinleck, GCB, GCIE, CSI, DSO, OBE (21 June 1884 – 23 March 1981), nicknamed "The Auk", was a British army commander during World War II. He was a career soldier who spent much of his military career in India where, while developing a love of the country and a lasting affinity for the soldiers he commanded, he rose to become Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army by early 1941. A leading exponent of armoured warfare, in July 1941 he was appointed Commander in Chief of the Middle East theatre. But after initial successes the war in North Africa turned against the British, and he was relieved of the post in 1942 during the crucial Alamein campaign. In June 1943 he was once more appointed C-in-C India where his support through the organisation of supply, maintenance and training for Slim's Fourteenth Army played an important role in its success. He served as C-in-C India until his resignation in 1947. He retired to Marrakesh, where he died at age 96.