Harold Alexander (10 Dec. 1891 - 16 June 1969)
Alexander successfully led the 1st Infantry Division’s withdrawal to Dunkirk in late May 1940, and left after ensuring all British personnel had been successfully evacuated. Made a lieutenant-general in July of that year, he went on to become General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Burma as a full general following Japanese invasion.
Following the retreat of British and Indian forces back into India, Alexander became Commander-in-Chief of Middle East Command, overseeing the successes at El Alamein and defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia. Becoming under the command of Eisenhower, Alexander led an invasion of Sicily and continued to serve in Italy. His authorisation to bomb an abbey in Cassino drew controversy.
Eventually Alexander captured Rome in June 1944, being made a field marshal and later Supreme Commander of military operations in the Mediterranean. Following the war he was granted a peerage by King George VI, becoming Viscount Alexander.
For more information on Harold Alexander:
Keegan, John ed. Churchill's Generals. (London: Cassell Military), 1991.
"Harold Alexander", on http://www.biography.com/people/harold-alexander-1st-earl-alexander-40409
[last accessed 14/02/2012]
Following the retreat of British and Indian forces back into India, Alexander became Commander-in-Chief of Middle East Command, overseeing the successes at El Alamein and defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia. Becoming under the command of Eisenhower, Alexander led an invasion of Sicily and continued to serve in Italy. His authorisation to bomb an abbey in Cassino drew controversy.
Eventually Alexander captured Rome in June 1944, being made a field marshal and later Supreme Commander of military operations in the Mediterranean. Following the war he was granted a peerage by King George VI, becoming Viscount Alexander.
For more information on Harold Alexander:
Keegan, John ed. Churchill's Generals. (London: Cassell Military), 1991.
"Harold Alexander", on http://www.biography.com/people/harold-alexander-1st-earl-alexander-40409
[last accessed 14/02/2012]