NigG (#403),
I'm not 'up to speed' on the WWII N. African campaigns (being otherwise engaged at the time), but your photograph of the three generals at the end is interesting.
Wavell was the first C-in-C out there. Replaced by Auckinlech in 1941, he didn't do too well and in August 1942, Churchill replaced him with Montgomery. He turned the tables on Rommel at the Second Battle of Alamain in 1943, and effectively ended the Axis threat to Cairo and the Canal once and for all. [mostly Wiki].
Stirring times - it's worth reading the Wiki biograhies of each of the three (for a clear illustration of the "Changing Fortunes of War") - Tolstoy could have made a book of it !
Danny.
PS: What do you think Montgomery has on the upper R. arm sleeve of his jacket ?
D.