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Questions about Archibald Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Archibald Wavell born and who were his parents?

Archibald Percival Wavell was born on the 5th of May 1883 to Archibald Graham Wavell and Lillie Wavell. His father later became a major-general in the British Army.

How did Archibald Wavell lose his eye during World War I?

During the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, Archibald Wavell lost his left eye but won the Military Cross for his bravery. He recovered from these wounds and returned to General Headquarters in France as a GSO2 in December 1915.

What role did Archibald Wavell play in Palestine between the world wars?

In August 1937, Archibald Wavell transferred to Palestine where he served as General Officer Commanding British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan. He led counter-insurgency campaigns against Palestinian fedayeen guerrillas who had risen up in 1936.

Why did Archibald Wavell order the withdrawal from Greece in April 1941?

On the 15th of April 1941, Archibald Wavell decided that Greece could not be held and ordered Force W to withdraw before the entire expeditionary force was lost. British and New Zealand troops holding Thermopylae line fought bravely but lack of air support forced their retreat.

How did Archibald Wavell die after falling from a car in Singapore?

Late at night on the 10th of February 1942, Archibald Wavell stepped out of his staff car without noticing it was parked at the edge of a pier. The fall broke two bones in his back which affected his temperament for some time yet he chose to focus on defending Java.