Because Field Marshal Lord Wavell was removed from two very important posts – the Commandership-in-Chief of the Middle East and the Viceroyalty of India – he has gone down in history as an overall failure. This sympathetic biography goes some way towards redressing this harsh verdict, especially concerning the Indian part of his career.

Archibald Wavell was a fine example of the British Army officer of the old school. His family came over with William the Conqueror, both his father and grandfather were generals, he had a brilliant school career and was personally brave in action. A natural sportsman (especially golf and polo), captain